Tour of the country,
by Romy Vasquez, Panama's ambassador to Canada (4 of 4)
T his connectivity has proven its importance in providing back-up in extreme situations such as the terrorist attack that occurred Sept. 11, 2001.The submarine cable system provided support to impaired satellite communications.
The presence of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama began with the construction of the Panama Canal in the early 1900s, when (for the purpose of controlling insect diseases) biologists decided to establish a permanent reserve on an island. Since 1923, we have hosted the earliest biological reserve in the Americas. Today, it is known as Barro Colorado Island (BCI) and it is the most intensively studied areas in the tropics, home to a recorded 1,316 plant species, 381 bird species, and 102 mammal species on a 1,500-hectare island with 59 kilometres of protected trails. The name Panama, since the times of the Spanish conquista, means abundance of fish and butterflies - a wonderful metaphor for the abundance of international flags that cross the Panama Canal.
The Bridge of Life, Canadian Frank Ghery's museum of biodiversity, will operate beside the Pacific Ocean, visible at great distance by visitors arriving via cruise ships. This will be a new icon for Panama, a beautiful park showcasing the diversity of natural life in Panama. The Bridge of Life will be the hub of an interchange of nature, culture and economy, as well as a centre for learning and discovery. When integrated into a single view, what we see in Panama is total connectivity by air, land or sea, supporting international trade and commerce from all over the world.
We can describe Panama's fortune in three words: Location, location, and location in a special place where geography itself is one of the country's most important natural resources.
From Canada's perspective, this combination of attributes attracts the would-be retiree who wishes to acquire a property in a country with low political risk, with economic growth and with a healthy urban lifestyle.
There are a wide variety of residential options, which include mountain, beach, and city communities.
Most importantly, Panama represents an ideal market-access platform from which Canadian firms can manage regional investments and contemplate opportunities for investment, development and growth. Within CARICOM nations, the market access reaches about 14 million; the Andean nations, 100 million; the Mercosur nations, 212 million - just to mention the Americas. This is the platform that Panama uniquely offers to Canadian businesses.
Panama, though, is much more than the canal. It is a country that belongs to a hemisphere that has to maintain the twin pillars of security and prosperity, where trade remains vital and vibrant, where people meet at one of the world's most special crossroads.
We can profit from Canada's experience in information technology, from its social responsibility programs, from the mining sector, energy sector and hydro and water management projects. The expansion of the Panama Canal opens the opportunity for English learning, so necessary in Panama for technical careers and for tourism activities.
Panama has been a bridge between North and South for hundreds of species, and myriads of people. Back in 1826, Simon Bolivar stated: "If the world had to choose its capital, the Isthmus of Panama would be selected for this august destiny, situated as it is at the centre of the globe." Independent for almost 105 years, Panama has become an international meeting place - carrying on the ways of previous generations when trade fairs lured merchants and traders. Today, many investors and financial managers are betting on Panama because from Panama, they can reach the world.
Romy Vasquez is Panama's Ambasssador to Canada.
