AN OPINION By Robert R. McMillan mcmillan@aol.com
Garden City Life - November 9, 2000

After the transfer of the Panama Canal last December, Panama seems to have disappeared from world events. Actually, nothing could be further from the truth. A great deal of positive events are taking place at the "crossroads for the world.

From sophisticated fiber optic cables running across the Isthmus to a fully restored and modernized cross continental railroad and from an efficient Panama Canal with huge container ports at each end, to worldwide air connections, Panama is ready for growth and United States investment. All of this became crystal clear to me at a recent meeting of the United States-Panama Business Council held in Washington, D.C. in the middle of October. With representatives of business and government leaders from both the United States and Panama, including Panamanian Vice President Kaizer Bazan, investment opportunities and methods for financing were defined in detail.

One area of particular interest related to the expansion of Panama’s tourist infrastructure. Taking advantage of Panama’s cloud and rain forests, beautiful flora and abundant wildlife, first-class new hotels have been built near the Panama Canal. In an effort to capitalize on its natural assets, Panama has planned a multimillion dollar advertising campaign to capture the tourist dollars of Americans. Having seen much of this beauty firsthand, the television ads do a fine job in capturing the spirit and aura of Panama.

And there is one other dimension of tourism in Panama which makes it a particularly unique place for Americans to visit - the US dollar is the currency. No calculations are required to figure out exchange rates. In addition many Panamanians are fluent in English and Spanish.

The US-Panama Business Council or USPA as it is referred to, has two chapters - one here and one in Panama. I have been recently elected to be chair for the US Chapter. Fortunately, this new part-time assignment will give me the opportunity to visit Panama once or twice each year.

USPA was created some six years ago to foster better business relations between the two countries. Panama currently ranks third in terms of US investments throughout Latin America. Day in and day out, USPA facilitates trade and investments between the two nations. Juan Sosa, a former Panamanian Ambassador to the United States, runs the US organization with an excellent port staff.

Some may wonder why I took on a volunteer position so far from New York. The answer to that question is really straightforward. Panama is, strategically, very important to the United States. Fourteen percent of our international commerce transits the Panama Canal and with enlargement plans, that percentage will clearly grow. In addition, I feel that the United States has not focused enough on Panama in recent years. USPA can help change the emphasis. With strong historical and personal family ties, the United States can clearly look to Panama as a friend and ally in Latin America.

If you would like more information about the US-Panama Business Council you can visit its website at www.us-panama.org