PANAMA WINS THE EMBASSY CHEF CHALLENGE 2024

In this photo: Nycci Nellis, Chef Jovana Urriola, GRUFOLPAWA’s dancer, Angie Gates / President and CEO Events DC

The Embassy of Panama in the United States, with the participation of the Panamanian Chef, Jovana Urriola, was the winner of the "DC Embassy Chef Challenge", an event held in Washington D.C., last Thursday, March 7, 2024, in which 23 diplomatic representations from around the world participated.

March 7, 2024. Chef Jovana Urriola stood out by winning this renowned and traditional competition, which more than 1,200 people attended. Five jurors unanimously selected Panama as the night's best dish, highlighting that the Panamanian Embassy booth provided the "complete experience" they sought to award. It is the first time Panama has won this competition, which has been held for 15 years.

The chef presented a dish called "Dumpling stuffed with chicken tamale with an Afro-Caribbean sauce,” inspired by the diversity of cultures and culinary influences that coexist in Panama and define us as a nation.

At the event, the Embassy took the opportunity to offer information about Panama, including how to get there, what to visit, our cultural and gastronomic richness, and well-known biodiversity. The Folkloric Group of Panama in Washington (GRUFOLPAWA) made the attendees dance traditional dances such as the Danesa and the VivaPanamá.

Ambassador Ramon Martinez participated in the event and shared with the team the pride for Panama's achievement at this cultural event held in the capital of the United States.  He congratulated Chef Urriola on her outstanding participation, charisma, and indisputable talent in culinary art.

Chef Jovana Urriola has more than a decade of experience in various culinary environments. In 2018, she won second place in the international competition "Top Chef Panama." She also owns the restaurant Artisan Kitchen in Casco Viejo, Panama City.

In the drinks category, we participated with a tropical punch called "Diablo Rojo." It is an exquisite mixture of Panamanian rum, fruits such as pineapple, saril, and lemon, with a touch of chili pepper and coconut fragrance that symbolizes the warmth of the Panamanian tropical climate and our sense of adventure.

The executive Chef of the White House was among the judges. The event gave foodies in D.C. the opportunity to sample food from each country.

Alianza Estratégica: Panamá y Arizona State University Firman Importante Acuerdo de Cooperación Científica y Educativa para Impulsar Tecnologías Avanzadas

  • El MOU tiene como objetivo establecer un mecanismo de cooperación para identificar y promover oportunidades de colaboración entre la ASU y diversas entidades panameñas, incluyendo instituciones gubernamentales, académicas, otras organizaciones y el sector privado.

 

  • Este acuerdo se centra en áreas estratégicas como semiconductores, ciberseguridad, tecnologías emergentes y otras disciplinas relevantes para la cadena de suministro.

Arizona, Estados Unidos.  4 de octubre, 2023.  En un esfuerzo por impulsar la cooperación en el campo de la tecnología avanzada y fortalecer los lazos científicos y educativos entre Panamá y los Estados Unidos, la Junta de Regentes de Arizona State University (ASU), representada por el Sr. Michael M. Crow, Presidente de ASU, y el Embajador de la República de Panamá ante los Estados Unidos, Ramón E. Martínez de la Guardia en representación al Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Panamá, han firmado un Memorando de Entendimiento (MOU) histórico y significativas oportunidades para ambas partes.

 Áreas clave de cooperación:

 1. Identificación de oportunidades con autoridades gubernamentales de Panamá para desarrollar programas educativos técnicos y profesionales.

2. Colaboración con entidades panameñas para el desarrollo de programas relacionados con semiconductores, ciberseguridad y tecnologías emergentes.

3. Exploración conjunta de fuentes de financiamiento para el desarrollo de la mano de obra panameña en sectores clave.

4. Desarrollo de programas de capacitación en colaboración con instituciones académicas panameñas.

5. Exploración de la viabilidad de establecer un Centro Global para el Desarrollo de la Fuerza Laboral en Tecnología Avanzada en Panamá.

6. Intercambio de información y exploración de otras áreas de interés y colaboración.

 El MOU también prevé la posibilidad de identificar otras áreas de interés y colaboración que puedan surgir en el futuro.

Cada actividad de cooperación bajo este MOU se basará en acuerdos técnicos específicos que serán negociados y suscritos entre ASU y las instituciones panameñas correspondientes.

