In January 2016 the results of a study will determine whether it is feasible to build multimodal ports in Bocas del Toro and Chiriqui and develop a logistic plan for the region.
The Maritime Authority of Panama explained that the feasibility study is being developed by Nathan Associates, which will have to deliver the results in January 2016. The purpose is to determine the condition of the province of Chiriqui, particularly Baru, in order to establish an economic development plan for the region.
A private sector union believes that Panama is not taking full advantage of the logistical capacity it has to promote the export of local goods and services.
From a statement issued by the Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE):
The Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE), through the Economic Advisory Council, coordinated by René Luciani, presented the first Apediana Economic Letter (CEA by its initials in Spanish) , whose theme was based on logistics development in Panama and was written by engineer Rommel Troetsch G., who has 30 years of experience in the maritime and port field and is president of the Maritime Chamber of Panama.
From August 19-21 entrepreneurs from various productive sectors will gather in David to discuss business opportunities.
From a press note by the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Chiriquí (CAMCHI)
Business Roundtable in Chiriquí
Call to Entrepreneurs in Panama and Central America
David, May 13, 2014. In order to strengthen trade between Panama, Costa Rica, Central America and other countries, the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Chiriquí (CAMCHI) in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Panama, the Inter-American Development Bank and the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) will be holding a Business Roundtable from 19 to 21 August 2014 in the halls of the International Fair of David.
The new $44 million terminal would be located in Río Hato, taking advantage of the runway used by the U.S. Army until 1999.
This was proposed by the ex-manager of the Air Transport Authority (AAC), Zósimo Guardia, during a meeting with the Panamanian Association of Business Executives.
"He said that by extending the length of the runway, Boeing 737 could land, as well as charter flights from Canada, which stopped landing in Panama several years ago", published newspaper La Prensa.
Uribe insists on building the road through the Darien Gap, meeting with old reluctance from Panama.
It is only 108 kilometers of road that are missing so that the Americas can be traveled by land from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, but there are two arguments for refusing construction. One is that this is one of the few quasi-virgin regions left in the world, and it is feared that the inevitable progress that the road would bring would harm the environment and biodiversity, in addition to threatening aboriginal cultures.