France seeks infrastructure and Panama Canal opportunities in ministerial visit

French Trade Minister Nicolas Forissier is scheduled to visit Panama to strengthen bilateral cooperation and explore commercial opportunities, with a primary focus on the Panama Canal. France views the interoceanic waterway as strategic infrastructure for global trade. During the visit, Forissier will meet with José Ramón Icaza Clément, Chairman of the Panama Canal Authority, to discuss development prospects and business participation for French firms.

Beyond the Canal, the agenda includes exploring French involvement in Panamanian infrastructure projects, specifically in sectors such as water and sanitation, urban and rail transport, security, and strategic infrastructure. This includes reviewing projects related to the Panama Metro and suburban transport networks.

Bilateral trade between the two nations reached 419 million euros in 2023, representing a nearly 25 percent increase from the previous year. Approximately 100 French companies currently maintain investments in Panama, utilizing the country as a regional platform. French exports to Panama are primarily composed of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, perfumes, and cosmetics, while Panamanian exports to France are concentrated in agri-food products.