International Economics recently delivered three days of in-person training in Panama City to approximately 60 officials from the National Customs Authority (ANA) and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MICI) on Rules of Origin under Panama’s key preferential trade agreements.

James Lenaghan and Paul Baker led sessions covering the interpretation of product-specific rules, cumulation provisions, verification methodologies, and risk management frameworks – drawing on the Canada-Panama FTA, the US-Panama FTA, the EU-Central America Association Agreement, and other core agreements in Panama’s FTA network. The programme also included a train-the-trainer component to build lasting in-country capacity.

A practical reference guide on FTA Rules of Origin was produced for both government officials and the private sector.

The project was funded by Global Affairs Canada under the Export Development and Market Access (EDM) programme, implemented by Cowater International. We extend our thanks to Victoria Campbell, Don Stephenson, and Julissa Estrada for their invaluable support throughout.

View project details here.