EVENTS & ACTIVITIES 2007

2007 September - December

Dinner with New Ambassador of Japan in Panama
Farewell Party for the Participants of the Japan Foundation Secondary-School Educators Study Tour Program 2007
Breakfast Seminar to Celebrate the 12th Anniversary of the IDB Office in Asia
TCAC’s End-of-the-Year Party (Bonenkai)
Opening of a coffee shop that offers Panamanian Specialty Coffee in Tokyo
Working Seminar of the Panama Maritime Authority in Japan
Midori District Community Festival 2007
Latin American Bazaar 2007
Ambassador of Panama participates at the reception for the 50th Anniversary of Dowa Line Co. Ltd.
Ambassador of Panama as Judge at Photograph Contest “Japan?! through Diplomat Eyes 2007
Embassy of Panama organized Seminar on new Immigration Issues to Japan
Ambassador Wife as Judge at Miss International Beauty Pageant 2007
Global Seminar of Mizuho Corporate Bank Ltd.
Panama participates in the JATA World Tourism Congress & Travel Fair 2007
Working Meeting of Panama Japan Business Cooperation Committee

2007
January - April // May - August

Events & Activities 2008
January - April // May - August // September - December

Events & Activities 2006
January - April // May - August // September - December

Events & Activities 2005

Dinner with New Ambassador of Japan in Panama

The past December 27, 2007, H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, together with his wife, Mrs. Carla Marotta De Martiz, participated in a dinner with H.E. Mr. Makoto Misawa, new Ambassador of Japan in Panama, his spouse, Mr. Takashi Kondo, Counsellor of the Japanese Embassy, and his spouse in the official residence of Ambassador Misawa. 

During the dinner, Ambassador Martiz and Ambassador Misawa exchanged opinions to further deepen the relations between Panama and Japan, expressing their will to cooperate to reach the said objective.

At the center, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, on the left, H.E. Makoto Misawa, Ambassador of Japan to Panama, on the right, Mr. Takashi Kondo, Counsellor of the Embassy of Japan in Panama, with their respective wives.

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Farewell Party for the Participants of the Japan Foundation Secondary-School Educators Study Tour Program 2007

On December 18th, 2007, Mr. Ritter N. Diaz, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. of this Diplomatic Mission, attended to a farewell party organized by Japan Foundation on the occasion of the completion of an international study tour program aimed at secondary-school educators, held from December 6th to 19th, 2007. The reception took place at Tokyo Prince Hotel, Sun Flower Room.

The said program was organized by Japan Foundation with the purpose of deepen understanding on culture and teaching method in Japan, through visits to schools and cultural institutions, as well as through the home stay experience with Japanese families. 85 participants representing the following 26 countries: Australia, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Estonia, France, Fiji, Finland, Germany, Honduras, Hungary, India, Italy, Latvia, Lituania, Mexico, Micronesia, Panama, Palau, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Senegal, Thailand, United Kingdom and Venezuela.

The participants from Panama were Mr. Euribiades Cherigo, Teacher of the Ministry of Education, Mr. Julio Rafael Gallardo, Director of Gatuncillo Senior School, and Mr. Máximo Cedeño, Teacher of Pocri Junior High School.

The event was a splendid occasion to deepen the excellent ties among the Embassy of Panama, Japan and the other participants’ countries in education sector.

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Opening of a coffee shop that offers Panamanian Specialty Coffee in Tokyo

The Embassy of Panama to Japan participated at the opening of the coffee shop Poisson Rouge, which will be offering Panamanian specialty coffee. Poisson Rouge is located at the center of the worldwide-known Akihabara Electronic Town, Tokyo, and offers the exquisite taste and high quality standards of Panamanian coffee, together with fine French patisserie, surrounded by an elegant atmosphere.

The tour around the facilities of Poisson Rouge, paid by Mr. Ritter N. Díaz, Commercial Attaché, included a boutique of specialty goods in the first floor, the coffee shop itself at the second floor, and a VIP room restricted to members or special guests.

Upon conveying congratulations on the occasion of the opening, the Embassy of Panama praised the efforts accomplished by Poisson Rouge to boost the Panamanian Specialty Coffee within the Japanese market, whose promotional campaign has already been launched. Moreover, Poisson Rouge committed itself to serve as a link between Japan and Panama through the coffee culture.

