World Economic Forum, public.affairs@weforum.org
World Economic Forum convenes senior government and business leaders in Panama City for a Country Strategy Meeting on 21-22 October 2026.
A special dialogue with President José Raúl Mulino will explore Panama’s economic prospects, strategic priorities and efforts to advance economic growth and resilience.
The meeting will highlight Panama’s role as a strategic gateway to global markets, with a focus on trade, logistics, energy and investment opportunities.
The World Economic Forum expresses its solidarity to the people and government of Panama as the country recovers from the impact of the recent earthquake.
Panama City, Panama, 21 October 2026 – The World Economic Forum will host a Country Strategy Meeting on Panama on 21-22 October 2026 in Panama City. Organized in collaboration with President José Raúl Mulino and the Government of Panama, the meeting brings together global business and government leaders to engage on Panama’s strategic priorities and economic prospects amid changing international dynamics
Panama plays an important role in international trade, logistics and energy flows, especially due to its position in trade and economic exchange between the Americas and global markets. In this context, Panama serves as a key venue for engagement between the public and private sectors.
“Supporting an estimated 5% of maritime global trade, Panama occupies a distinctive and strategic position in the global economy, while operating in an evolving international environment presenting both new opportunities and challenges,” said Alois Zwinggi, President and CEO, World Economic Forum. “The Country Strategy Meeting provides a unique opportunity to exchange perspectives on how Panama can build on its strategic advantages, attract investment and create the conditions for more competitive, resilient and sustainable growth.”
“Panama welcomes the World Economic Forum following a profound test of the country's resilience,” said José Raúl Mulino, President of the Republic of Panama. “I express my gratitude to the World Economic Forum and participants of the Country Strategy Meeting for their unwavering solidarity in the wake of the recent seismic events that struck our nation. We are confident that, together, we will emerge stronger. Today, Panama is positioning itself as the ultimate regional hub for sustainable growth, clean energy and resilient logistics. In partnership with the World Economic Forum, we are committed to building strong public-private alliances that foster global trade and drive lasting and inclusive development for our nation and the region.”
The programme will include a special dialogue with President Mulino, providing global CEOs and Chairs with a platform to discuss Panama’s strategic priorities and long-term economic prospects. High-level discussions with senior cabinet members will address macroeconomic stability, investment-climate reforms and opportunities in key sectors.
A series of dialogues with the Panama government and business leaders will examine how Panama can enhance its ecosystem for key industrial clusters, strengthen supply chain resilience, promote the circular economy and embed nature-positive solutions into port-anchored industrial systems.
Selected senior representatives from the Forum’s partner community will co-chair the meeting:
Toby Rice, President and Chief Executive Officer, EQT Corporation
Vincent Clerc, Chief Executive Officer, A.P., Møller-Maersk A/S
Andrés Gluski, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, AES Corporation
Niclas Mårtensson, Chief Executive Officer, Stena Line Group
“Panama has long played an outsized role in connecting the world, serving as a vital crossroads for global trade and commerce,” said Toby Z. Rice, President & CEO, EQT Corporation. “At a time when energy security, economic resilience, and geopolitical stability are increasingly interconnected, Panama’s strategic importance is undeniable. Forums like this provide an important opportunity to bring together leaders from across government and industry to discuss the challenges and priorities shaping our shared future.”
“Panama already connects the world through trade, and with reliable, competitive and diversified energy, it can also attract the technologies, industries and investments shaping the next generation of global growth,” said Andrés Gluski, AES Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. ”AES is proud of our nearly three decades in Panama and remains committed to advancing this opportunity in partnership with the country.”
“Given the importance of shipping to global trade and Panama’s vital role in this network, it feels both natural and necessary to hold this kind of gathering here, focusing on our shared priorities in transport, trade and sustainable development,” said Niclas M Mårtensson, CEO of Stena Line. “Achieving progress on our common agenda requires dialogue between business, policymakers and academia. The World Economic Forum and the Country Strategy Meeting on Panama provide precisely such a platform, and I am both grateful and honoured to have the opportunity to take part.”
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