EPA LINK ATTENDS THE VIETNAM-PANAMA BUSINESS FORUM 2026: CONNECTING MARKETS AND EXPLORING GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES
On 7 October 2026, the EPA LINK team attended the Vietnam–Panama Business Forum at the Melia Hanoi Hotel. Organised by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in collaboration with the Embassy of Panama in Vietnam and the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama, the forum took place during the official visit to Vietnam by Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino. The event brought together business representatives to explore trade, investment and opportunities for bilateral cooperation.
For EPA LINK, the forum provided an opportunity to gain further insights into Panama’s business environment, explore potential international partnerships and better understand the country's strategic role in global trade.
1. VIETNAM AND PANAMA: TWO NATIONS WITH DISTINCTIVE S-SHAPED OUTLINES
One of the most memorable visual highlights of the forum was the comparison between the geographical outlines of Vietnam and Panama.
Vietnam is widely recognised for its elongated, S-shaped territory stretching along the eastern coast of mainland Southeast Asia. Panama, meanwhile, is a narrow land bridge connecting North and South America, bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
Although their geographical settings are different, the two countries share a strong connection to the sea and international commerce. This visual comparison offered an engaging reminder of how geography can shape a country's role in global connectivity, transportation and trade.
2. PANAMA: A STRATEGIC GATEWAY FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Panama plays an important role in global maritime transportation, logistics and international distribution. Its strategic location, the Panama Canal and the Colón Free Zone make it a significant hub connecting international shipping routes and commercial markets.
For Vietnamese businesses, Panama presents potential opportunities to explore Latin American markets and establish new commercial relationships. Conversely, Vietnam can serve as a potential gateway for Panamanian companies seeking to expand into ASEAN and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
The forum highlighted the complementary potential of the two economies and the importance of strengthening commercial connections between Southeast Asia and Latin America.
3. “MADE IN PANAMA”: UNDERSTANDING TARIFFS AND RULES OF ORIGIN
Another important consideration when exploring Panama as a potential trade and distribution hub is its trade relationship with the United States.
The United States and Panama have a Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA), which provides preferential market access for eligible products under specific tariff schedules and rules of origin.
However, a “Made in Panama” label does not automatically mean that a product can enter the United States with a zero-percent import tariff. Eligibility depends on the product's tariff classification, applicable rules of origin, compliance with the agreement and the trade measures in effect at the time of importation.
Businesses considering Panama as a manufacturing, sourcing or distribution base should therefore assess the relevant customs requirements and tariff treatment before making strategic decisions. A clear understanding of these rules is essential for building compliant and sustainable cross-border supply chains.
4. EPA LINK: BUILDING CONNECTIONS AND DISCOVERING NEW OPPORTUNITIES
Attending the Vietnam–Panama Business Forum enabled the EPA LINK team to gain market insights, engage with the broader international business landscape and explore potential avenues for cross-border cooperation.
As businesses increasingly look beyond traditional markets, international forums provide valuable platforms for dialogue, knowledge exchange and relationship building. They also help businesses better understand regional opportunities, commercial requirements and the importance of reliable international partnerships.
From Vietnam to Panama, from Asia to Latin America, EPA LINK continues to explore connections that bring businesses and markets closer together.
EVENT INFORMATION
Event: Vietnam–Panama Business Forum 2026
Date: 7 October 2026
Venue: Melia Hanoi Hotel, Hanoi, Vietnam
Organisers: Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), in collaboration with the Embassy of Panama in Vietnam and the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama
Focus: Trade promotion, investment, international partnerships and bilateral economic cooperation
EPA LINK – Connecting Markets, Creating Opportunities.
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