Business Opportunities in Panama for Women Led Businesses

The U.S. Commercial Service has organized a Webinar Series focused on business opportunities in Latin America for Women-Owned Businesses (Panamá, Colombia, and Costa Rica).  U.S. exports to Panama, Colombia, and Costa Rica totaled $41.2 Billion in 2022. 

This Webinar Series is a great opportunity for women-owned U.S. companies representing best prospect sectors such as Healthcare, Agribusiness, Construction, Renewable Energy Systems, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Cybersecurity, Automotive, Defense and Security, Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Equipment, Processed Food and Beverages, eCommerce,  and Education.  You will hear from U.S. Diplomats, local Government Officials and private sector experts to help you craft a market entry strategy. 

The cost for each Webinar is just $25. Your organization can participate in one, two, or all Webinars. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact trade.americas@trade.gov. These events are intended for U.S. Companies ONLY, incorporated under the laws of the U.S., with a product or service that has at least 51% U.S. content.

Whether you currently export to Colombia, Costa Rica, or Panama or are new to exporting, the importance of developing a strategic approach to these markets is critical to your success.  This webinar series, from the U.S. Commercial Service, has been designed to help businesses strengthen the skills necessary to effectively do business in Colombia, Costa Rica, and Panama. Come learn how your company can be added to this impressive trading ecosystem.  

Take advantage of this great opportunity and learn about: 

• Upcoming business opportunities in the region
• Best prospect sectors and upcoming project and sales opportunities
• U.S. Government international trade contacts to support your international sales growth
• Export financing, eCommerce, Logistics, Export Compliance, IPR Protection, and other key trade topics
• Resources designed to support women-owned businesses

• Business Opportunities in Colombia for Women-Owned Businesses  – October 24, 2023
• Business Opportunities in Costa Rica for Women-Owned Businesses – October 31, 2023
• Resources and Financing for Women-Owned Businesses Looking to Increase Export Sales – November 28, 2023
• Business Opportunities in Panama for Women-Owned Businesses – November 30, 2023
• ECommerce, Digital Access, and Supply Chain Considerations for Women-Owned Businesses – December 12, 2023
• Export Skills Training, Legal, Compliance, and IPR Considerations for Women-Owned Business – December 19, 2023

• Panama is the home of the Panama Canal. With ports on both oceans and known as the “Hub of the Americas,” it is one of the world’s most connected countries.
• Panama has a dollar-based economy, low inflation, and zero foreign exchange risk. Its government is stable, democratic, and actively seeks foreign investment.
• The U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) went into effect in October 2012 and will continue to offer U.S. goods a competitive advantage.
• The Colón Free Trade Zone’s (CFZ) is the second largest in the world and accounts for about 8.5 percent of Panama’s GDP.  The CFZ has over 2,500 companies and employs about 30,000 people. It has become a vital trading and transshipment center serving the region and the world.
• Consumer attitudes and brand preferences are similar to those in the United States.
• U.S. goods and services enjoy a reputation for high quality and durability in the country.
• Women have leading roles in the government and business.  The current Foreign Minister, Janaina Tewaney, is a woman as was her immediate predecessor, Foreign Minister Erika Mounes. In Panama’s tourism sector alone, more than 70% of business owners are women.  In 2019, 22.4% of business owners across all sectors were women, on par with women business owners in Costa Rica and El Salvador, and among the highest in Latin America. The first woman President of the Panama Chamber of Commerce, Marcela Galindo, spoke on the ITA-SBA webinar for U.S. women small businesses exporting to Panama on May 17, 2023.