President Mulino formalized the ratification of the Economic Complementation Agreement (ACE-76).
On Saturday, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino participated in the 67th Summit of the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) in Brazil and presented the law that consolidates Panama’s status as a MERCOSUR Associate State.
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In his address, Mulino formalized the ratification of the Economic Complementation Agreement (ACE-76), a fundamental requirement for consolidating Panama’s integration within the regional bloc.
ACE-76 allows for flexible and progressive integration, which protects Panamanian productive sectors and offers MERCOSUR access to the national logistics platform, air, maritime, and port connectivity. It also includes trade agreements with 65 preferential partners worldwide.
Mulino stated that MERCOSUR does not threaten national production and expressed optimism about strengthening ties with governments that respect democracy, to advance the regional integration project.
He presented Panama as a regional air hub with 576 weekly flights that connect 42 cities, and facilitate links with the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. This opportunity strengthens the country’s strategic role in international transport.
Panamá deposita hoy su adhesión al @mercosur con respeto y vocación de aporte. Ha sido un largo camino, convencidos de que integrarnos es fortalecer oportunidades compartidas y dar un paso estratégico de Estado, pensado en el interés nacional y en la integración de una región que… pic.twitter.com/ShnhrMo0Ze
— José Raúl Mulino (@JoseRaulMulino) December 20, 2025
The text reads, “Panama formally joins Mercosur with respect and a commitment to contributing. It has been a long road, but we are convinced that integration strengthens shared opportunities and represents a strategic step for the nation, focused on national interest and the integration of a region that engages in more dialogue and less confrontation.”
Mulino highlighted the logistical strength of the Panama Canal and noted that two of the four largest terminals in Latin America are located in his country, which is highly competitive in logistics and transportation.
He emphasized that Panama complements MERCOSUR by helping products reach diverse markets and increasing the competitiveness of foreign trade. He also noted Panama’s trade agreements with Central America and the U.S, which allow for adding value to regional raw materials.
Mulino invited leaders from Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina to the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) Forum in Panama in January. He also called for participation in the bicentennial celebration of the Amphictyonic Congress of Panama in 2026.
On Dec. 6, Mulino signed the protocols for Panama’s entry as an Associate State to MERCOSUR, whose full members are Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, while Bolivia is moving toward that status. Other MERCOSUR Associate States include Chile, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, and Suriname.
#FromTheSouth News Bits | Panama: The election of the leaders of the democratic revolutionary party concluded. The victory went to former minister and former presidential candidate Balbina Herrera. pic.twitter.com/bMJ1yJHH8Q
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) November 27, 2025
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Source: Forbes Centroamerica – Prensa Latina
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