The Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MICI) noted that any approach must take place through appropriate institutional channels and be based on reciprocity, a level playing field, and respect for the interests of producers and businesses in both nations.

  The ministry specified that, should it receive a formal request from the Costa Rican government, it would evaluate the matter responsibly to seek solutions that strengthen the bilateral trade relationship and ensure fair conditions for the productive sectors of both countries.

  The MICI statement followed a report by the Costa Rican newspaper *La Nación* pointing out that Foreign Trade Minister Indiana Trejos is preparing a meeting with her Panamanian counterpart, Julio Molto, to present a proposal aimed at reopening the Panamanian market to Costa Rican dairy products.

  Panamanian authorities have repeatedly maintained their willingness to engage in dialogue, provided that equitable treatment for domestic producers is guaranteed. In this regard, they have pointed out that Panamanian plants that exported to the Costa Rican market for decades are currently unable to do so.

  Molto has insisted that the Panamanian productive sector “also deserves respect” and has advocated for establishing the same sanitary and trade rules for both parties, with the aim of restoring trade on equal terms.

  The trade dispute between Panama and Costa Rica dates back to 2019 and centers on sanitary and phytosanitary restrictions applied by Panamanian authorities to the import of various Costa Rican agricultural products, including dairy, meat, pineapples, strawberries, bananas, and plantains.

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