Estos acuerdos abordarán detalles como planes de trabajo, duración, costos, derechos de propiedad intelectual y otros términos pertinentes para proyectos de cooperación internacional.

Este Memorando de Entendimiento refleja el compromiso de Panamá y Arizona State University de promover la innovación, el desarrollo económico y la formación de una fuerza laboral altamente capacitada en áreas críticas de la tecnología avanzada.

 

Strategic Alliance: Panama and Arizona State University Sign Important Agreement to Strengthen Scientific and Educational Cooperation in Advanced Technologies

  • The MOU aims to establish a cooperation mechanism to identify and promote collaboration opportunities between ASU and various Panamanian entities, including governmental, academic, other organizations, and the private sector.

  • This agreement focuses on strategic areas such as semiconductors, cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and other disciplines relevant to the supply chain.

Arizona, United States. October 4, 2023. To boost cooperation in the field of advanced technology and strengthen scientific and educational ties between Panama and the United States, the Board of Regents of Arizona State University (ASU), represented by Mr. Michael M. Crow, President of ASU, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Panama to the United States, Ramón E. Martínez de la Guardia, on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama, have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that holds significant opportunities for both parties.

Key areas of cooperation include:

  1. Identify opportunities with Panamanian government authorities to develop technical and professional educational programs.

  2. Collaboration with Panamanian entities for developing programs related to semiconductors, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.

  3. Joint exploration of funding sources for developing the Panamanian workforce in key sectors.

  4. Development of training programs in collaboration with Panamanian academic institutions.

  5. Exploration of the feasibility of establishing a Global Center for Workforce Development in Advanced Technology in Panama.

  6. Exchange of information and exploration of other areas of interest and collaboration.

The MOU also foresees the possibility of identifying additional areas of interest and collaboration that may arise. Each cooperation activity under this MOU will be based on specific technical agreements negotiated and signed between ASU and the corresponding Panamanian institutions. These agreements will address work plans, duration, costs, intellectual property rights, and other relevant terms for international cooperation projects.

This Memorandum of Understanding reflects the commitment of Panama and Arizona State University to promoting innovation, economic development, and the training of a highly skilled workforce in critical areas of advanced technology.

Governments of Panama and the United States Announce New Partnership to Foster a Resilient Global Semiconductor Ecosystem

July 20, 2023

The National Government announced today that the United States has chosen our country as one of the few selected worldwide to establish a collaboration to reinforce the global value chain of semiconductors, commonly known as chips.

"Panama's unparalleled logistical capabilities, the favorable business environment, and the remarkable political stability make it an exceptional option as a center for assembly, packaging, and testing of semiconductors," said President Laurentino Cortizo Cohen. "The expansion of this industry in Panama has the potential to create well-paid jobs, particularly for young people, while improving the technological capabilities of our country's skilled labor," according to the President of the Republic.

He also explained that this is part of his administration's ongoing commitment to create opportunities for the next generation of Panamanians, particularly in the technological sector.

"The collaboration with the United States represents a crucial step to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of this vital industry," the president said when announcing this important agreement.

As an initial measure within this newly formed partnership, the United States and Panama will work closely together to carry out an in-depth assessment of the existing semiconductor ecosystem in the country, to identify Panama's strengths and areas for improvement within the sector, providing valuable insights for future collaborations in the development of this critical industry.

The review will be financed by the International Technology Security and Innovation Fund ("ITSI Fund"). Approved under the 2022 CHIPS Act, the fund is managed by the US Department of State to support and promote collaboration with countries considered crucial for the semiconductor industry.

Panama recognizes the importance of semiconductor technology as a cornerstone of economic growth, national security, and technological innovation. It plays a key role in various industries, including telecommunications, automotive, health, and consumer electronics. With the rapid evolution of digital transformation and the growing dependence on advanced electronics, securing the semiconductor value chain has become a global imperative.

Recognizing the importance of workforce development in high-tech fields such as semiconductors, the Government of Panama has engaged in talks with Arizona State University, a leading institution in innovation and a renowned player in the semiconductor industry. Panama's goal is to create a cooperation platform with the university, to cultivate a Panamanian workforce that is trained and capable of seizing promising opportunities, such as those presented by the United States.

