The President of the Romanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIR), Mihai Daraban, along with Secretary General Ovidiu Silaghi, met with representatives of the Panamanian government. The meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Panama City. They were joined by Manuel Pleșa, the Romanian Ambassador to Colombia.

The discussions focused on bilateral cooperation in areas with economic potential and analyzed the impact of the European Union (EU) - Mercosur trade agreement on both countries' economies. Representatives from various Panamanian ministries, including Foreign Affairs, Industry and Trade, Energy, and Tourism, participated in these talks.

"The conclusion of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement marks a historic milestone in strengthening ties between these two regions," said Mihai Daraban. He noted that while this agreement could generate economic growth and jobs across markets totaling over 700 million consumers, there are concerns about its impact on the food industry. "Several farmers in EU countries [are] concerned about possible unfair competition," he added. Daraban emphasized CCIR's role in addressing any issues that may arise in economic relations between business communities involved.