Since Cortizo took office, Panamanian exporters have been concerned about the negotiation of the agreement with China, as they believe the delays could affect the results achieved so far.
Taking advantage of the commercial treaties signed by the country and increasing the exportable offer is key for foreign sales from Panama to be successful in the coming years.
According to figures from the General Comptroller of the Republic, during last year Panama's foreign sales totaled $672 million, a figure 2% higher than the $660 million reported in 2017.
The union of exporters claims that business opportunities are being lost due to the slow pace of processing and issue of permits and certificates for export.
Juan Bulnes, president of the Panamanian Association of Exporters (APEX), told Prensa.com that"...'For exporters, the National Customs Authority (ANA) and the Ministry of Health (MoH) are a thorn in their side'."
Panama's export sector is urging government authorities to make the single counter for export processes function properly.
Since 1985 the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) has provides this tool to the export sector, which seeks to centralize in one place all the necessary procedures for exports, but to date it has not been able to meet its objectives.