Ambassador Kirk met today with Panamanian Commerce and Industry Minister Roberto Henriquez. They discussed outstanding issues with the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement (Panama TPA) and the agreement's potential to enhance and strengthen our already strong relationship and create new opportunities for workers, farmers, businesses, and consumers in both countries.
The Panama TPA includes important provisions relating to customs administration and trade facilitation, government procurement, telecommunications, intellectual property rights, labor, and environment, which would help commerce flow more efficiently and effectively. Both countries are working together to address outstanding labor and tax transparency issues.
Panama is a growing market for U.S. products and an ally. Total goods trade between the United States and Panama was $5.3 billion in 2008.
