The organization’s reaction followed a message posted on social media by the US diplomatic mission regarding a meeting between Marino Cabrera and board members of the Chamber of Commerce of the region’s largest free trade zone—led by its president, Nissim Antebi, and former president Dovi Eisenman.

According to the post, the meeting covered the expansion of trade between the United States and Panama, as well as the importance of reviewing the exposure of CFZ-based companies to Cuba’s commercial network and to White House sanctions.

In a statement, the Amcrp described these remarks as an attempt to block any avenue for commercial exchange with the Caribbean nation. It asserted that such actions threaten Panama’s economic stability and the freedom of trade that has historically distinguished the Colón Free Zone.

The organization further maintained that these actions are part of the intensified US policy of economic, commercial, and financial blockade against Cuba. It denounced the application of extraterritorial measures—including the Helms-Burton Act—arguing that they violate international law and the United Nations Charter.

According to the association, any potential restriction on commercial operations with Cuba would affect not only companies linked to the Cuban market but also the economic activity of the Colon Free Zone, one of the continent’s major logistics and commercial hubs.

It also noted that Cuban and Panamanian business leaders expressed concern over the climate of uncertainty that such statements create regarding future commercial operations.

jdt/mh/ga