Full Breakdown
Qatar and Panama Forge New Trade Corridor
2/9/2026, 8:42:33 PM
Expanding Bilateral Trade Relations
On February 8, 2026, Qatar Chamber Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al-Thani hosted Panama’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Julio Molto, in Doha. This meeting aimed to enhance bilateral trade, establish new investment links, and lay the groundwork for a formal cooperation agreement between the Qatar and Panama Chambers. Despite the current modest trade volume between the two nations, both parties recognize the potential for growth.
Key Figures and Strategic Engagements
The Qatari delegation included influential figures such as Second Vice Chairman Rashid bin Hamad Al-Athba and Sheikha Tamader Al-Thani, Director of International Relations and Secretary-General of ICC Qatar. Minister Molto's visit extended beyond the Chamber, as he also met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al-Thani, CEO of the Qatar Free Zones Authority, to discuss investment opportunities in Qatar's infrastructure.
Panama's Agricultural Aspirations
A significant aspect of Molto's pitch was an invitation for Qatari investors to engage in Panama's food sector. Despite exporting $37.37 billion worth of goods in 2024, Panama remains a net food importer, primarily relying on the United States. The country aspires to become a global food hub, leveraging its agricultural diversity, which includes bananas, cocoa, and shrimp. For Qatar, which has food security as a national priority, this presents an opportunity to diversify its sourcing.
Trade Volume and Growth Trajectory
Qatar's total trade with Latin America reached QR 3.6 billion in 2023, a small figure relative to its economy, where merchandise trade constitutes nearly 60% of GDP. However, the trend is upward, with Qatar Chamber engaging with ambassadors from nine Latin American countries in May 2024 and holding discussions with Panama's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs in December 2025. The February meeting with Molto is part of a broader strategy to strengthen ties with Latin America.
Panama's Economic Resilience
Panama's economy is rebounding, with the IMF projecting a GDP growth of approximately 4.5% for 2025, following challenges in 2024 due to the suspension of the Cobre Panamá copper mine. The country's strategic location, dollarized economy, and free trade zones make it an attractive destination for Qatari investments, particularly as Qatar's own GDP growth is projected at 4.5% to 5.0% in 2026.
Upcoming Opportunities: Expo Panama 2026
Minister Molto invited the Qatar Chamber to participate in Expo Panama, scheduled for March 10–12, 2026. This event is expected to attract over 31,000 visitors and generate significant commercial transactions, providing a platform for Qatari businesses to engage with the Latin American market.
Institutional Framework for Long-Term Cooperation
Both parties discussed the potential for a cooperation agreement between their chambers, which would facilitate structured business delegations, joint investment facilitation, and regulatory coordination. Such an agreement could significantly enhance the investment landscape for Gulf investors in Latin America.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Gulf-Latin American Relations
The recent engagements between Qatar and Panama signal a strategic shift towards deeper economic collaboration. With both nations seeking to diversify their economies and enhance food security, the upcoming Expo Panama and potential cooperation agreements will be critical indicators of the future trajectory of their bilateral relations.
