Eco-Industrial Park: A new perspective for the development of Panama

Interview to Lawyer Dayra Murillo De Borgos

What are the advantages of developing an EIP in the Republic of Panama?

The first advantage of developing an IEP is the geographical position of the Republic of Panama, the canal, the harbors and the excellent infrastructure, maritime, air and land.

The second, is the possibility of obtaining renewable energy sources such as photovoltaics and water rationing to implement production processes with high added value. “Producing taking care of the natural environment.” We know that the market prefers products and services with this premise.

On the other hand, second the World Bank, Panama has climbed positions in ranking for the creation of businesses and are summarized in the report that in Panama:

• more intelligent businness regulations contribute to economic growth, and a business register simpler promotes the creation of companies and increase business productivity. If this also results in a lower cost, we increase the opportunity of formal employment.

• An effective regulatory environment that improves business performance.

• A solid infrastructure in the financial market (courts, legislation concerning insolvency and credit, as well as registers of credit and guarantees) facilitate access to credit.

I think that investors will enjoy a country all-inclusive: guarantees to make good investments, an exuberant nature for good living, cultural variety to choose from, good accommodation, a solid international financial center, excellent shopping malls, variety of services, global connectivity, access to Information and Communication Technologies updated, rich and varied cuisine.

Take advantage of foreign companies who establish themselves to create quality products, and values ​​such as the Entrepreneurial Training: this is possible?

Sure you. is what is being promoted in Panama. We think the development of an IEP in which its businesses are concentrated in what they know each do (produce), in a complex where everyone can have resolved their service requirements. Nearly utopian but possible, who can resist to invest in this?

There are opportunities to create synergies between companies and Local University?

If we want to promote companies of excellence is extremely necessary that the same may create synergies with universities because academic preparation is not just in the classroom.

Companies require skilled labor. is the company that knows its human needs then this synergy is needed with universities, so as to increase the level of education through the implementation of innovative technological systems that require young professionals to fill specialized posts: Where? The University Local.

What types of companies are eligible to become established in the PEI?

First: the companies concerned to establish themselves in an IEP must have clear the degree of compromise, with the production under the rationing of natural resources and ecological sustainability.

Doing so can establish themselves: industrial companies, agro-industrial, of services, research centers, professional training centers and enterprise, and many others.

There are some incentives of the Government of Panama for which SMEs Europe and in the United States can establish themselves in an IEP in Panama?

The law 32 about Free Zone, Law about tourism, agriculture and industry contemplate fiscal incentives and of migration, companies can have access to depth lost to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, among others, that allow you to attract investors of SMEs’ Europe and the United States so that they can take advantage of the geographical location of the Panama, the Canal and the global connectivity enabling them to add value to the country, create jobs and benefit from the opportunities offered by the liberalization of trade, and to contribute to the productive base Panamanian economy.

Here in Panama SMEs from Europe and United States can benefit through access to these incentives to export from Panama taking advantage of the Free Trade Agreements and the opening of international trade.

Some desires for his country?

My desires for my country are based on current strategic plans of Panama:

• Promote opportunities for regions and social spheres less developed to provide an opportunity of insertion of the population through education and poverty reduction. There are many interesting areas in Panama for the development of a project such as the EIP.

• Attracting companies that serve as anchors to ensure a sustainable development throughout Panama and improve the competitiveness of the Global Nation.

• Look for a continuous increase of human resources and scientific and technological infrastructures, to promote manufacturing processes with a commitment to preserve our natural resources.

   

Dayra Murillo de Burgos is a consultant of Panama, who works for the development and promotion of companies with innovative proposals. She works as a Panamanians business consultancy, formulating projects of entrepreneurial innovation and market research for the food and tourism industry.

Level of study: Industrial Engineering and Lic of Public Administration.

Web site: http://www.melosadulce.com