UAE-Panama trade drive: Minister Al Zeyoudi leads high-level economic mission to Panama
UAE delegation led by Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi visits Panama to deepen UAE-Panama trade ties, meet officials, host investor roundtable and inspect key logistics hubs.
The UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, led a high-level economic delegation to Panama this week to advance UAE-Panama trade cooperation and investment links. The visit, held during the Emirati Trade Days programme, included meetings with senior Panamanian officials, a private-sector roundtable and inspections of strategic logistics sites. The delegation sought to expand commercial ties that bolster sustainable development and enhance the resilience of global supply chains.
Minister’s Visit and Delegation Composition
Dr Al Zeyoudi headed a multi-sector UAE delegation composed of government officials, business leaders and corporate representatives from the Emirates. The UAE’s non-resident ambassador to Panama, Mohammed Abdullah bin Khater Al Shamisi, accompanied the delegation and supported bilateral engagements. The mission’s purpose was to identify immediate and medium-term trade and investment opportunities and to signal the UAE’s intent to deepen economic links with Central America.
High-Level Bilateral Meetings
During a series of bilateral talks, UAE and Panamanian officials discussed regulatory alignment, trade facilitation and pathways to increase two-way investment. Discussions focused on leveraging the complementary roles of the UAE and Panama as global trade gateways to facilitate smoother flows of goods and services. Officials emphasized dovetailing customs procedures, harmonizing standards and creating predictable frameworks that attract private investment.
Investor Roundtable and Private-Sector Engagement
A dedicated investor roundtable brought Emirati and Panamanian business delegations together to explore sectoral opportunities and joint ventures. Participants discussed target markets, partnership models and mechanisms to scale investment flows between the two countries. Private-sector leaders highlighted opportunities in logistics, renewable energy, digital services and advanced manufacturing as priority areas for collaboration.
Infrastructure and Supply Chain Priorities
In remarks at the Global Leaders Forum convened for the bicentenary of Panama’s 1826 amphictyonic conference, Dr Al Zeyoudi underscored the importance of accelerating infrastructure development. He stressed that modern ports, airports, transport corridors and integrated logistics services, together with synchronized digital systems and customs simplification, are essential to strengthen global trade connectivity. The minister argued these steps will increase trade efficiency and enable companies from both countries to access new markets more competitively.
Site Visits: Panama Canal and Panama Pacifico
The UAE delegation conducted field visits to the Panama Canal and the Panama Pacifico economic zone to assess operational capabilities and partnership potential. These site inspections were aimed at identifying areas where Emirati logistics and trade companies could collaborate on port operations, cargo handling and value-added services. Delegates noted the strategic fit between Panama’s transit infrastructure and the UAE’s role as a regional distribution and re-export hub.
Trade Performance and Economic Outlook
Non-oil trade between the UAE and Panama reached $186 million in 2025, reflecting a 49.7% increase compared with 2024, a figure indicative of accelerating commercial momentum. Officials described the growth as evidence of expanding market linkages and rising investor confidence in bilateral ties. Both sides signalled interest in translating dialogue into concrete commercial initiatives while continuing to monitor sectors with the strongest near-term potential.
The delegation framed the mission as part of a sustained push to deepen economic integration, diversify trade portfolios and enhance supply-chain resilience between the UAE and Panama. Officials said follow-up work will focus on practical measures to facilitate trade, encourage joint investments and advance regulatory cooperation.
The UAE-Panama trade mission concluded with commitments to maintain momentum through ongoing government-to-government coordination and intensified private-sector contact. Stakeholders from both countries expressed optimism that expanded partnerships will support inclusive economic growth and strengthen the role of each nation as a pivotal trading gateway.