Trilateral Joint Statement

Colombia, Panama and United States

April 11, 2023

Today, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama, Janaina Tewaney, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, Álvaro Leyva Durán, and the US Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, led high-level delegations and met in Panama City to discuss joint efforts to tackle one of the region's most pressing problems: irregular migration.

The American delegation comprised the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, Samantha Power, the Commander of the United States Southern Command, General Laura Richardson, and senior representatives of the entire Administration.

The heads of delegation reaffirm and express their commitment to the road map established in the joint communiqué of February 14 of this year in Apartadó, Colombia.

Recognizing our shared interest and responsibility to prevent risk to human life, disrupt transnational criminal organizations, and preserve vital rainforests, the governments of Panama, Colombia, and the United States intend to conduct a coordinated two-month campaign to address to the grave humanitarian situation in Darien.

The Darien is one of these regional challenges. Each year, tens of thousands of migrants attempt to cross the Panama-Colombia border, placing their lives in the hands of smugglers, and many perish trying to cross the treacherous terrain.

Through this coordinated 60-day campaign and sustained cooperation, the three governments will seek to achieve the following ambitious goals:

1. End the illicit movement of people and goods through the Darién, both by land and sea corridors, which leads to the death and exploitation of vulnerable people for significant profits.

2. Open new legal and flexible pathways for tens of thousands of migrants and refugees as an alternative to irregular migration.

3. Implement a plan to reduce poverty, improve the provision of public services, create employment and promote economic and sustainable opportunities in the border communities of northern Colombia and southern Panama, through international alliances between financial institutions, civil society and the private sector.

This trilateral meeting serves as a call to action for the entire region to come together to tackle irregular migration, in the spirit of the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection.

SpaceX will soon launch Starlink satellite internet system in Panama

Panama will become one of the few countries in the region to have the services of this prestigious company, which strategically positions the country as a reference in innovation.

After a productive meeting at the Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) facilities, we announced that soon, with the support and coordination of the National Authority for Government Innovation (AIG), they will be launching their Starlink satellite internet system in our country.

Panama will become one of the few countries in the region to have this prestigious company and strategically positions Panama as a reference in innovation.

In addition, we talked about how we can collaborate on initiatives that can positively impact the country's connectivity, education, and economic reactivation.


Ministry of Commerce and META announce alliance to train 20 thousand Panamanians

The Minister of Commerce and Industries (MICI), Federico Alfaro Boyd, met with representatives of the technology company, Meta, within the framework of the IX Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, United States, to discuss programs of training in digital skills for young Panamanians.-

After the successful meeting held with the head of Commerce and Industries, Federico Alfaro Boyd, Meta announced this free training in digital skills for some 20,000 young people, entrepreneurs, and owners of small and medium-sized companies in Panama, in the next three years.

The courses range from digital literacy to the use of digital marketing resources to boost small businesses and the creation of Augmented Reality effects, which consist of computer filters applied to real-world images.

“This meeting with Meta is the beginning of a strategic and important relationship since Panama has the capacity to be a powerhouse in the digital economy”, highlighted Alfaro Boyd.

“Technology opens up exciting new opportunities for developers and entrepreneurs. Meta wants to support the development of digital skills in Panama, with the aim of promoting economic opportunities in the country”, said Iñigo Fernández, Director of Public Policies of Meta for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.

The meeting in Los Angeles was also attended by the former Minister of Commerce and Industry, Ramón Martínez de la Guardia, and the Vice President of Public Policies of Meta for Latin America, Pedro Less.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Mouynes Completes the Panamanian Agenda in the Summit of the Americas and Receives the Petitions of Minors and Civil Society

Los Angeles, California, United States. Minister Erika Mouynes, as part of the delegation that President Laurentino Cortizo Cohen leads, participated with the Secretary of State of the United State Antony Blinken, in the ministerial meeting of the closing of the Summit Implementation Review Group of the Americas, within which some fundamental texts were approved that will be submitted for the assessment of the presidents attending the IX edition of these calls, inaugurated this Tuesday in Los Angeles.

Among other documents, support was given to the plans of action for health, green transition, energy and environment, digital transformation, and democratic governing. The panel in which the President of Panama presided with Canada proposed initiatives to re-enforce democracy and support the workforce for the electoral missions of the Organization of the United States or OEA in Spanish, strengthen the Democratic Card and the compromise against corruption, central themes of the presidential appointments of which Panama participated.

