October 19, 2020

The  Tocumen International Airport strictly complies with the biosafety  protocols established by the Health Ministry of the Republic of Panama,  for the safe restart of the commercial aerial operations, as of October  12.

We have adapted to the new normal to  take care of you in each stage of your journey. The biosafety  recommendations and guides are essential to support our operations  during transit through our facilities.

We are ready to restart flight  connections with Latin America, the Caribbean, South America, Central  America and Europe, committed to maintaining the highest health,  hygienic and safety standards according to protocols recognized by  international organizations that regulate aviation, so that your  experience through our terminals, will be on time, comfortable and safe.

¡Tocumen Takes Care of You! Last updated on [September 24, 2020]. The protocols will be updated as necessary.       

Please click for more information https://www.tocumenaeropuerto.com/biosafety-protocol/  

 PANAMA ADVOCATES FOR SOLIDARITY BETWEEN GOVERNMENTS TO URGENTLY ADDRESS CREW CHANGES WHILE BENEFITING ALL SEAFARERS 

PANAMA – September  29, 2020

“Panama, as the first ship registry in the world with more than 8 thousand flagged vessels, feels the responsibility of representing the interests of the seafarers, as well as the shipowners and operators, who urgently need the help and solidarity of the rest of the world, for this reason we call on all governments to act urgently and responsibly, to allow crew changes, "said the Director General of Seafarers (DGGM) of the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), Captain Juan Maltez during the meeting called "COVID-19 and changes in maritime crew: A humanitarian, safety and economic crisis". 

This activity was carried out virtually as part of the celebration of the World Maritime Day, of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which on this occasion was coordinated with the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Global Compact, in collaboration with the International Chamber of Shipping and the International Federation of Transport Workers, during the high-level opening week of the 75th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. 

The Minister of Maritime Affairs, Arch. Noriel Araúz in the official act communicated that the main objective of participating was to share with the world the experiences acquired by the Republic of Panama during the last seven (7) months with respect to the crisis of crew changes, triggered by the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). 

Panama is aware of the great value that seafarers represent and of the commendable mission they play for the entire world by keeping the supply chain active, which is why, since the beginning of this health crisis, we issued the Merchant Marine Notice 003, with the purpose of temporarily regulating the extension of labor agreements for crews in the face of global lockdowns, which forced seafarers to stay on board for longer than stipulated and not be able to disembark, these extensions came to an end on September 14, 2020.

Among the various actions taken by the AMP in favor of seafarers, the following stand out: 

• Extend the validity of medical and training certificates and licenses for national and foreign seafarers on board Panamanian ships. 

• Support IMO's decision to designate seafarers as "Key Workers", effective 17 May 2020. 

• Protocols called "Diagram of the modalities for repatriation, disembarkation and boarding of crew members" were drawn up, which through seven (7) different modalities guarantee safe crew changes, following the guidelines of IMO Circular Letter 4204 / add14 issued by IMO. 

• On September 8, we officially endorsed IMO Circular Letter No. 4204 / add 29, which contemplates three (3) main points: Designate all seafarers and maritime personnel (not only nationals) within their jurisdiction as key workers providing an essential service; implement the protocols and guidelines of the series of circular letters N ° 4204 and allow safe and secure crew changes; eliminate other barriers to crew changes such as visa restrictions, flight restrictions, national travel and movement restrictions, access to medical care and exams, etc.

Our nation, through the implementation of these Protocols, has facilitated crew changes and repatriations, benefiting to date some 8,268 people, including passengers and crew, of more than 50 different nationalities, covering all types of ships and yachts, also in the same period of time 1,787 seafarers have embarked. 

We show our solidarity by providing timely humanitarian assistance to the "Zaandam" and "Rotterdam" cruises, by transferring their passengers and crew, they were also provided with supplies, medicines, medical equipment and their transit through the Panama Canal was coordinated, avoiding a greater tragedy.

We recognize that several countries support crew changes, but this is not enough. It is time for us to act together urgently and responsibly to allow crew changes, if there are no crew changes, shipping stops and the consequences will no longer be only for seafarers, but also for the rest of the world and its economy. 

Seafarers need to return to their country of origin and those trapped on land must embark, so that goods and all trade can take place safely, this can be achieved through the protocols issued by the IMO, and Panama is an undeniable sample of it. 

