Osaka, Japan – September 6, 2025. As part of Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, the Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP) and the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the aim of strengthening trade relations, promoting new investment opportunities, and expanding business cooperation between the two regions.
The signing of the agreement was attended by the President of the Republic of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, as part of the official activities of Panama’s National Day at Expo 2025. On behalf of Panama, the MOU was signed by Juan Alberto Arias, president of the CCIAP, who stressed that this step “opens a new stage of strategic collaboration between the Panamanian and Japanese private sectors.”
On behalf of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, its authorities noted that the signing of the agreement reaffirms Osaka’s interest in strengthening economic ties with Panama, highlighting the country’s role as a logistics and connectivity hub for Latin America.
The memorandum establishes key commitments for both chambers, including:
- Promotion of information exchange on economics, innovation, and technology.
- Joint organization of workshops, seminars, and business forums.
- Facilitation of contacts between companies to develop binational projects and encourage new investments.
During the ceremony, the authorities present highlighted the importance of the Panama Canal for Japanese trade and the potential of Osaka as a strategic point for access to the Asian market.
The president of the Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture of Panama, Juan Alberto Arias, said that this agreement represents a new relationship of harmony and collaboration between the business sectors of Osaka and Panama. For her part, Hirose Kyoko, Vice President of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that it was an honor for her association to have signed this document during the celebration of Panama’s National Day at the Osaka World Expo, an event that has attracted a record 20 million visitors.
She emphasized that this alliance will enable the exchange of advances in innovation, technology, and science, in addition to highlighting the importance of the Canal’s operation for Japan. “Panama is an important partner for Osaka,” Kyoko remarked.
The signing of this MOU represents a milestone in strengthening relations between Panama and Osaka, laying the foundation for future initiatives that will generate greater economic development, business cooperation, and new growth opportunities for both countries.
