Shippers are waiting to see what will happen in February

He the international logistics sector is waiting on whether the Panama Canal will reduce the daily passage to only 18 ships from February 1.

So far the impact has not been greatbecause most shipping companies have an advantage in the Channel over bulk carriers and tankers, who opt for the auctions offered by the interoceanic route to cross or go around the south of the continent.

Jan Trittin, Managing Director in Central America and the Caribbean for Kuehne+Nagelone of the world’s major logistics providers, estimated that the reduction in daily transits from February will certainly have an impact, particularly in the United States.

“A few shipping companies see what they can do. We have to see what the effect will be.“, said the expert.

How would this affect Panama if the measure is implemented?

In Trittino’s opinion, it would affect the country’s incomebecause the shippers will start looking for other solutions in order not to be damaged.

“I hope that the Government can present a plan to avoid this in the future. and we have a solution to have more water in the reservoirs,” he stated.

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) This year, she received land from the state in order to realize the plan of obtaining more water sources.

So far he has announced it The number of ships that can cross the Channel will increase to 24 in Januarygiven the rains recorded in November and the water savings they had.

Production

The logistics sector must bet continue to attract investors to the country that they not only distribute goods, but also produce them in our area, said Trittin.

“If Panama produces, it will be much easier to employ people and send the final product to the rest of the region“, He said.

He added that he hoped Panama can focus on a sector or some products to attract these companies and start producing here.

The regional director of Kuehne+Nage agrees with what the president expressed Association of Exporters (Apex)Víctor Pérez III, that we should continue to promote export production zones.

“I think it’s a very interesting model. In the end, Panama has all the resources for that; “It has a lot of space, excellent road infrastructure, access to both oceans and an efficient airport,” he described.

The free trade zone They serve as an ideal scenario for attracting more production and bringing those companies that not only store cargo and distribute it here, but also do the work of production.

“They have to import raw materials, packaging, produce and then export. It is a round package that would be ideal for the countryTrittin said.