As well, the Panamanian ministry was one of the governmental interlocutors in the Forum for Civil Society and Social Actors with the Secretary of State of the United States, Antony Blinken, of which the Panamanian Adela Panizo Asprilla was part as well.

With the counterpart of the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica, the chancellor was witness to the new encounter of the president of the countries in the Alliance for the Development of Democracy that gave welcome to the newly elected president of the latter country Rodrigo Chaves.

In a meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Relations of Canada, Melanie Joly touched on the important economic and important themes for Panama like the application to amplify the number of aerial frequencies between the two countries and receive more Canadian tourists. They have already shown a predilection for the Panamanian offer, in addition to greater support in the processing of Canadian visas, to strengthen the coming together of both peoples, particularly investors and sportsmen.

Also with minister Joly, the chancellor of Chile, Antonia Urrejola, and Samantha Power, administrator for the Agency of International Cooperation of the United States (USAID), the Panamanian chancellor was a panelist in the Leadership Forum of Women: Advancing in the Equality of Gender and Democracy in the Americas, where the "Panamanian Plan to Promote Participation of Women in Public Affairs" was presented in the presence of the Panamanian Maria del Carmen Plata, secretary of Equity, Rights, and Access of the OEA; Alejandra Mora Mora,

Executive secretary of the Inter-American Commission of Women and Clarissa Etienne, director of the Organization of Pan American health or OPS in Spanish.

As part of the work agenda and the reinforcement of the Diplomatic Climate Strategy in the development of the Ministry, the minister Mouynes attended the joint declaration for the protection of the oceans, "America for the Protection of the Ocean," that Panama subscribes to jointly with Canada, Costa Rica, Chile, Ecuador, United States, Mexico, and Peru.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mouynes intervened, herself, in the closing session of the VI Forum of the Young Americans, followed through the means of more than 2,000 young people with the president of Colombia, Ivan Duque, and the Ambassador of Peru in the OEA Harold Forsyth who asserted the importance of securing real spaces of representation for young people in decision making.

The same space coincided with the president of Peru, Pedro Castillo, who talked about the proposal to include environmental education as part of the academic curriculum within primary education.

During the interventions, as part of the delegation that accompanies the president Laurentino Cortizo Cohen to the IX Summit of the Americas "Constructing a sustainable, resilient, and equitable future", the Ministry of Foreign Relations established the Panamanian will to input initiatives to resolve the joint, common problems that confront the region not only for the effect of the pandemic but also for the scarcities and vulnerabilities of other countries of the continent.

President Cortizo Cohen Calls on the Leaders of the Americas to Refocus Actions Against Irregular Migration

  • The Chief Executive invited the leaders of the Americas to pass concrete actions and respond to the shared challenges with one voice.

  • He emphasized that the region has unique forces that can create a great effort to surpass today's challenges and those of the future.

  • Panama can contribute to the economic recuperation with its logistic capacities: better maritime connection, area, and digital from the region, and "the conviction of the Panamanians in the value of peace, cohabitation, and the union of our people."

The president of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, during his intervention in the first plenary session of the IX Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, United States, warned other leaders of the hemisphere that one of the most pressing challenges that confront the Americas today is the irregular migration crisis that has roots in the lack of opportunities for the migrants in their country of origin.

"Would you abandon your country if you had to live with all the living conditions that force you to look for life in other countries?" questioned Cortizo Cohen before the auditorium located in the Los Angeles Convention Center.

"The responses to this situation demand effective actions from each country with shared regional support", Cortizo Cohen underlined.

The Panamanian government also declares that in today's world in the middle the effects of the pandemic and the drama from the war in Ukraine create unprecedented, concrete impacts on the cost of combustibles and food resources whose consequences aggravate the material conditions of the most vulnerable sectors.

Cortizo Cohen took the opportunity to call the leaders of the Americas to refocus actions and work together in better regional unity that would allow us to move forward in this changing global reality, find mechanisms, and financial resources, and help us maintain the completion of the sustainable development objectives.

Cortizo Cohen emphasized that our region has richness and diversity; each one of our countries counts on unique forces that can support the great, unified effort to surpass the challenges of today and the future.

