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The Gabinete Logístico (Logistics Cabinet) of Panama held its fourth ordinary session, chaired by President José Raúl Mulino, to refine plans for optimizing the potential of Panamá Pacífico, a key special economic zone.
Located in Howard, Panamá Oeste, Panamá Pacífico is emerging as a strategic logistics hub. It currently hosts 410 companies and around 50 commercial businesses, collectively employing over 10,000 people. These enterprises span sectors such as multimodal logistics, ICT, high-tech manufacturing, aviation, maritime services, and business services.
Key Aspects of the Plan
- Strategic Infrastructure & Logistics Role
- President Mulino emphasized that Panama’s future is logistical, citing the geographic advantage of Panamá Pacífico.
- The zone has 2,500 housing units and its own international airport, ready to take on greater logistical responsibility.
- There’s a proposal for the Agencia Panamá Pacífico to manage the airport, aligning it with the country’s master logistics strategy and complementing Tocumen International Airport.
- Semiconductor Supply Chain Ambitions
- Panamá Pacífico is being positioned as a key node in the semiconductor supply chain, particularly for activities like assembly, packaging, and redistribution of components.
- Its infrastructure, competitive legal regime, and emerging skilled workforce make it attractive for these high-value industries.
- Digital Integration: PORTCEL Platform
- The PORTCEL platform (Platform for the Integration of Logistics and Foreign Trade Systems) is advancing under the leadership of the National Innovation Authority.
- This digital system will unify import, export, and transit processes into a single portal.
- A permanent governance body and inter-institutional working group are planned, with an annual budget of B/.1.5 million to ensure stability.
- The goal is for PORTCEL to become self-sustaining within three years.
- Customs and Cargo Efficiency
- Panama’s Customs Authority is planning modernization at Tocumen International Airport, including better cargo operations and space optimization.
- The redesign aims to improve traceability, fiscal oversight, and operational efficiency.
- Major Investments & National Logistics Strategy
- Projects tied to the Panama Canal include new port terminals, an energy corridor, a multipurpose reservoir, and a broader logistics corridor.
- Total investment across these initiatives is estimated at B/. 8,500 million.
- The Cabinet is working under a broader “Master Plan” for logistics, mapping out key national assets such as ports, airfields, free zones, and road infrastructure.
- Institutional Coordination
- The Gabinete Logístico includes multiple ministries and agencies, such as the Presidency, Economy & Finance, Commerce & Industries, Public Works, Canal Affairs, Customs, and Tocumen S.A.
- Other members include the National Science & Technology Secretariat and the Logistics Business Council, coordinated by the Secretariat of Economic and Competitiveness Affairs of the Presidency.
