Panama Ports in debate over future logistics targets

The challenge for Panama is developing logistics zones near ports

“We have not favored anyone,” said Rommel Troetsch, president of the Chamber of Shipping organizing committee of a maritime forum and marketing manager for Panama Ports Company SA (PPC). He said this when asked about the recent strike at PPC. “We have not favored users, port operators or the workers, but these things happen,” he said. The forum took place on April 25 with memories of the strike still present.

Among participants of the event, organized by the Panama Chamber of Shipping, was the CEO of Panama Ports Company (PPC) Luca Versari, Rommel Troetsch, Ricardo Quijano, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Beatriz Year of Maersk Line Panama.

Among aspects that need improvement, it was a unanimous opinion among those present the need for more logistics zones in the country.

This was stated by engineer Troestch, who said “there are no logistics parks on the Pacific side of the country and the creation of these alongside the ports would reduce costs and time, which is essential for this industry.

The forum brought together private sector companies, logistics operators and port operators with the aim of exchanging ideas.

Beatriz Yera said it needs “more and more government initiative to support private industry.”

Mr. Versari spoke of the need to address and study the needs of Panama. “The intent of this forum is to work out for the next 10, 15, and 20 years, a plan that makes places available for creating logistics parks.” In this regard, Troestch said “the industry will come if we offer this, if we provide cargo transfer facilities.”

Regarding areas that have reverted to Panama, Juan Carlos Orillac responsible for the administration of the Reverted Property Management Unit (UAVR) took part. Orillac told the audience about the great growth that Panama has experienced in recent years and the development of tourism, which has grown in part because some of the reverted areas have been used to create tourism infrastructure. In that respect, he showed several areas on both sides of the Canal where it would be feasible to develop logistics and industrial areas, such as Corozal, Amador, and others.

Another of the ideas put forward was the objective of adding value to goods. This was not only to establish Panama as a hub for converging airlines and shipping companies, but also to develop skilled labor. “Panama has great advantages but we must learn to integrate them,” said Versari.

This post is also available in: Spanish