Panama: Many treaties, Few opportunities

Producers say it will be difficult to take advantage of the trade agreements that have been signed.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Negotiations with countries like Peru, Colombia and the eventual ratification of the treaty with the United States are worrying producers, who believe they are not prepared to compete under the new conditions.

Panamanian government representatives consider that in the case of the TPC with the U.S., the seven-year grace period to be given to the producers before it becomes effective will give producers time to finish preparing in order to compete in equal conditions.

In an article by Mabel Cruz in Padigital.com.pa, Emilio Kieswetter, Minister of Agricultural Development, said "there are certain U.S. markets that we can benefit in, of course, there are others that have advantages over us and these are precisely where we have to make preparations. "

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