Publicat pe 05/03/2025

Panama City, March 4, 2025: The President of the Romanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIR), Mr. Mihai Daraban, together with the organization’s Secretary General, Mr. Ovidiu Silaghi, had an official meeting with representatives of the government of the Republic of Panama, an event organized at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of this state. The CCIR leadership was accompanied by the Romanian Ambassador to the Republic of Colombia, H.E. Mr. Manuel Pleșa.

The discussions between Romanian and Panamanian government officials, which were attended by representatives of companies that are part of the economic mission delegation to Panama, focused on issues regarding bilateral cooperation in various areas with significant economic potential, but also on the analysis of the effect of the European Union (EU) – Mercosur trade agreement (whose negotiations were finalized at the end of last year) on the economies of the two states.

In this regard, specific discussions were held with representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Panamanian Ministry of Industry and Trade, the National Secretariat for Energy, and the Ministry of Tourism.

“The conclusion of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement marks a historic milestone in strengthening ties between these two regions, representing markets totaling over 700 million consumers and which can generate economic growth and a significant number of new jobs. At the same time, we are aware of the fact that there are controversies related to the impact on the food industry, with several farmers in EU countries concerned about possible unfair competition. That is why, as the main organization promoting the interests of business people in Romania, CCIR aims to clarify as much as possible through such discussions any problem that could arise in the economic relations between the business communities involved”, stated the President of CCIR, Mr. Mihai Daraban.