In this meeting, in addition to Minister Araúz and Director Maltez, participated: the Minister of Transport of Canada, Marc Garneau, the Minister of Transport of Kenya, James Macharia, the Secretary of Transport of the Philippines, Arthur Tugade and the Minister of the Sea of France, Annick Girardin while UN Global Compact Special Advisor on Oceans, Sturla Henriksen served as moderator. 

The global maritime slogan for 2020 is "Sustainable maritime transport for a sustainable planet", providing the opportunity for the entire maritime community to strengthen its commitment and demonstrate the various actions carried out by IMO and its Member States to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (ODS) of the United Nations, which this September 25 will celebrate five (5) years since its proclamation.

World Maritime Day was established by the IMO Governing Council at its thirty-eighth session, in 1978. Each year, through a different slogan, it provides an opportunity to focus attention on the importance of global shipping or other aspects that the organization wishes to highlight. This year it is being carried out for the first time in a virtual way due to the pandemic produced by the coronavirus (COVID-19).

3-Septiembre-2020   "El Gobierno Nacional de la República de Panamá ha decidido modificar numeral 1 del artículo 2 de la Resolución No. 766 de 13  de agosto de 2020, que establece medidas sanitarias para los pasajeros  que ingresen a la República de Panamá, mientras se mantenga el Estado de  Emergencia Nacional."

Se debe cumplir con una prueba negativa de PCR o de antígeno 96hrs. antes de ingresar al país o de pasar por aduana, y cumplir con el periodo de cuarentena"   

3-Sept-2020  "The Government of the Republic of Panama has decided to lift the restriction of entry to the country for nationals and residents."

It must comply with a negative PCR or antigen test 96hrs. before entering the country or going through customs, and comply with the quarantine period "

PRESS RELEASE

THE TRUTH ABOUT THE MAURITIUS ISLAND AND THE SHIP REGISTRY

PANAMA – AUGUST 16, 2020---- The Panama Ship Registry wants to respond to an unfortunate video circulating on social media, which is slanderous, defamatory, disrespectful and evil intentioned not only for the Panama Ship Registry but also our country and the way we do corporate business. It shows the total absence of knowledge on what are the international regulations that govern the maritime industry worldwide and more flagrantly, what is the Panama Ship Registry.

Contrary to what the video voices, the shipping industry is not unsafe; ships, that carry most of the world trade, are not dangerous.  The Panama Ship Registry, the world’s leader in number of vessels and tonnage, is also a leader in environmental safety and labor conventions and abides by all the international conventions established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labor Organization. As a result, it has been on the White Lists of the Paris MoU for the past ten years, and of the Tokyo MoU and other Port State Control organizations, which record the safety of the vessels calling ports worldwide. 

The bulk carrier Wakashio, was built by Universal Shipbuilding Corporation in Japan and incorporated to the Panamanian Registry on March 29, 2007, and has all its valid technical certification, issued by the NKCLASS (Nippon Kaiji Kyokai) Classification Society, a statutory certification valid until April 22, 2021, when it must undergo its cycle of inspections for due renovations. The last flag inspection was completed in Japan, March 1, 2020 in Kawasaki, Japan, and a previous Port State Inspection was conducted at Por Hedland, WA, Australia on the 14th of February 2020. Therefore, the ship, both in its structure and equipment, complies with the International Conventions established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). 

The Wakashio was manned by twenty (20) persons of different nationalities; all of them carried the proper certificates required for their positions and responsibilities on board, as required by the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers and the insurance policies relating to pollution prevention; and as for civil liabilities, protection, indemnity and insurances, they are still in force and all were issued by The Japan Ship Owners' Mutual Protection & Indemnity Association, one of the most prestigious companies available in the market. 

This video accuses the Ship Registry of being laxed on the application of safety regulations. Nevertheless, as cited before, the Wakashio had passed all the required inspections, had the necessary insurance policies and was safe to sail.

The Panama Ship Registry deeply regrets the fuel spill on the coast of Mauritius as a result of this serious maritime accident and the Panama Maritime Authority [ the State body that oversees the Ship Registry] has offered its full cooperation to the authorities of the island of Mauritius with regards to the investigations into the causes of the accident. At present, the Panamanian Ship Registry is conducting the relevant investigations under the rules of the Code for the Investigation of Marine Casualties and Incidents, approved by the promulgation of Resolution A.849(20) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). 

It is not only unfair but totally inaccurate putting the blame of this accident on the Panama Ship Registry for the only fact that the vessel is registered under the flag of Panama. 