It is important to note that this Diplomatic Mission has been actively engaged in the promotion of the Panamanian coffee within the Japanese market since 2004. Our activities include interviews of H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, regarding Panamanian coffee to Japanese media, the creation of a coffee section on the Embassy’s website in Japanese and English versions, the elaboration of brochures in Japanese, coffee sampling at community centers and cultural events, as well as assistance to the delegations of coffee growers that participate in commercial fairs in Japan.

Mr. Takashi Murakoshi. CEO of SWANS Co., Ltd. and President of Poisson Rouge (left), and Mr. Ritter N. Díaz, Commercial Attaché (right)	From left to right, Mr. Takashi Murakoshi. CEO of SWANS Co., Ltd. and President of Poisson Rouge, Mr. Ritter N. Díaz, Commercial Attaché, and Mr. José Yoshiaki Kawashima, well-known coffee expert, tasting a cup of fine Panamanian coffee
From left to right, Mr. José Yoshiaki Kawashima, well-known coffee expert, Mr. Takashi Murakoshi. CEO of SWANS Co., Ltd. and President of Poisson Rouge, and Mr. Ritter N. Díaz, Commercial Attaché (right)	Boutique of Specialty goods (1F), where roasted Panamanian Specialty Coffee is also available

The exclusive atmosphere at Poisson Rouge that surrounds the excellency of our coffee.

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TCAC’s End-of-the-Year Party (Bonenkai)

On November 30 th, 2007, the Tokyo Consular and Administrative Corps (TCAC), with the cooperation of the Embassy of Panama, organized the End-of-the-Year Party (Bonenkai), which took place at the Cuban Cafe in Tokyo.

Over 50 attendees from different embassies participated in the party, which included a buffet style dinner and also a musical performance by the Panamanian- Canadian singer Roberto "The One Man Band".

Tokyo Consular and Administrative Corps (TCAC) is comprised by diplomatic consular and administrative affairs staff of Embassies accredited in Japan, and provides and excellent forum to exchange views on consular, administrative and diplomatic issues among its members, as well as networking between the Diplomatic Missions and Japanese authorities. The Panamanian Diplomatic Mission has been part of the TCAC Board of Directors since 2002, and currently it is holding the Vice Presidency.

Remarks by Mr. Ritter N. Diaz, Commercial Attaché of the Embassy of Panama and TCAC Vice-President, during the opening of the party	TCAC members sharing a friendly and joyful atmosphere

Music performance and dance

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Working Seminar of the Panama Maritime Authority in Japan

On November 15th, 2007, the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP, in Spanish), the Embassy of Panama to Japan, the Consulates of Panama to Tokyo and Kobe, together with the Inter-American Development Bank, Asia Office, organized a Working Session on the Modernization Process of the Panama Merchant Marine. The event took place at the Conference Room of the Fukoku Seimei Bldg. in Tokyo.

At the event, Mr. Fernando Solórzano, AMP Administrator, and Mr. Alfonso Castillero, AMP Director General of Merchant Marine, delivered presentations on the said topic before an audience comprised mainly by representatives of Japanese maritime companies and media.

In this occasion, AMP officers answered inquiries from the Japanese maritime companies regarding the Panamanian Ship Registry.

Afterwards, the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP, in Spanish) offered a reception, which provided an excellent venue for the exchange of ideas on maritime affairs between members of the Panamanian delegation and representatives of the Japanese ships companies.

On November 16th, 2007, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, accompanied the Panamanian Delegation to pay courtesy visits to key maritime organizations, such as Marine Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastracture and Transport, the Japan Shipowners´ Association (JSA), Mizuho Coporate Bank, Ltd., Tokyo MOU Secretariat, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK).

The working session organized by the delegation of the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP, in Spanish) was successful due to the large number of attendants, who showed a strong interest in the Panama Registry.

From left to right, H.E. Liliana Fernández, Ambassador of Panama to UK, Mr. Alfonso Castillero, AMP Director General of Merchant Marine, Mr. Takeo Shikado, Representative of Inter-American Development Bank – Office in Asia, Mr. Fernando Solórzano, AMP Administrator, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, and H.E. Eduardo Real, Ambassador of Panama to Singapore.

