Indonesia Expands Maritime Trade Links with Panama and Thailand

Panama and Indonesia deepened bilateral ties as Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos A. Hoyos met Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Transport Suntana in Jakarta, reviewing joint projects on maritime cooperation, logistics and technical training. Hoyos highlighted Panama’s strategic position as a trans‑oceanic hub, stating, “Panamá offers a platform logistics and commercial unique, connecting two oceans through our ports, railway and free‑zone zones.” Both sides reaffirmed commitment to strengthen transport infrastructure and expand trade routes between Latin America and Southeast Asia.

Separately, Singapore‑based carrier Pacific International Lines launched a dedicated Indonesia‑Thailand service, a weekly loop linking Jakarta, Surabaya, Bangkok and Laem Chabang. The new route is intended to improve supply‑chain resilience and reduce transit times for regional manufacturers and agricultural exporters, reflecting growing intra‑ASEAN trade integration.