Cortizo wants centre of technological excellence and innovation
India is exploring the possibility of opening a logistics hub for Indian companies in Panama, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said, citing the country’s bilateral trade with Latin America nearing US$50 billion a year.
Jaishankar, who arrived in Panama on 24 Apr from Guyana, called on President Nito Cortizo and conveyed the personal greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to him.
Jaishankar and Cortizo discussed the will to make an alliance with the Indian pharmaceutical industry to achieve quality, effective and cheaper medicines for Panamanians.
“We address the commercial exchange between Panama and India and the advantages that our country offers for the establishment of more companies; also about the opportunities for cooperation, and our interest in developing a centre of technological excellence and innovation,” Cortizo tweeted.
Jaishankar also met his counterpart Janaina Tewaney Mencomo and discussed ways to strengthen the bilateral relationship.
“Much of the talks were devoted to how to deepen our friendship, and how to expand our cooperation. Among the specific issues we discussed were those pertaining to trade and investment, the possibilities of exploring a logistics hub here for Indian companies,” Jaishankar said.
He said they deliberated on the challenges of affordable health of more decentralised production of medicines in the world, including in this region and discussed possibilities in energy and in renewables.
He said the new India and new Panama will work together in the contemporary era.
Panama has positioned itself as a major logistics hub in Latin America.
Mencomo said her meeting with Jaishankar was an opportunity to discuss the issues on the common agenda and strengthen the bilateral relationship based on shared values.
“It was a pleasure to welcome all the participants of the LAC-India Business Forum, an initiative that promotes the development and economic dynamism between our region and the fifth largest economy in the world. We promote Panama as a strategic point for trade and investment,” PTI reported quoting Mencomo.
Jaishankar also delivered the keynote address at the India-Latin America business event on 24 April, listing out 10 reasons why India’s business collaboration with Latin America has strong merits and endeavours.
“Nearing US$50 billion, India-Latin America trade has a much-diversified basket. Significant increase in investments and interest in mining, energy, agro and infrastructure sectors will power it further,” he said.
Jaishankar also met Indian-origin members of the National Civil Protection System in Panama. fiinews.com
