Colombia’s and Panama’s trade ministers will meet in Panama City Monday to continue talks over a free trade agreement (FTA) between the neighboring Latin American countries.
Colombian Trade Minister Sergio Diaz-Granados and his Panamanian counterpart Roberto Henriquez are expected to discuss what issues should be on the agenda for fourth round FTA talks scheduled for September 13 through 17 in Bogota.
Diaz-Granados said the objective of the meeting was “to evaluate how clear the way in matters of interest such as agricultural and industrial access, rules of origin, customs administration, trade facilitation and technical obstacles to trade.”
Sanitary and phytosanitary measures, public procurement, investment, services, telecommunications, the environment, cooperation and institutional matters will also be up for discussion.
New offers regarding agricultural and industrial goods are also expected to be placed on the table.
Colombia exported $258 million worth of goods to Panama and imported $15.7 million in 2009, according to official figures.
Third round FTA talks were held in Panama City at the beginning of August.