In the last 5 years more than 200 reports of investigations of incidents and maritime accidents have been sent and published, to the corresponding entity which is the IMO. These reports are public for the 174 member-countries and its three associate members can refer to them. The information is public and transparent among the members. As a leader in flags of vessels, the Panamanian Registry was inspected more than 16 thousand times last year and the level of compliance was 96.5%, placing the Register at a high international level Furthermore, it is important to note that Panama’s legislation prohibits the use of cheap labor and is a leading nation with regards to the ratification of all ILO’s labor conventions. Panama has ratified and properly implement the Maritime Labor Convention on all its vessels bigger than 500gt.

The registration of a vessel under the flag of Panama is not a simple procedure. Panama has promulgated Law 23 of April 27, 2015 adopting measures for the prevention of money laundering, terrorism financing and financing of proliferation of mass destruction weapons and other provisions. 

Moreover, not only the ship owner has to fill a number of technical documents but he has to submit to a due diligence where the vessel and/or the owner’s company are not included in any black list or linked to illegal and irregular activities. The due diligence process made by the Panama Ship Registry is of the utmost importance for the Panama flag and the vessels and owners go through a strict validation process. 

The Register does not flag vessels of dubious origin. As an example, this year 2020 some 118 vessels have been rejected which did not comply with the requirements and 200 vessels have been cancelled, which did not meet international standards. 

The registration of corporations in Panama [by ship owners] goes by a similar process of due diligence since Panama is signatory to the international tax cooperation forums led by the OECDE. It is therefore very irresponsible to point the finger at the Ship Registry and at Panama and accuse them of being a refuge for tax evaders. 

Panama is very proud of being the world’s leader Ship Registry, a Category A-member of the International Maritime Organization for the past ten years as well as one of the registries included in the most important world maritime Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs)’ White Lists. The Panama Ship Registry not only complies with its commitment to its customers and the international shipping community but also participates prominently, as a sector with all the maritime activities, to the Republic of Panama’s economy.  

13-Agosto-2020   "El Gobierno Nacional de la República de Panamá ha decidido levantar la restricción de ingreso al país de los nacionales y residentes."

Se debe cumplir con una prueba negativa de PCR o de antígeno 48hrs. antes de ingresar al país o de pasar por aduana, y cumplir con el periodo de cuarentena"   

13-August-2020  "The Government of the Republic of Panama has decided to lift the restriction of entry to the country for nationals and residents."

It must comply with a negative PCR or antigen test 48hrs. before entering the country or going through customs, and comply with the quarantine period "

Panamá reenfoca el comercio, la industria y su oferta de inversiones para la reactivación económica   

23  de Junio de 2020

Fuente: http://spanish.xinhuanet.com

Un nuevo enfoque de  impulso a las exportaciones, la industria, la atracción de inversiones y  el apoyo a las pequeñas y medianas empresas (pymes) definió el gobierno  panameño para la reactivación económica impactada por la pandemia de la  Covid-19.

El enfoque basado en estos cuatro  pilares, con el objetivo de dar un nuevo impulso a la búsqueda de  mercados que no hayan estado tan golpeados en esta crisis, mejorar las  condiciones para la producción, aprovechar las oportunidades y atraer  nuevos capitales ante el interés en esta coyuntura en regionalizar las  cadenas de suministro, destacó en entrevista con Xinhua el viceministro  de Comercio Exterior de Panamá Juan Carlos Sosa.

Según Sosa, en 2019 las exportaciones  panameñas crecieron 6%, con una expansión de 22% en los últimos seis  meses del año pasado y de 11,7% en el primer trimestre de 2020, en  comparación con el mismo periodo del año anterior, lo cual fue  favorecido por las ventas al exterior de productos como el banano,  harina de pescado y la carnes res, y luego de la aprobación en diciembre  pasado de una segunda planta en el país para la exportación de  productos cárnicos a China, y recientemente de una planta para el envío  de lácteos a ese mercado.

El funcionario explicó que el primer  propósito en este momento es el mejoramiento de los laboratorios de  exportación e importación, para que puedan ser certificados y mejorar la  oferta exportable a países del bloque europeo y de Estados Unidos.

Agregó que el segundo pilar es una  propuesta de ley del gobierno pendiente de consideración en la Asamblea  Nacional de Diputados para la instalación en el país de empresas  multinacionales del área de manufactura ligera, a través de la cual se  pretende acercar los mercados finales a las cadenas de suministro.