From left to right, Mr. Víctor Almengor, Head of the Legal Department of AMP Direction of Merchant Marine, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, H.E. Liliana Fernández, Ambassador of Panama to UK, Mr. Fernando Solórzano, AMP Administrator, Mr. Julio de La Lastra, President of Panama Maritime Chamber, Mr. Tomás Avila, President of Panama Maritime Law Asociation, Mr. Alfonso Castillero, AMP Director General of Merchant Marine, and Mr. Ritter N. Díaz, Attaché of this Diplomatic Mission

Mr. Alfonso Castillero, AMP Director General of Merchant Marine, during his presentation	The Panamanian delegation during a courtesy visit paid to executives of Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd.

Full-room audience at the AMP Working Session

The Panamanian Delegation surrounded by the participants at the AMP Working Session

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Breakfast Seminar to Celebrate the 12th Anniversary of the IDB Office in Asia

On November 13th, 2007, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, attended a Breakfast Seminar to Celebrate the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Office in Asia’s 12th Anniversary. On this occasion, H.E. Naoyuki Shinohara, Vice-Minister of Finance for International Affairs of the Ministry of Finance, participated as guest speaker and delivered a lecture on “Global Financial Market Issues including Sovereign Wealth Fund”.

During the lecture, Vice-Minister Shinohara analyzed several financial issues such as the U.S. sub-prime mortgages, a special fund created in China for the management of some of its huge foreign reserves, the Carry Trade Phenomenon, foreign exchange market behavior, and others.

The Breakfast Seminar, which counted with the participation of the Head of Missions of the Latin-American countries accredited to Japan, enabled attendees to deepen understanding on the situation of global finance, and contributed to strengthen ties between the Latin-American region and Japanese financial authorities.

H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan (at the center of the second row) and the Head of Mission of the Latin-American countries accredited to Japan, BID Office in Asia authorities and S.E. Naoyuki Shinohara, Vice-Minister of Finance for International Affairs of the Ministry of Finance (at the center of the seated row)

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Midori District Community Festival 2007

As part of its promotional activities at the local level, the Embassy of Panama to Japan participated in the Midori District Community Festival, on November 10th, 2007. The event took place at Midori District in the prefecture of Saitama, north of Tokyo.

During the opening ceremony, Mr. Ritter N. Diaz, Commercial Attaché, on behalf of H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, expressed his gratitude to the local government authorities for their kind invitation to participate in the said event, which helped residents to learn more about Panama. The Embassy took the opportunity to distribute tourism brochures in Japanese, to exhibit handicrafts, as well as to carried out tasting of Pananamian Specialty Coffee to local residents.

On this occasion, the Panamanian delegation was welcomed by Mr. Kazuaki Suzuki, Mayor of Midori District, Mr. Soichi Aikawa, Mayor of the City of Saitama, Mr. Hideo Otsuka, Deputy Mayor of the City of Saitama, Mr. Masao Takahashi, Saitama prefecture lawmaker, Mr. Zenjiro Kaneko, Parlamentary Secretary of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and member of the House of Representatives, and Mr. Hideo Shimizu, former Mayor of Midori District.

OPENING CEREMONY On behalf of H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, Mr. Ritter N. Diaz, Commercial Attaché, delivering introductory remarks to the local authorities and residents.	Mr. Ritter N. Diaz, welcomes Mr. Zenjiro Kaneko, Parlamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and member of the House of Representatives, at the booth of Panama

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Latin American Bazaar 2007

On November 2nd, the Embassy of Panama to Japan participated at the Latin American Bazaar 2007, organized by the Nippon-Latin-American Ladies' Association. The purpose of this charity event is to collect funds to improve the life of poor children in Latin America. In the case of Panama, the funds are used to support the child welfare programs carried out by the Office of the First Lady of the Republic of Panama, H.E. Mrs. Vivian Fernández de Torrijos. The event was carried out at Tokyo Prince Hotel.

At the booth of the Embassy of Panama, molas, traditional handicrafts and other Panamanian products, were exhibited. Furthermore, on this occasion, books on mola written in Japanese by Ms. Kayoko Maeda were also introduced, as well as mola-design T-shirts that were donated by Ms. Maeda. In this connection, the said event was an excellent venue to promote Panamanian handicrafts and other products.

The Latin American Bazaar is held every year with the participation of all the Diplomatic Missions from Latin America accredited to Tokyo, and with the distinguished presence of H.I.H. Princess Hitachi, who is the Honorary Chairperson of the Nippon-Latin American Ladies' Association.

