The absence of toxic waste laboratories in the processing plants is one of the obstacles that are preventing Panamanian meat from entering the Costa Rican market.
Representatives of the Panamanian Exporters Association (Apex) explained that Costa Rican regulations require at least 14 toxic waste tests and Panamanian laboratories perform only 8.
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.
Adapt the country's sanitary norms to international standards and unify food import and export systems is part of the plan proposed by the Varela administration.
In order to take advantage of commercial agreements and increase exports to the European and North American markets, the government is working to consolidate its health systems.
The Panamanian Association of Exporters (Apex) CEO, Rosmer Jurado, said to Elcapitalfinanciero.com that "… the government's decision to initiate the process of unification and modernization of the country's health system is key to ensure that importers and exporters fulfill the same standards, so that consumers are assured that imported products meet the same quality requirements as domestic production, ensuring their safety."
Figures from the Panamanian aviculturists union indicate that exports registered during 2017 exceeded those reported the previous year by 25%.
The National Association of Aviculturists details that exports of fertile eggs, mainly to countries in Central America, exceeded $5 million last year, about $1 million more than in 2016.
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'."
The quotas for duty free export of beef, rice and tuna negotiated in the Agreement with the European Union are not being exploited to the fullest extent by local producers.
Lack of certification by the meat processing plants for export, the crisis in the agricultural sector and the absence of incentives to produce exportable foods are some of the factors which, in the opinion of producers, are preventing the country from taking advantage of the tariff benefits granted to country under the Economic Association Agreement (AA).
Panama will once again try to negotiate trade agreements with Caribbean countries to which it already exports processed food and drinks.
Following the same strategy as Trinidad and Tobago, the government will seek to reach agreements with Caribbean countries in order to increase exports already made by Panamanian companies, mainly those of beverages and processed foods.
In 2013, foreign sales increased by 85% compared to 2012, generating foreign exchange earnings of $76 million.
The growth in demand from Asian countries coupled with the rise in international prices explain the sharp increase in shrimp exports from Panama, which is now seeking to increase its presence in new markets.
"It is also looking to increase its presence in the U.S.
Industrialists will have the opportunity to supply vessels which cross the isthmus with locally manufactured products such as food and beverages.
Maximum Gallardo, leader of the Union of Industrialists of Panama (SIP), believes that the expansion of the Canal will generate exciting opportunities for manufacturers who will be able to supply their products to the ships that will use the new waterway.
Differences in customs processes between Central American countries to date are preventing them from trading as a block, in this case, with the EU.
According to the manager of the Integration and Trade Sector at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Antoni Estevadeordal, trade agreements themselves are not a guarantee of success."It is not enough to have a policy of openness.
As set out in the FTA with the U.S., Canada and the European Union, Panama has three months to remove or replace these incentives.
Authorities from the MICI, the Panama Exporters Association (APEX) and the Union of Agro export of non-traditional products (Gantrap) are preparing a proposal, which must first be approved by the Cabinet Council and later by the National Assembly.
Concerned about a possible penalty for non-compliance in the prevention of illegal fishing, the fishing industry is calling for urgent remedial actions by the authorities.
Panama is one of the countries likely to be affected by the impending crackdown by the European Union, which could jeopardize exports of seafood to the region, which amounts to a volume of $40 million.
The recent adoption of legislation necessary for the entry into force of the TPA with the U.S. includes opening the gates for the installation of large retailers.
Panama's Constitution expressly reserves retail trade for Panamanians, because of this, the method found to align themselves with agreements made for the Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) with the United States, was to modify the rules for companies involved in wholesale trade, introducing the classification of "multi-service businesses."