U.S.-PANAMA BUSINESS COUNCIL SOUTHWEST CHAPTER With the Cooperation: The Honorable Phil Wilson, Texas Secretary of State Greater Houston Partnership Consulate of Panama in Houston U.S. Embassy in Panama - Commercial Section Embassy of Panama in the U.S. Proudly Present: TEXAS TRADE MISSION TO PANAMA Jan. 30 - Feb. 1, 2008 In association with the following organizations: American Chamber of Commerce of Panama Panama Association of Executives Panama Banking Association Panama Real Estate Association Panama Maritime Chamber Panama Tourism Chamber Association of Colon Free Zone Companies Council of Commerce & Production Isthmian Corp. Chamber of AUSA PANAMA The Republic of Panama is recognized as one of the commercial centers of the region.  The Panama Canal, with more than 13,000 transits a year; the Colon Free Zone with transactions in excess of $15 billion; one of the most integrated multi-model transportation systems in the Americas; and a healthy service economy that has made Panama a destination for second homes, retirement communities and  tourism, offers opportunities to U.S. businesses that are looking to Panama and its impressive economic growth as potential investment. TEXAS Texas and the City of Houston have a long tradition of cooperation with Panama.  The Port of Houston is one of the main partners of the Panama Canal and Continental Airlines services Panama daily and uses Panama as the Americas aviation hub.  Texas it he most popular state for Panamanian students in the U.S. and the Medical Center has a close relationship with Panama. P R O G R A M WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30 7:00-9:00 P.M. WELCOMING RECEPTION (Venue: Miramar InterContinental Hotel - Miramar Terrace) THURSDAY, JANUARY 31 8:00-9:00 A.M. FIELD TRIP Amador / Balboa Port / City of Knowledge / Panama Pacific Special Economic Area 12:30-2:00 P.M. BUSINESS LUNCH (Venue: Miramar InterContinental Hotel - Miramar Restaurant) 2:00-5:30 P.M. BUSINESS FORUM Overview of the economy / Trade Opportunities / Real Estate Panorama / Tourism Forecast / Energy Development / Infrastructure Projects / Panama Canal Expansion / Air Transportation / Maritime Opportunities / Healthcare / Agriculture / Investment Opportunities (Venue: Miramar InterContinental Hotel - Balboa Suite) 7:00-10:00 P.M. BOARD DINNER Special Guest: The Honorable Phil Wilson, Texas Secretary of State (Venue: TBD) FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1 7:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M. FIELD TRIP TO ATLANTIC COAST Colon Free Zone / Manzanillo Port / Energy (By Train) 8:00-10:00 P.M. DINNER (Venue: Miraflores Visitors Center - Panama Canal) (Program) (Registration & Hotel Info.) (Sponsorship Benefits) (Organizations Contact Info.) (Sponsorship Recognition)