Mrs. Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama (center), and Mrs. Dianick de Serizawa, Attaché (left), who is wearing a Panamanian montuna, welcoming H.I.H. Princess Hitachi to our booth.	Mrs. Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama, explaining to H.I.H. Princess Hitachi (center) about the Panamanian canned Sancocho soup.

Mrs. Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama, and Mrs. Sumiko Mikimoto, a member of highly-respected Mikimoto family, owners of worldwide-known Mikimoto & CO., Ltd., which provides the tiaras for Miss Universe.
	Mrs. Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama, and Ms. Kayoko Maeda, author of a Japanese book on mola.

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Ambassador of Panama participates at the reception for the 50th Anniversary of Dowa Line Co. Ltd.

On November 1st, 2007, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, participated at a reception held on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Dowa Line Co., Ltd., which is an important client of the Panamanian Maritime Registry. The reception took place at the Heian Room of Hotel Okura Tokyo.

The event was an excellent occasion to strengthen ties between the Republic of Panama and the shipping company.

H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama, and Mr. Kazuo Takigawa, Dowa Line Co., Ltd. CEO.

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Ambassador of Panama as Judge at Photograph Contest “Japan?! through Diplomat Eyes 2007

On October 26th, 2007, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, participated as a member of the judges panel for the 10th annual photograph contest “Japan?! Through Diplomat Eyes 2007”, which was held in the City Club Tokyo.

The said photograph contest was addressed to diplomats accredited in Japan as well as to their relatives. The event counted on the presence of H.I.H. Princess Takamado and H.E. Mr. Nobutaka Machimura, Chief Cabinet Secretary and President of the Judges Panel for the contest.

The event encourages participants to capture unexpected images of Japan. In total, 56 diplomats representing 35 countries took part in the contest. Last year, Mr. Alfredo Joel Martiz, Son of Ambassador of Panama, won the first place with the picture titled “Dance of Light and Smoke”.

The contest provides a splendid opportunity to deepen friendship ties among the countries represented through an exchange of ideas regarding the way they look at the Japanese culture.

From left to right, H.I.H. Princess Takamado and H.E. Mr. Nobutaka Machimura, Chief Cabinet Secretary and President of the Judges Panel for the contest, H.E. Godfrey S. Simasiku, Ambassador of Zambia, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama, and Mr. Hiroshi Kuramochi, G.I.P Tokio President.

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Embassy of Panama organized Seminar on new Immigration Issues to Japan

On October 25 th, 2007, the Embassy of Panama, the Embassy of Guatemala and the Tokyo Consular and Administrative Corps (TCAC) carried out a seminar on immigration issues, including the new entry procedures which were implemented on November 20th by the immigration authorities. The seminar took place at the Kowa Building No. 38, Latin-American Room, in Tokyo.
 
The seminar was delivered by Mr. Yasuhiro Togo, Counsellor’s Office Immigration Bureau, and Mr. Isao Negishi, Entry and Status Division of the Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of Justice of Japan, who explained to Consular Corps accredited in Tokyo, the recently adopted immigration procedures that requires foreigners to be fingerprinted and photographed at the time of arrival to Japan.

The attendees had the opportunity to inquire directly to the Japanese Immigration officers and establish a closer contact with the Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of Justice.

Tokyo Consular and Administrative Corps (TCAC) is comprised by diplomatic consular and administrative affairs staff of Embassies accredited in Japan, and provides and excellent forum for opinions exchange among its members, as well as networking between the Diplomatic Missions and Japanese authorities. The Panamanian Diplomatic Mission has been part of the TCAC Board of Directors since 2002, and currently it is holding the Vice Presidency.

From right to left, Mr. Yasuhiro Togo, Counsellor’s Office Immigration Bureau, and Mr. Isao Negishi, Entry and Status Division of the Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of Justice of Japan.	H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, delivering the opening remarks as hosting Embassy of the event.

The audience comprised of members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited in Tokyo.

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Ambassador Wife as Judge at Miss International Beauty Pageant 2007

On October 15th, 2007, Mrs. Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama, participated as a member of the judges panel for the 47th beauty contest Miss International Beauty Pageant 2007, which was organized by the International Cultural Association (ICA). The event took place at the Ball Room of the Prince Park Tower Tokyo.

During the event, Miss Panama Stephanie Arauz carried out an outstanding representation of our country. Likewise, it is important to mention that last year Miss Panama 2006 Mayte Sánchez, became First Runner-Up.

