UAE-Panama trade strengthened as Minister Thani Al Zeyoudi leads high-level Emirati delegation to Panama
UAE-Panama trade gets a boost as Minister Thani Al Zeyoudi leads an Emirati delegation to Panama to pursue infrastructure, logistics and investment ties.
The Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, led a high-level Emirati delegation to Panama as part of the Emirati Trade Days, advancing UAE-Panama trade through discussions on investment, logistics and regulatory alignment. The visit brought together senior public and private sector officials from both countries to explore business partnerships and to identify practical steps to deepen economic ties. Delegation members included government ministers, business leaders and the UAE’s non-resident ambassador to Panama, Mohammad Abdullah bin Khater Al Shamsi.
Delegation meetings focus on trade and investment expansion
Al Zeyoudi held a series of meetings with senior Panamanian officials to map out avenues for expanding bilateral commercial relations. Talks emphasized opportunities in strategic sectors where both countries can leverage their logistical capabilities and market access. Officials discussed mechanisms to increase investment flows and streamline commercial links between Emirati and Panamanian companies.
Private sector roundtable identifies target opportunities
A roundtable convened investors and business representatives from the UAE and Panama to review specific market opportunities and potential joint ventures. Participants examined sectors of mutual interest including logistics, transport infrastructure, digital trade platforms and supply-chain services. The session aimed to match Emirati capital and expertise with Panamanian projects that can accelerate trade connectivity.
Al Zeyoudi highlights infrastructure and regulatory alignment at Global Leaders Forum
At a panel titled “Economic Development, Connectivity and Global Integration” held during the Global Leaders Forum in Panama City, Al Zeyoudi underscored the need to accelerate port, airport and transport network development. He stressed harmonising regulatory frameworks, unifying standards and simplifying customs procedures as essential to improving cross-border trade efficiency. The minister also called for greater digital integration and synchronized procedures to enhance market access for both economies.
Site visits to Panama Canal and Panama Pacifico economic zone
The Emirati delegation conducted field visits to the Panama Canal and the Panama Pacifico special economic zone to assess operational capabilities and collaboration potential. Delegates met with local operators and developers to study logistics flows and identify investment-ready projects. These visits were designed to give UAE companies direct exposure to Panama’s strategic infrastructure and to better inform investment decisions.
Trade figures show sharp non-oil growth in 2025
Bilateral non-oil trade between the UAE and Panama reached $186 million in 2025, representing a 49.7% increase compared with 2024. The surge reflects widening commercial engagement and growing momentum in goods and services exchanges between the two trade gateways. Authorities said the rise underscores the effectiveness of recent diplomatic and commercial outreach and points to further expansion opportunities.
Shared priorities and next steps for UAE-Panama cooperation
Officials from both sides agreed on priority areas for continued collaboration, including logistics, digital trade, customs facilitation and sustainable infrastructure projects. The UAE and Panama signalled intent to pursue targeted public-private partnerships and sector-specific memoranda of understanding to translate discussions into concrete projects. Both governments will continue coordinating through diplomatic channels and business councils to fast-track identified initiatives.
The Emirati delegation’s visit also reinforced a shared commitment to a rules-based trading system and to measures that enhance the resilience of global supply chains. UAE and Panamanian authorities said they will maintain momentum from the meetings and roundtable sessions to convert interest into tangible investment and increased trade flows.
The outcomes of the Emirati Trade Days visit reflect strengthened bilateral ties and a pragmatic roadmap for expanding UAE-Panama trade, with infrastructure, regulatory alignment and private-sector partnerships at the centre of the agenda.
