Vietnam and Panama deepen economic ties, positioning Panama as bridge to Latin America

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang of Vietnam and his Panamanian counterpart Carlos Arturo Hoyos co‑chaired a second political consultation, reviewing bilateral relations and agreeing to elevate cooperation to a more substantive level. The two ministries discussed using Panama’s strategic location and logistics infrastructure as a gateway for Vietnamese products into Central America, the Caribbean and South America, and reaffirmed Vietnam’s appreciation of Panama’s historic support for the Panama Canal’s permanent neutrality.

High‑level talks in Panama also involved Vice‑Minister Phan Thi Thang of Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce. The parties highlighted progress on a political consultation mechanism and are negotiating thirteen bilateral agreements slated for signing before the end of the year. They plan to reactivate the Joint Commission on Economic, Commercial and Investment Cooperation, and to prepare for upcoming high‑level visits, aiming to boost trade, investment and joint projects between the two nations.