Panama Complains of Argentina's Commercial Discrimination

The Government has asked the World Trade Organization to investigate alleged discriminatory treatment which Argentina applies to trade in goods and services with Panama.

Friday, May 24, 2013

According to the government, the discrimination is related to taxes, exchange rates, business registration, repatriation of profits and activities of financial service providers. It is also related to "limited" access for Panamanian companies in select markets.

It also questions the resolution by the Argentine securities regulator which prohibits foreign reinsurers from offering services in Argentina, unless they have subsidiaries in the South American country with a minimum capital of $4.1 million.

Meanwhile the Argentines argue that the measures "comply with WTO rules" and seek to combat fraud and abuse in financial services.

"Panama has the right to request in the second instance the establishment of a panel of experts in commercial law, and although Buenos Aires objects, it will be done", reported Laprensa.com.ni.

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