In the second round, progress was made in sanitary and phytosanitary measures, commercial defense, rules of origin and access to markets.
It was agreed that the Third Round of Negotiations will be held in Panama City from October 9 to 13.
From a statement issued by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MITI):
MICI 8/28/2018. The teams from Panama and the People’s Republic of China concluded the Second Round of Negotiations for a Trade Agreement between both nations with preliminary agreements and progress made in different chapters.
During the week of negotiations, held in the city of Beijing between August 20 and 24, the Chief Negotiator for Panama, Alberto Alemán Arias, gave a daily report to representatives of the Panamanian private sector who were present at the Adjoining Meeting Room, authorized by Panama in order to encourage the participation of businessmen, producers and union leaders.
The meeting was attended by representatives of unions such as the National Association of Cattle Ranchers (ANAGAN); the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCYAP); the National Association of Milk Processors (ANAPROLE); the National Union of Customs Brokers of Panama (UNCAP); the Trade Union of Industrialists of Panama (SIP); the National Association of Insurance Producers (CONALPROSE); the Panamanian Association of Exporters (APEX); and the Association of Milk Producers of the Central Provinces (APLEC).
Read full statement (in spanish).
Panama will regret doing business with China. Keep your hand on your wallet. They’ll steal everything you have.