PANAMA CITY, Panama – Members of the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce and the American Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Panama met for a breakfast meeting here Wednesday.
Among those at the breakfast hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Panama in Panama City on Wednesday were, from left, Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce CEO Wil Pineau, CICOC President Angelyn Hernandez, Cayman’s Minister of Commerce Charles Clifford, Panama Chamber President Carlos Urriola and Panama Chamber Executive Director David Hunt. Photo: Alan Markoff |
Cayman’s Minister of Commerce Charles Clifford said increasing trade between the two countries is desirable.
“Our presence here again this year is confirmation that this trade mission has been as fruitful and productive as we anticipated,” he said. “Since our inaugural visit last year, several Cayman businesses have significantly benefited from doing business in Panama in a variety of industries.”
Mr. Clifford said there was an existing history and friendship between Panama and Cayman that he hoped would be reconnected.
“As significant players in the global economy, our two countries have much in common,” he said. “We both have thriving tourism and financial services industries, which are central to each country’s current prosperity and to our future success.”
Mr. Clifford said there were great opportunities for both countries to benefit from a closer relationship.
´The Panama Chamber’s Executive Director David Hunt noted that Panama and Cayman are competitors.
“Tourism, financial services, shipping registry… it sounds like we should be at each other’s throats.
“In fact, each of us has our own strengths that complement each other. We need to work with each other against everybody else.”
Mr. Clifford told the audience that several travel agents and members of the media from Panama returned on the Cayman Airways flight on a familiarisation trip to Grand Cayman.
“I can assure you that they are having a great educational and – what we hope will be – business enriching experience.’
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