Panama and Israel: When Innovation Meets Opportunity

By Gastón Saidman

For years, Israel has been globally recognized as the “Startup Nation” a country that transformed geographic limitations into competitive advantages through technology, research, and entrepreneurship. At the same time, Panama has established itself as the “Hub of the Americas,” a strategic platform for trade, investment, and regional connectivity.

Today, both ecosystems are preparing to take the next step: connecting Israeli innovation with Panama’s productive potential, particularly in the agro-industrial sector.

From March 10 to 17, an Israeli delegation will visit Panama with a strategic agenda aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and generating concrete opportunities for investment and technological development in the country’s interior.

A Delegation with Strategic Vision

This initiative proposes a route through Panama’s interior with a clear objective: to create direct engagement between Israeli technology companies and Panamanian producers. This is not merely a series of protocol visits, but the creation of a technical and commercial exchange platform capable of implementing real solutions on the ground.

The focus will be on three key sectors for the country’s sustainable development:

Dairy & Livestock

Israel’s expertise in herd management, smart monitoring systems, and dairy production optimization is globally recognized. Integrating these tools can lead to greater efficiency, improved traceability, and increased profitability for local producers.

Agriculture

With advanced technologies in recirculation systems, water quality control, and sanitary management, Israeli innovation offers practical solutions to strengthen Panama’s agricultural production and enhance its competitiveness in international markets.

Smart Farming

Precision agriculture, smart sensors, advanced irrigation systems, and data analytics are redefining how food is produced. This delegation aims to bring these tools directly to those working in Panama’s fields every day.

Beyond Technology: Building Long-Term Relationships

The true value of this mission, taking place from March 10 to 17, lies in building strategic relationships. The combination of technological expertise and productive capacity opens the door to high-impact bilateral business, knowledge transfer, and joint project development.

Panama offers connectivity, stability, and regional access.
Israel contributes innovation, applied research, and solutions tested under challenging conditions. Together, they can create a model of cooperation that transcends borders.

Following this strategic vision that connects Israeli innovation with Panama’s productive potential, we now speak with the President of the Panama–Israel Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Albert Leikin, who is leading a new phase focused on revitalizing the Chamber’s activities and strengthening bilateral ties.

The President of the Panama–Israel Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Albert Leikin

In this interview, we explore the Chamber’s renewed direction, the opportunities emerging for the agro-industrial sector, and the role Panama can play as a regional bridge for Israeli technology and investment.

1 – G.S.: Mr. President, you have spoken about renewing the Chamber’s activities. How does this new approach translate into concrete actions such as the mission connecting Israeli innovation with Panama’s agro-industrial sector? And what message does this send to entrepreneurs who are not yet members of the Chamber?

The renewal of the Chamber responds to a clear need: transforming representation into tangible business opportunities. This new approach materializes by turning our organization into an active facilitator that connects people in highly productive networking environments. We are not simply seeking contact we are creating the right context for innovation to flourish.

We are consolidating strategic alliances across all productive sectors to offer a robust platform where real opportunities are presented. This allows our members not only to access Israel’s ecosystem to find suppliers or technology, but also to project themselves internationally through global partners such as BOKS International.

The message to the business community is clear: the Chamber is the bridge to modernization. Those who join gain not just a membership, but a strategic partner to scale their businesses to a global level.

2 – G.S.: The initiative proposes direct engagement between Israeli technology companies and Panamanian producers in sectors such as Dairy & Livestock, Agriculture, and Smart Farming. How does the Chamber ensure that these missions generate tangible results and long-term relationships beyond protocol visits?

While a chamber cannot guarantee the closing of a contract, our responsibility is to pave the way, remove barriers, and bring the right stakeholders to the table. This technical mission in sectors such as Dairy & Livestock, Agriculture, and Smart Farming has been designed with a surgical approach: connecting Panamanian demand with Israeli technological supply and vice versa.

We are facilitating the arrival of Israeli entrepreneurs interested in providing machinery and biotechnology, while also promoting those seeking to import high-quality Panamanian products into the Israeli market.

My conviction is that high-impact business is not built through a screen; it is achieved with “boots on the ground,” interacting directly with producers and understanding operational realities firsthand. By fostering this human and technical engagement in the field, we ensure that relationships move beyond protocol and evolve into sustainable, long-term commercial partnerships.

3 – G.S.: Panama is the Hub of the Americas and Israel the Startup Nation. With this renewed momentum, how do you envision positioning the Panama–Israel Chamber of Commerce as a permanent bridge for innovation, investment, and knowledge transfer in the region?

I envision the Panama–Israel Chamber of Commerce as a fundamental catalyst for bilateral development. Our goal is to operate as a commercial intelligence and opportunity-scouting office in both directions, leveraging the unique synergy between Panama, the Hub of the Americas, and Israel, the Startup Nation.

However, our work goes beyond commerce alone. Strengthening the bond between our nations is, in my view, a patriotic mission. The Chamber plays an essential role in deepening friendship ties and elevating the prestige of Panama and Israel as historic and strategic partners.

Our members therefore gain not only individual competitive advantages; they become key contributors to a mission aimed at shared prosperity. Belonging to the Chamber ultimately means contributing to a legacy of innovation and cooperation that will strengthen the future of both countries.

An Invitation to Be Part of It

This delegation represents an opportunity for entrepreneurs, producers, and investors seeking to evolve, modernize processes, and expand their commercial horizons.

The moment is now.
The innovation already exists.
The platform is in place.

All that remains is for those who believe in sustainable growth and international collaboration to decide to be part of this new chapter between Panama and Israel.

Registration link available in the page description
camaradecomercio@panamaisrael.com
+507 6616-9969

With the support of:
Embassy of Israel in Panama
Embassy of Panama in Israel
Israel–Latam Chamber of Commerce

Panama and Israel are ready to turn innovation into concrete results.
Will you join us?

Top of Form

Bottom of Form