Mission Trip to Panama October 16-20, 2018 Join Charleston Sister Cities International in collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Commerce, in Panama City, Panama, October 16 – 20, 2018, to meet with Panama City’s top municipal leaders and business community. Engage in specifically designed B2B meetings arranged to fast-track your business organization’s international goals. Tour the Panama Canal and visit historic Panama City, which is celebrating its 500th anniversary in 2019. e goal of this Trade Mission is to help each participant grow their international business in Panama through a customized meeting itinerary with prospective customers and partners. Why Panama As the crossroads of trade for the Americas, Panama serves as a strategic location for trade and business between North and South America. Modern Panama is not only a key maritime and air transport hub, but also a center for international trade, banking and services. e United States–Panama Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) was established in 2012 and provides U.S. goods a significant competitive advantage in Panama’s market. U.S. products that gained immediate duty-free access includes information technology equipment, agricultural and construction equipment, aircraſt and parts, medical and scientific equipment, environmental products, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, and agro-chemicals. Opportunities for South Carolina Companies South Carolina companies can take advantage of opportunities in the following key sectors in Panama: •Automotive Parts •Hotel & Restaurant Equipment •Electrical Power •Agricultural Products •Medical Equipment •Computers & Peripherals •Building Products •Safety & Security Equipment •Telecommunications Equipment TRADE MISSION DETAILS Dates: October 16-19, 2018 *Exporters’ Track: $1502 - Includes receptions and dinners with municipal and business leaders of Panama, B2B meetings in Panama City with producers of leading Panamanian exports, and Panama Canal tour. Specialized tours of plantations, distilleries and other production facilities separately arranged at additional charge. *Fee does not include airfare, lodging or meals. Deadline to Register: August 1, 2018. For more information about the Exporters’ Track, please contact: Anita Patel, [email protected] or 803-737-0247. *Delegation Track: $1,350 - Includes receptions and dinners with municipal and business leaders of Panama, B2B meetings in Panama City with producers of leading Panamanian exports, Panama Canal Tour, and Panama Pacifico Tour. Specialized tours of plantations, distilleries and other production facilities separately arranged at additional charge. *Fee does not include airfare, lodging or meals. Deadline to Register: September 1, 2018. For more information about the Delegation Track, please contact: Neita Wiese, [email protected] or 843-478-8569. Connecting Globally. Thriving Locally.