Andalucía TRADE opens business opportunities in Panama and Costa Rica

 

Andalucía TRADE, the Agency for Economic Transformation and Development, has launched an ambitious program of multi-sector trade missions to Panama and Costa Rica. This effort has brought together eight Andalusian companies who participate in more than 70 business meetings with local distributors and importers in Panama City and San José, with the aim of strengthen commercial ties and open new avenues of collaboration.

 

Andalusian exports to these two countries reached 84 million euros in 2024. The significant growth in sales to Panama stands out, which totaled 51 million euros, with a impressive increase of 113% compared to 2023. For its part, Costa Rica represented 33 million euros, although with a slight drop of 2,3%.

 

The public agency has identified Panama and Costa Rica as strategic countries for diversification of Andalusian sales, focusing on high-potential sectors such as agri-food (particularly white label), construction and infrastructure, engineering services, renewable energy and the logistics-port sector.

 

The commercial action has benefited from a individualized agenda designed by Andalucía TRADE, oriented to the identification of potential business partnersWith this initiative, Andalusia strengthens its commitment to business internationalization and expansion into new markets, positioning their companies as reliable partners in key areas for the economic development of Panama and Costa Rica.

 

In the case of Panama, the trade mission, held from June 2 to 4, facilitated meetings with more than 30 leading Panamanian importersAmong them were firms with great weight in distribution, such as Raphael/El Fuerte Group (retail), HR Commercial Supplies (horeca), House of Materials (supply of materials), Rey Group (supermarket chains) and The Machetazo (food chains and home).

 

In Costa Rica, business meetings will be held from June 4 to 6 in San José, with the participation of 25 key agents of the countryAmong them, the following stand out: Gessa (main supermarket group), Mayca Food Services (leader in horeca distribution), Implosa (industrial and electrical products) and Delika Gourmet (gourmet and delicatessen products).

 

The Andalusian companies that participate in these missions are MSC Greenhouses y Iberia soft drink (Seville), Azzayt y Claroflex (Malaga), Fainca HR (Cordova), Jabugo United Industries (Huelva), and Vallejo Oils y Sanelec Logistics (Jaén). These firms represent sectors of gourmet food, industrial equipment, logistics, renewable energy and construction, all of which are crucial for the development of Andalusia. Funding for this action is possible thanks to the European Union ERDF funds, through the Andalusian FEDER PO 2021-2027.

 

According to reports from Andalucía TRADE, Panama consolidates its position as the country with the highest per capita income in Central America. and one of the fastest growing regional economies, with a GDP that grew by 2,6% in 2024 and a forecast of 3,1% for 2025. Driven by construction, transport, trade and services, this country, despite its population of 4,3 million, remains a significant importer and a strategic logistics hub for the region.

 

For its part, Costa Rica is shaping up to be a country in 2025. one of the most dynamic economies in Latin Americaa projected GDP growth of 3,8%, driven by domestic consumption. Its GDP per capita is estimated at 15.154 euros, which underlines a sustained growth trajectory. The business opportunities in Costa Rica are extensive, covering the construction and infrastructure (roads, railways, hospitals), the habitat and hospitality (contract and retail channel), the agrifood (gourmet products), the industrial goods (agribusiness, pharmaceutical, medical devices) and the Technology of the information and communication (telemedicine, digitalization).