Sobre el tercer punto, Sosa destacó que  el gobierno del presidente Laurentino Cortizo evalúa la realización de  una campaña internacional de fomento e inversión para atraer inversión  extranjera al país, y que se pretende que sea muy innovadora y destaque  las ventajas competitivas del país.

"Hemos tenido conversaciones con  empresas de China, del Reino Unido y de Estados Unidos. Hemos conversado  con empresas de Estados Unidos de comida, que generalmente manejan su  logística desde el estado de Florida para Latinoamérica y el Caribe,  pero que ahora analizan venir a Panamá para manejar esa logística desde  Panamá para el resto de la región", detalló.

Sosa añadió que la cuarta parte del plan  consiste en la recuperación de las pymes, por lo cual el consejo de  gabinete aprobó un contrato de préstamo por US$150 millones con el Banco  Interamericano de Desarrollo con la finalidad de apoyar a este sector y  a los pequeños productores agropecuarios afectados por la enfermedad  del nuevo coronavirus (Covid-19).

"I wish to express to Arch. Noriel Araúz my sincere thanks for the fruitful and positive cooperation that exists between the Republic of Panama and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), reinforced during these difficult times, and I also want to convey my deep condolences to all those who in his country have been affected by this unprecedented event. It is a very difficult time for all of us, we are going through pain, financial problems and great changes in our daily lives, ”said the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Kitack Lim. 

These emotional words are found in a letter dated June 3rd of 2020, addressed from the General Secretariat of this Organism to the Office of the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Administrator of the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP). 

The Secretary General added that in these difficult times, the availability of the maritime industry and the ability of seafarers to deliver vital goods, including medical supplies and food, is essential to respond to and eventually overcome this pandemic, therefore it is of utmost importance that the flow of trade by sea is not interrupted unnecessarily.

I wish to commend Panama's efforts to facilitate crew changes, in particular, I am grateful for the joint statement issued by Panama and Liberia on this matter and for supporting IMO Circular Letter No. 4204 / Add.14 for the "Recommended framework of protocols that guarantee safe changes in the ship's crew and travel during the COVID-19 pandemic." 

The pandemic produced by COVID-19 has presented enormous challenges to the world. The media recognizes the heroic efforts made by doctors, nurses, first responders and key personnel in the face of this crisis. Less well-known is the memorable work done by seafarers around the world, many of whom have been working under tremendous physical and mental strain to keep the global supply chain from stopping in order for food, valuable medical supplies and other products to reach its destination. 

Thousands of seafarers have involuntarily extended their contracts, some have been working at sea for almost fifteen (15) months without rest. This represents a potential threat to the safety of navigation and the protection of the marine environment, since fatigue is one of the most important causes for incidents to occur on board. Therefore, it is imperative that there be adequate job rotation for current and future crews. 

“I urge all countries to fully comply with their obligations regarding crew changes, repatriation and access to medical care. I encourage Panama to share its best practices with other nations, to allow the transition period to run smoothly, as the world's seafarers deserve, "IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim concluded in his letter.

Jaime A. Sosa was appointed by president Laurentino Cortizo as Consul of Panama in Houston.  A graduate from the University of Texas in Business Administration, Consul General Sosa has a distinguished career in marketing having working as Marketing Manager of Cerveceria Nacional, the largest brewery in Panama, as Marketing Director of Philipp Morris Company, and as Vice President for the advertising agency BBM.  He has also directed his own market research and polling firm.  

Consul General Sosa will be coordinating initiatives between the University of Texas and Panama.  In addition, he will be promoting the Panama Ship Registry, largest in the world, and trade and investment between the two countries. 

The Consulate General of Panama in Houston has been selected as the “Most Trusted Maritime Services” in the State of Texas by the prestigious magazine “International Transport News”. The consulate is one of sixty consulates across the world that provides services in support of The Panama Shipping Registry – the oldest and largest in the world. The Shipping Registry is part of The Panama Maritime Authority, an agency of the Government of Panama that last year celebrated its 100th anniversary. The consulate also hosts the registry’s Global Offshore Center. Its operations are forward in technology and designed for fast & accurate service. The consulate’s offices are located in Greenway Plaza (Houston) which is an area that hosts several shipping companies. International Transport News relies on industry experts in the government field and think-thanks around the world. They cover issues pertaining to logistics, shipping, and aviation to name a few.