In this effort, Cortizo Cohen said that Panama can contribute with its logistic capacities that include better maritime, areal, and digital connection to the region; "the Panama Canal and its 180 maritime routes that serve 1,920 ports in 170 countries; the Logistic, Regional Center for Humanitarian Aid, and above all "the conviction of the Panamanians in the value of peace, cohabitation, and the union of our people."

In relation to climate change, the Panamanian president unveiled that Panama does its job punctually and in some cases anticipatingly alongside the compromises contracted for the conservation and protection of the life of the planet.

"Panama is one of the three countries in the world declared to be carbon negative and who also achieved 30% protection of its marine areas nine years before the term began for compliance for global goals, he highlighted.

In the first hours this morning, Cortizo Cohen signed the declaration, "America for the Protection of the Oceans" alongside other leaders of the region: tomorrow, Friday the 10th of June, he will continue his work agenda in Los Angeles with a bilateral reunion with the president Gabriel Boric from Chile, and he will participate in the second plenary session of the IX Summit of the Americas, whose slogan is "Constructing a sustainable, resilient, and equitable future."

The Summit has been celebrated approximately one time every three years since 1994 and is the only meeting with all the leaders from the countries of North America, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

The panamanian delegation is programmed to return to the country on the 11th of June during the night.

President Cortizo Cohen Reaffirms the Panamanian Compromise for the Protection of the Oceans

  • He signed the American Declaration for the Protection of the Oceans alongside other leaders of the region

  • He promised to establish a working plan with initiatives and actions to collaborate, coordinate, and share experiences that promote cooperation between the National Systems of Protected Marine Areas.

The president of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, signed today the declaration, "America for the Protection of the Oceans" alongside other leaders of the region with the end goal of advancing regional mechanisms that permit the development of scientific knowledge and the exchange of best practices.

This declaration's objective is to formalize the processes of declaring and implementing effective areas for marine protection.

The signing governments agreed to establish the coalition "America for the Protection of the Oceans", whose principal objective is to create a collaborative, cooperative, and coordinated space at the political level for marine protected areas and other effective measures for conservation-based in pacific areas.

Cortizo Cohen showed that in Panama, "we understand that our economic model is not sustainable for the long term if we do not appropriately preserve the environment and its resources".

"Our national politics for the protection of the oceans promotes converting our country into a model for the Latin American region where marine resources and coasts are protected, conserved,

valued, and utilized in a sustainable way to positively impact the quality of life of our people in an inclusive and participatory form with sustainable politics based on scientific and technological findings that can be implemented in a successful way within the legal system that guarantees that the oceans and seas will be respected", expressed Cortizo Cohen.

Cortizo Cohen affirmed that Panama will be dedicated as a "Blue Leader" with the goal of protecting the 30% of marine spaces which will demonstrate a great compromise with the objectives of the alliance for the 30X30 that promotes the protection of at least 30% of territorial waters in the signing countries in 2030.

Also, Panama recently unveiled their undertaking of "pro tempore" presidency of the Marine Passage of the Eastern Tropical Pacific or CMAR in Spanish with the signing of the compromise that the four countries will work together in a unified, political effort that recognizes the urgent need to protect and restore the health of our ocean and construct a sustainable, marine economy.

"We are pleased to announce that next year in Panama will be the headquarters of the International Conference Our Ocean, a global reunion that looks to form and mobilize the wishes of each government, private sector, and civil society in the compromise of protecting and maintaining the ocean from illegal fishing, marine contamination, climate change, and acidification among other threats", Cortizo Cohen added.

The declaration, "America for the Protection of the Oceans" includes the cooperation of indigenous populations and non-government entities like The Civil Society Organization, International Organisms, administrators from the Marine Protected Areas, other effective measures of conservation-based areas, and foundations which can collaborate and participate in the success of these objectives.

Cortizo Cohen as head of state will participate in the first plenary session for the opening of the IX Summit of the Americas, and later he will make his entrance into the Los Angeles Convention Center this afternoon.

The attending presidents who signed were Gabriel Boric from Chile, Guillermo Lasso from Ecuador, Ivan Duque from Colombia, Rodrigo Chaves from Costa Rica, Jose Pedro Castillo from Peru, Justin Trudeau from Canada, and John Kerry the presidential envoy for the environment from the United States.