In statements published by the newspaper *La Estrella de Panama*, the diplomat noted that Panama’s privileged geographic location constitutes a strategic advantage that has fostered the establishment of international businesses, including numerous companies from the Asian nation.

“Many Chinese companies have established their regional headquarters for Latin America in Panama. China is the leading supplier to the Colón Free Trade Zone and the second-largest user of the Panama Canal,” he emphasized.

Zhang also urged the preservation of a “fair and friendly” investment and trade environment, noting that this would help consolidate Panama’s position as a regional hub for business and financial services.

The ambassador recalled that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations in 2017, bilateral trade has doubled, reflecting the strengthening of economic ties.

Notably, Zhang’s statements mark the first public comments made following the consensus reached by both governments to move forward with renewing the China-Panama Maritime Transport Agreement—the result of negotiations held in Beijing on July 16 and 17.

According to the Panamanian Foreign Ministry, both parties will begin the necessary procedures to renew the agreement—originally signed in 2017 and extended in 2021—which guarantees Most-Favored-Nation status for Panamanian-flagged vessels in Chinese ports, offering benefits regarding tariffs and operational facilities.

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