Distinguished Voices
The stage was graced by illustrious speakers who lent their insights to the discourse. Carmela Gisela Vergara, the General Manager of PROPANAMA, set the tone by emphasizing the immense potential for synergy between the two nations. Anna Liubyma from the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industries in Kyiv shared valuable perspectives on leveraging strengths for mutual growth.
Anna Liapina, Former Executive Director of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce in Panama, recounted the journey that led to this historic moment, underlining the tenacity and vision of both nations. Oksana Dramaretska, Ambassador of Ukraine for Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama, highlighted the diplomatic efforts that had paved the way for this landmark collaboration.
Gennadiy Chyzhykov, President of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industries, articulated a vision of shared prosperity through strategic partnerships. Stefan Krause Montalbert, from the Delegation of the European Union in Costa Rica, emphasized the global implications of such alliances.
According to data from the Embassy of Ukraine in the United Mexican States, Panama ranks second, after Belize, among Latin American and Caribbean countries in terms of investment in the Ukrainian economy. As of December 31, 2020, the total volume of investments from Panama to Ukraine amounted to $356.7 million, with investments of $25.9 million in the year 2020 alone. These Panamanian investments primarily focus on real estate, professional, and scientific activities.
Regarding the trade of goods, in 2020, the volume reached $4.48 billion between Ukraine and Panama. Ukraine's exports totaled $2.67 million, while Panama's imports reached $1.81 million, according to data from Ukraine's State Statistics Service.
Ukraine's primary exports include ships, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, petroleum-derived products, and vegetable oil. In contrast, Panama's primary imports from Ukraine consist of edible fruits and nuts, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and essential oils.
"Panama boasts several advantages, one of which lies in the mutual promotion and protection of investments agreement we have established with Ukraine. This agreement provides both parties with the necessary legal security to facilitate a healthy flow of investment. Additionally, there are strategic areas, such as the digital and technological field, where Ukraine is home to numerous companies seeking internationalization. Furthermore, the energy, food production, and logistics sectors stand out, and these are of particular interest to Panama. In this regard, we endorse an outsourcing framework that enables Ukrainian companies, whose markets are located in Latin America and the Caribbean, to come to produce and export from Panama," stated Vergara, General Administrator of PROPANAMA.
KYIV POST Article
"The first annual Panama Ukraine Business Forum took place on June 29 in Panama City. Its objective was the promotion of bilateral business partnerships between the two countries
The event was organized under the leadership of Nicolas Vukelja, President of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce,with support from PROPAN..."
