The Panama Canada Chamber of Commerce (PanCanada) was created 10 years ago by a group of Panamanian and Canadian business leaders, with the idea of facilitating and strengthening the commercial and trade relations between the Republic of Panama and Canada.

The economic and trade relations between Panama and Canada have grown consistently since.    Panama is benefiting from increased tourism and property investments from many Canadians, attracted to the unique experiences and opportunities the country offers.

The business community has also shown interest and is fully participating in finance, energy, mining, tourism, real estate and other sectors.   Panama occupies a unique place in the international trading system, and as home to the Panama Canal, it plays a pivotal role in world commerce through the flow of goods around the world. Canada is currently the 11th most important user of the Canal (DFAIT). The expansion of the Panama Canal is currently underway and is slated to be completed by 2014 at a projected cost of US $5.3 billion. This expansion is expected to generate opportunities for Canadian companies in such areas as infrastructure and construction, as well as environmental, heavy engineering and consulting services, capital projects, human capital development, and construction materials. 

On May 14, 2010, Canada’s International Trade Minister, Peter Van Loan, together with Panama’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Roberto Henríquez, signed the Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement (FTA), as well as parallel agreements on labour cooperation and environment protection.

PanCanada is a non-profit organization that obtains its funding from membership fees, activities and benefactors in both Panama and Canada.

Board of Directors

The Board of directors has the responsability of governing PanCanada and organize itself info into committees to best serve the funtions of sound management and successful promotion and facilitation of business activities between the countries.

Juan Francisco Pardini - Director & President
Glen Champion - Director & First Vice-President
Robert Williams - Director & Treasurer
Priscilla Maloney - Director & Secretary

Honorary Presidents
H.E. Sylvia Cesaratto - Ambassador of Canada in Panama
H.E. Francisco Carlo Escobar Pedreschi - Ambassador of Panama in Canada

Honorary Directors
Terry McCoy -  Honorary Director
Alain Gauthier - Chief Representative, Mexico, Central America & Caribbean, Export Development Canada

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