The President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino, held a meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, with Diego Aponte, president of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) group, with the aim of opening new investment opportunities and diversifying the strategic partners of Panamanian ports. , thus consolidating Panama’s position as one of the main logistics and maritime centers worldwide.
At the meeting, an even greater commitment to joint work was established, the mutual interest in the Panamanian merchant navy to modernize, optimize its registry of ships and also increase its participation in port and logistics activity was addressed.
MSC, one of the leading global companies in maritime transportation and logistics, has a presence in Panama, operating more than 30 weekly cargo transportation services that connect the country with more than 200 global routes through all its terminals.
At the meeting, where Ricaurte Vásquez, administrator of the Panama Canal, participated, MSC’s strategic interests in Panama and its collaboration plan with the Panamanian Government were discussed, focused on key areas such as investments in logistics infrastructure, intermodal transportation, as well as the implementation of technological innovations in ports.
One of the central topics of the meeting headed by Mulino and accompanied by Vásquez was the use of the Panama Canal, one of the country’s most important assets, which connects 1,920 ports in 120 countries. Through the Canal, MSC plans to optimize its routes and operating costs, improving the connection between the markets of America, Asia and Europe.
In addition, possible opportunities for the development of port terminals in Panama were explored. Through its subsidiary Terminal Investment Limited (TiL), MSC showed interest in expanding terminals in the country.
The collaboration between MSC and Panama would boost the local economy through new investments, job creation and infrastructure development, reaffirming Panama’s attractiveness as a destination for international investors.
At the meeting, held prior to his departure on an official mission to Italy, President Mulino was accompanied by the first lady, Maricel Cohen de Mulino; Alberto Alemán Zubieta, former administrator of the Panama Canal and advisor to the President for maritime affairs; the Minister of Economy and Finance, Felipe Chapman; the chancellor, Javier Martínez-Acha; the Minister of Commerce and Industries, Julio Moltó; and Alberto Vallarino, advisor for economic issues.