Panama and Vietnam are poised to enhance their bilateral relations and expand cooperation across various sectors during Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino’s official visit to Vietnam from October 5 to 8. The discussions are set to focus on strengthening economic and trade ties, with particular emphasis on agriculture, telecommunications, infrastructure, maritime transport, port logistics, banking, tourism, and education.
Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1975, the two countries have seen a steady growth in cooperation marked by high-level exchanges and diplomatic consultations. Both nations are strategically positioned to serve as gateways to Southeast Asian and Latin American markets, respectively, and have expressed interest in leveraging these geographic advantages to boost trade and connectivity.
Economic cooperation remains a cornerstone of the relationship, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $478.1 million in 2025, marking a 19.2% increase from the previous year. Vietnam’s exports to Panama primarily consist of footwear, electronics, textiles, vehicles, and seafood, while Panama supplies timber, seafood, and raw materials to Vietnam.
Panama’s strategic location along the Panama Canal positions it as a critical player in global shipping and logistics, offering Vietnamese businesses opportunities to access Central American and Caribbean markets more efficiently. The visit by President Mulino is expected to result in new agreements and initiatives aimed at expanding trade, investment, and cooperation in key sectors.
Both countries anticipate enhancing existing mechanisms for political and economic collaboration as part of their efforts to deepen bilateral ties. The visit is seen as a significant step towards realizing the full potential of Vietnam-Panama relations and creating new avenues for mutual growth and prosperity.