On 21-22 October, the World Economic Forum, in collaboration with the Government of Panama, will convene a Country Strategy Meeting in Panama City, bringing together leaders in government and business to discuss the nation's growth and sustainable development path.
The meeting comes at a critical moment for dialogue on trade, infrastructure, the energy transition and regional collaboration to harness existing opportunities.
Growth at a global gateway
Connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Panama has long served as a vital hub for international commerce and logistics. Its ports, free zones and digital networks link markets across the Americas and beyond.
This role is increasingly important as companies and governments seek to build more resilient supply chains amid geopolitical uncertainty, changing trade patterns and climate pressures. Panama is well-positioned to strengthen regional cooperation, support diversified trade routes and reinforce global value chains.
The country is also emerging as a platform for sustainable, inclusive growth, supported by its geographic position, economic and political stability, and global connectivity. Combining reliable infrastructure with an open, internationally connected economy, Panama is creating opportunities to attract investment and support long-term development.
Investing in competitiveness
Panama is advancing an infrastructure and investment agenda designed to strengthen its role as a regional and global hub. This includes plans to expand the Panama Canal's reservoir capacity, helping secure the water resources essential to the canal's long-term operation and climate resilience.
The development of an energy corridor, along with new ports and two new container terminals, could further strengthen the country's capacity to connect trade, logistics and energy systems. These investments aim to improve efficiency, support supply-chain resilience and create new opportunities across sectors.
As the global economy adapts to changing patterns of production, consumption and energy demand, Panama's infrastructure ambitions could help the country deepen its role in the movement of goods, services and investment. They also highlight the importance of coordinated action among governments, businesses and international partners in delivering sustainable infrastructure at scale.
A platform for strategic dialogue
The Country Strategy Meeting on Panama will convene senior leaders from government and business to explore three strategic priorities:
