Events

COMMERCIAL SETTING

The United States and the Central American region share common interests in strengthening economic growth, prosperity, and competitiveness in the Western Hemisphere. The United States remains the top trading partner in the region. The Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) and the United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement facilitate these goals by improving supply integration and creating efficient, transparent customs procedures that enable quicker, more cost-effective market access. These agreements further reinforce economic ties while supporting United States policy objectives for regional stability, energy security, and supply chain diversification.

MISSION DESCRIPTION

U.S. trade mission participants will arrive in Panama by October 19 to attend the opening reception of the Opportunities in Central America Business Conference. This event is also open to U.S. companies not participating in the mission's business-to-business matchmaking sessions. On October 20, trade mission participants will attend the business conference, where they can network and engage in discussions.

Conference sessions will focus on regional opportunities, market entry strategies, legal, logistics, and trade financing resources. In addition, participants will participate in one-on-one consultations with United States and Foreign Commercial Service (US&FCS) Officers from the United States Department of Commerce, and Economic Officers from the United States Department of State, representing United States embassies across the region, including Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama.

On October 21, selected participants will engage in business-to-business meetings with local companies in Panama. For those interested, a limited number of participants may opt to travel to up-to two Central American markets - Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama - for business appointments. These optional meetings will be arranged based on recommendations from US&FCS officers in the respective countries, and each session will be with pre-screened potential buyers, agents, distributors, or joint-venture partners.

INDUSTRIES

U.S. companies and trade associations seeking to expand or enter the Central American market in sectors such as:

• Energy
• Infrastructure and construction
• Telecommunications and cybersecurity
• Medical devices and healthcare
• Safety, security, and more

The mission is focused on sectors that support U.S. economic and national security, and/or best prospects in each country. The leading sectors for United States exports and investment are:

• Belize: Agriculture and Agro-Processing, Aviation, Energy, ICT, Safety and Security.
• Costa Rica: Automotive Parts, Accessories, and Service Equipment; Cybersecurity, ICT and Telecommunications, Energy, Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals.
• El Salvador: Cybersecurity, Energy, and ICT.
• Guatemala: Agribusiness, Critical Infrastructure and Security, Healthcare, and Energy.
• Honduras: Automotive Aftermarket Products, Building/Construction Materials, Safety and Security Equipment, Electrical Power Systems, and ICT.
• Panama: Automotive Parts and Accesories, ICT, Infrastructure, Safety and Security, and Water Technology and Management.

Conference and Trade Mission Timetable

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Timetable

October 18, 2025: Travel Day/Arrival in Panama City, Panama

October 19, 2025: Panama. Business Conference. Morning: Registration; Noon: Networking Lunch Market Briefings; Afternoon: Registration, One-on-One Meetings; Evening: Networking.

October 20, 2025: Panama. Business Conference. Morning: Registration, Plenary Session; Afternoon: One-on-One and Workshops; Evening: Networking Reception

October 21, 2025: Panama. Morning: One-on-One Meetings (Conference Only Participants).

Business-to-Business Meeting Options

October 21-24, 2025: Morning: Business-to-Business Meetings in (up to two trade mission markets).

Fees and Expenses

After a company has been selected to participate in the mission, a payment to the U.S. Department of Commerce in the form of a participation fee is required.

Business Conference in Panama and B2Bs in one market: $2,500 (SMEs) | $3,500 (Large firms)

Business Conference in Panama and B2Bs in two markets: $3,500 (SMEs) | $4,500 (Large firms)

Above fees include $500 conference fee. Additional reps: $500

Business Conference in Panama Only: $500

* An SME is defined as a firm with 500 or fewer employees or that otherwise qualifies as a small business under SBA regulations. Parent companies, affiliates, and subsidiaries will be considered when determining business size (See https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-guide/size-standards/size-standards-tool).

The above trade mission fees include the $500 participation fee for the Opportunities in Central America Business Conference to be held in Panama City, Panama, on October 19-21, 2025. An additional representative for SMEs and large firms will require an additional fee of $500.

EXCLUSIONS

The trade mission fee does not include any personal travel expenses such as lodging, most meals, local ground transportation (except for transportation to and from meetings), and air transportation. Participants may, however, be able to take advantage of U.S. Government rates for hotel rooms if available. Business or entry visas may be required to participate in the mission. Applying for and obtaining such visas will be the responsibility of the mission participant. Government fees and processing expenses to obtain such visas are not included in the participation fee. However, the U.S. Department of Commerce will provide instructions to each participant on the procedures required to obtain necessary visas.