TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE LOGISTICS FUTURE: THE STRATEGIC PLAN 2025-2029 AND THE VISION OF PANAMA AS A GLOBAL HUB
Panama's Strategic Government Plan 2025-2029 presents a transformative vision that not only seeks economic growth, but also ensures that it translates into social well-being and equitable opportunities for all Panamanians. As a Panamanian and an active part of the logistics community for more than 20 years, this plan fills me with optimism and a deep sense of responsibility. As a former deputy administrator of the Panama Maritime Authority, I know firsthand that moving forward with a clear purpose is crucial to building a more competitive, equitable and sustainable country. Today, Panama has a unique opportunity to further consolidate its leadership in the global logistics arena, and we must make the most of it.
One of the keys to this plan is its focus on sustainability and balance. Strengthening our logistics infrastructure is not just a matter of modernization, but of creating a more robust and efficient system that connects not only ports and airports, but also productive areas throughout the country. As I mentioned earlier, I emphasize the focus on sustainability not only as a global trend, but as a strategic, competitive advantage and an imminent necessity for the future of our countries.
My country, Panama, has the unique opportunity to continue to consolidate itself as a global benchmark of how a logistics hub, of sustainable practices in a comprehensive manner, maintaining a focus that not only prioritizes economic growth, but also incorporates equity in operations and fosters diversity of talent. The commitment to sustainability must be inclusive, ensuring that all Panamanians, regardless of their location or condition, have access to the benefits of logistics development. Within this framework, I highlight several key points that I consider fundamental for the future of our logistics platform and that are considered a fundamental part of this project to 2029.
The plan includes emblematic projects such as the fourth bridge over the Canal, a work of great significance that will not only improve connectivity, but also strengthen our position as an international logistics hub. This is just one of many examples of how road and maritime infrastructure complement each other to strengthen the country's competitiveness. It also reflects the joint work between brilliant Panamanian and international minds, joining forces to create projects of transcendental impact.
Additionally, the strategic vision framed the development of more efficient logistics corridors between ports, airports and free trade zones, with a clear focus on sectors with high export and foreign investment potential. This is not only an improvement in infrastructure, but a true executing arm to increase our competitiveness in global trade. As part of the logistics community and with the experience gained over the years, I see this effort as an invaluable opportunity to transform the way we connect our country with the world, opening doors to new commercial opportunities that will boost the economy in an inclusive way. With the Panama-David train project as a catalyst, we seek to boost regional development, reduce the gap between the city and the countryside, and strengthen the country's connectivity. This mega-project, which will connect Panama City with the province of Chiriqui, will revolutionize the mobility of passengers and cargo, boost tourism, generate direct and indirect income, and encourage foreign investment.
On this path, the optimization of processes, such as the digitalization of customs through ‘Customs without Papers’, and the modernization of port procedures, are essential steps to add value to logistics services in order to continue reducing clearance times, optimizing transportation costs and, most importantly, guaranteeing a more equitable regional development. It is not only a matter of improving efficiency, but also of promoting a more dynamic and competitive economy that is up to the challenges of global trade.
It is also relevant, and even urgent, to continue deepening collaboration with the private sector through the reactivation of the Logistics Cabinet, where we can co-create solutions that not only benefit logistics actors, but also generate a positive impact on the competitiveness of the entire country.
This plan invites us to look beyond immediate results, but towards the construction of a sustainable future. I invite you to reflect on how we can take advantage of our strategic advantages, not only geographically, but also in terms of innovation and talent, to continue consolidating Panama as a world-class logistics hub with added value. From my perspective, the key to everything will be in the collective effort that requires the active collaboration of all sectors: public, private, business and the logistics community, and in the action towards all proposals and strategic axes. If we manage to unite around these objectives as a country, we will not only strengthen our strategic position in global trade, but we will also raise the quality of life of Panamanians, creating employment and development opportunities for the future.