InFocus - Spotlight on Panama 
June 2014

Join the U.S. Commercial Service and the N.C. District Export Council for DISCOVER GLOBAL MARKETS: The Americas! 

 

In This Issue
Hear From Ambassador Jonathon D. Farrar
Expand Your Business in Panama
One-On-One with US Commercial Officers
Marketing Partners
Just Announced: U.S. Ambassador to Panama to speak about impact of Panama Canal on U.S Exports
Jonathon D. Farrar is the current U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Panama. He will be featured at DISCOVER GLOBAL MARKETS: The Americas to address the expansion of the Panama Canal and how it impacts the flow of U.S. exports. 
Ambassador Farrar joined the State Department in 1980 as an economic officer, and is a career member of the U.S. Senior Foreign Service. Ambassador Farrar's career includes extensive experience in Latin America. 
 
Panama and the Colon Free Trade Zone:
A $Billion Engine in U.S. Exports to Latin America
Panama City

"Despite being a seemingly-small market population of 3.5 million, Panama's strategic location and its world class FTZ has been key to its ability to punch above its weight for many years." - John Coronado 

 

Panama has historically served as the crossroads of trade for the Americas. Its strategic location as a bridge between two oceans and the meeting of two continents has made Panama not only a maritime and air transport hub, but also an international trading, banking, and services center.

 

The U.S. is Panama's primary trading partner, with U.S. goods representing about 30% of the market share of all imports. In 2012, U.S. exports to Panama jumped 20% to $9.9 billion - in no small part due to the fact that Panama's economy grew 10.6% in 2012. The Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) between the U.S. and Panama that went into effect in October 2012 dropped tariffs to 0% for 87% of U.S.-made goods. 

 

The Colon Free Trade Zone (CFZ), the world's second largest free trade zone, offers remarkable opportunities for U.S. companies. In 2012, over $1 billion was exported from the U.S. through Panama's Colon Free Zone to the rest of Latin America.

 

One-On-One with U.S. Commercial Officers
map of western hemisphere the americas

 

DISCOVER GLOBAL MARKETS: The Americas is the only opportunity this year to sit face-to-face with all of our Senior Commercial Officers from the Western Hemisphere in one location. Your company will have the opportunity to request meetings with the Officers of your choice, and you will receive 20 minute pre-scheduled appointments during the conference program. This is an invaluable opportunity to discuss your company's specific market objectives and ask questions of the highest ranking U.S. Commercial Service Officer in country. Commercial Officers will be available from the following countries: 

 

Argentina         Brazil            Canada              Chile     

Colombia       Costa Rica       Dominican Republic     

Ecuador        El Salvador       Guatemala         Honduras  

Mexico          Panama            Peru

 

Thank You to Our Marketing Partners
Platinum
 

Silver
  
Thrive in NC
 
 


Bronze 
 
Allocca    Greer Walker     john s    hannover messeSBTDC    Western Union 
     


Thank you to the following District Export Councils 
for their support:

Mid-Atlantic DEC
North Carolina DEC 
South Carolina DEC
VA/DC DEC

Interested in Becoming a Marketing Partner? 
Visit our Marketing Partner page or contact Greg Sizemore at 
704-333-4886 or [email protected] 
For more information on how the U.S. Commercial Service can help your business expand internationally, please contact your local Trade Specialist at any time.
  
Sincerely,
 

Greg Sizemore

Director, U.S. Commercial Service of North Carolina 

  

Whether your interest is Asia, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or U.S. Free Trade Agreement countries, there is a DISCOVER GLOBAL MARKETS conference designed to meet your needs. Visit the series website to see which seven cities we're visiting in 2014!

 

 

 

Brought to You By:
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Event Details
DISCOVER GLOBAL MARKETS:
The Americas 

Date: 
October 29 - 31, 2014

Venue: 
Westin Charlotte Hotel 

Participation Fee:
$350 
Register Now
Agenda
100th Year of the Panama Canal
DISCOVER GLOBAL MARKETS: The Americas to highlight the 100th anniversary of the Panama Canal 

The Mint Museum Uptown will host a reception for DISCOVER GLOBAL MARKETS: The Americas attendees to highlight and coincide with their exhibition
Connecting the World: The Panama Canal at 100.
 Your conference registration will grant you access to attend this event for a first-hand look at the exhibit and an opportunity to network with high level commercial diplomats, industry professionals, and trade experts from the Americas.  The reception will take place on Thursday, October 30, 2014.  
Speaker Spotlight

John Coronado

Senior Commercial Officer

U.S. Embassy Panama City, Panama

 

 

John Coronado began his tour as Senior Commerical Officer Panama in July 2013. Prior to arriving in Panama, John served as a Senior International Trade Specialist with the U.S. Department of Commerce in Chicago. John has also served as Commercial Attach in London and Tel Aviv, as well as serving at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires. 

 

Prior to joining the Commercial Service John worked for a large U.S. bank. He completed his studies at the University of the Pacific in California and the University of Granada in Spain, and also studied at the Universidad del Salvador, in Buenos Aires.

Contact Us
Greg Sizemore 
704.333.4886

OR

Stephanie Heckel 
336.333.5345