Representatives of the private sector in Panama and Chile have signed a cooperation agreement that evaluates the inclusion of new products and services in the trade agreement.
The private sector seeks to expand the scope of the first FTA signed by Panama with a South American country, exploring the possibility of adding more goods and services to those which already enjoy tariff privileges referred to in the agreement.
Martinelli and Piñera have agreed to review the free trade agreement signed in 2008, including investment protection clauses, among other topics.
The decision was announced during an official visit made by Chile's President Sebastian Piñera to Panama where he met with President Ricardo Martinelli in order to strengthen political and trade relations.
The free trade agreement signed in 2008 explains much of the business improvement with the southern country.
The amount of trade in 2010 between Panama and Chile reached $58 million, boosted since the FTA came into force.
Currently, Chile is ranked number 19 on the list of 85 countries who import Panaman products, 18 positions higher than number 37 which it held in 2008.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry has reported that in September this year there will be a trade mission to Chile and Peru.
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Roberto Henriquez, reported that from the 5 to 9 September this year there will be a Trade Mission to Chile - Peru, with the participation of 15 domestic producers of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, shrimp, processed food, housewares, toys, footwear, cooling services, logistic services and the Colon Free Zone.
A year after the Free Trade Agreement between the two countries took effect, commercial trade increased by 40%.
Roberto Gonzalez wrote in an article in Prensa.com: "The Ministry of Trade and Industry revealed that Panama is organizing a meeting to promote Panamanian goods and services in Chile. Panama is the number two destination for Chilean exports in Central America and the Caribbean."
A delegation of Chilean entrepreneurs are visiting Panama to discuss several matters relating to trade and the implementation of a Free Trade Agreement, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry reported.
During the visit, business persons from both countries will participate in the First Bi-national Business Encounter "with the objective of evaluating the opportunities and benefits available to both countries within the framework of the Free Trade Agreement," the Ministry said in a press release.