Direct Line: Taking Advantage of the New Trade Promotion Agreement with Panama
Date: Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. EST
Host: April Redmon, Senior Trade Specialist, US Department of Commerce Trade Americas Team.
Speakers:
- Jonathan D. Farrar, U.S Ambassador to Panama
- Alejandra Y. Castillo, National Deputy Director, Minority Business Development Agency U.S. Department of Commerce
- Michael Masserman, Executive Director for Export Policy, Promotion & Strategy International Trade Association, U.S. Department of Commerce
Overview:
The scheduled speakers will discuss the realities and benefits of the U.S. trade promotion agreement with Panama. In this webinar you will understand the intricacies of doing business in the Panamanian market, taking advantage of the new opportunities available as a result of the lower tariffs. If you are interested in or are already exporting U.S.–made goods to Panama, the TPA is big news for you. Learn how to make the most of it.
How to Participate:
All you need is a computer with Internet connection and a telephone. This Webinar will be conducted using Web Visual and Phone Technology.
Register online today! On completing your registration you will receive a confirmation email with the instructions and information needed to call-in and log-in to the live webinar.
Why Participate:
The United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) entered into force on October 31, 2012. On this day, over 87 percent of U.S. industrial goods exports to Panama became duty-free including information technology equipment, agricultural and construction equipment, aircraft and parts, medical and scientific equipment, environmental products, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, and agro-chemicals.
The Agreement guarantees access to Panama’s nearly $22 billion services market, including in priority areas such as financial, telecommunications, computer, distribution, express delivery, energy, environmental, and professional services.
The Agreement also provides significant infrastructure opportunities:
- In addition to the ongoing $5.25 billion Panama Canal expansion project, the Government of Panama has identified almost $10 billion in other significant infrastructure projects.
- Construction equipment and infrastructure machinery used in such projects accounted for $335 million in U.S. exports to Panama in 2011. Tariffs for this sector average 5 percent with almost all being eliminated upon entry into force of the agreement.
Panama is one of the fastest growing economies in Latin America, expanding 10.6 percent in 2011, with annual growth forecast between 5 and 8 percent through 2017.
All of the above are compelling reasons for you to participate.
Register online today!
