After several cases of apparent favoritism in the awarding of government contracts, Panamanian businessmen are demanding efforts be made to keep to standards of transparency and ethical values.  Really, favoritism in Government contracts, this is as old an issue as the Bible as is the call for transparency.

From a statement by the Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE):

The APEDE is calling for transparency, integrity and respect for the law in procurements

The Panamanian Association of Business Executives recognizes the importance of State investments which improve the quality of life of citizens and strengthens the development of the country, however, we advise that they be carried out on the basis of transparency, on the part of the government and the private sector, without preference, always with integrity, quality, at the lowest cost possible, and away from allegations of corruption.

In the view of the APEDE, all public procurement contracts and addenda, many of which reach into the millions, have to be embedded in the provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2006 and its various amendments. The aim of this is to have real majority participation include all sectors of the population interested in doing business with the government and the rest of society so as to receive the benefits of these works.