Panama Papers: “I prefer to call them the Mossak Fonseca Papers”

El panamanian government reiterates its commitment to zero tolerance for corruption and its willingness to vigorously cooperate with all judicial and fiscal investigations carried out in this regard, said the Ambassador during the informative breakfast, organized by Executive Forum and Sacyr, held in Madrid.

During his speech, de la Guardia de Corró encouraged Spanish companies to follow the example of the Panama Canal construction company and commit to being present in their country. The president of Sacyr, Manuel Manrique, presented the event by mentioning “the enormous drive and passion to improve in a country as small as Panama”, showing pride in the seven years that his company has already been present in the Central American country. For this reason, he also thanked the Panamanian government, the suppliers and all the people who "have given their all" in this project with which, he commented, Sacyr has done everything possible to make it a work of service. of the citizens of Panama. “No matter how you look at it, it is a colossal work,” said Manrique, adding that enough steel has been placed in it to build 22 Eiffel towers, as well as innovation has been applied in every detail. Finally, he expressed his hope that “the canal does not end our presence in Panama,” announcing that Sacyr is already managing other possible works in the country.

The ambassador of Panama has stated that Panama also wants Sacyr remain present in this country. In this sense, he has praised the action of the Spanish company, ensuring that "Sacyr has not expanded the Canal, it has built a new one." Offering a panoramic view, he has referred to significant aspects of this country of 4 million inhabitants. “We are a middle-income country, we are moving away from poverty quickly,” as reflected by the “enviable” average growth of 8%. Thus, he has commented that Panama plans to maintain this growth in the medium term and continue to keep its inflation and financial sector under control, as well as low unemployment rates. Regarding the social aspect, he has said emphatically that “we not only want growth, we also want development.”

With respect to attraction of foreign investment in Panama, of the Corró Guard has referred to the immigration, fiscal and labor advantages with which his government intends to promote this reality, advantages that have already been taken advantage of by more than 100 multinationals that have already settled in the country. Thus, he has explained that these foreign investments represent about 5.000 million dollars, which is equivalent to 10% of Panama's GDP and places it as the first country attracting foreign investment. In this sense, he has also recommended not considering Panama as an objective in itself, but rather as a platform to be present and have influence in the Central American region.