Mrs. Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama, the winner Miss México Priscila Perales (left) and the First Runner-Up Miss Bielorrusia Yuliya Sindzeyeva.	Miss International Beauty Pageant 2007 Welcome Reception Party (First row, at the center): H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, next to Miss International Beauty Pageant 2006, Miss Venezuela Daniela Di Giacomo, together with the delegates of 2007 contest and event-related VIP.

At the center, Mrs. Carla Marotta de Martiz, Wife of the Ambassador of Panama (right), and Miss Panama Stephanie Arauz (left).

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Global Seminar of Mizuho Corporate Bank Ltd.

From October 9th to 12th, 2007, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, participated in the 1st Mizuho Global Seminar, which also counted on the presence of a delegation of the Panama Canal Authority (ACP, in Spanish) integrated by Mrs. Amanda K. O`Meally, Executive Manager of the Budget Administration and Control Division, and Mr. José Gabriel Arias, Manager of the Productivity and Financial Improvement Division of the Department of the Finance and Administration Department. The event was organized by Mizuho Corporate Bank Ltd., and took place at its Head office in Tokyo.

During the seminar, several topics were discussed such as the current situation of the Japanese economy and Mizuho Group strategies, including its global operations, current movements in financial technology, trend of the overseas direct investment from Japan, current situation of automobile and manufacturing industries, current situation of Japanese financial institutions, structure and trend of stock market in Japan, and environmental issues.

It is important to mention that the Panama Canal Authority has hired Mizuho as financial advisor for the Panama Canal Expansion. Services within the contract include reviewing the financial aspects of the ACP´s Master Plan and expansion proposal, providing strategic counsel on financing structures and strategies and creating and implementing an integrated financial model.

This occasion was propitious to make an approach to Mizuho Corporate Bank Ltd., and deepen the excellent relations between Mizuho Corporate Bank and the Republic of Panama.

From left to right, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, and Mr. Hiroshi Saito, President & CEO of Mizuho Corporate Bank Ltd.

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Panama participates in the JATA World Tourism Congress & Travel Fair 2007

From September 14th to 16th, 2007, the Panama Tourism Bureau (IPAT, in Spanish), with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Panama, participated for the third time in the JATA World Tourism Congress & Travel Fair 2007, organized by the Association of Travel Agents of Japan (JATA, in English), which was carried out at Tokyo Big Sight. The Panamanian Delegation was comprised by representatives of two Panamanian travel agencies: Allegro Tours and Arians Tours.

During the event, our renewed pavilion carried out a display of banners with images of all provinces and regions of Panama, as well as exhibited videos of important tourist attractions, which were provided by the Panama Tourism Bureau (IPAT). 

Likewise, the representatives of the two Panamanian travel agencies, as well as H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama, and Mr. Ritter N. Diaz, Commercial Attaché of this Diplomatic Mission, participated in the World Tourism Congress 2007, which took place on September 13th, 2007. During the Congress, specialists in tourism delivered a detailed explanation on the characteristics of the Japanese tourism market, including the 7-million-Japanese segment called “Baby Boomers”, who will be retiring between this year and 2009, and hence, will have free time and economic capacity to travel. 

The Panamanian Pavilion provided brochures in Japanese to visitors, elaborated by this Diplomatic Mission, about general information of the country, indigenous groups, ecotourism, world heritage and historical sites, as well as shopping, cruisers and Panama as a retirement paradise.

It is important to mention that the said event is the largest tourism fair in Asia, where tour operators, airlines and hotels from around 134 countries participated, with more than 948 exhibition booths. This year 107,078 visitors attended the three-day event. 

Needless to say, JATA World Tourism Congress & Travel Fair provides Panama an excellent opportunity to introduce its attractiveness directly to the Association of Travel Agents of Japan (JATA), which is composed of major Japanese tourism operators. The Panamanian travel agencies had a successful participation in the event, as they were able to contact a great deal of Japanese potential customers during the event.

From left to right, Ms. Maria Chavez (Arians Tours, S.A.), Ms. Ivanka de Diaz (Allegro Tours, S.A.), and H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan	Panama Tourism Bureau (IPAT) booth
From left to right, Mr. Ritter N. Diaz, Commercial Attaché of the Embassy of Panama, Ms. Ivanka de Diaz (Allegro Tours, S.A.), H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, Ms. Maria Chavez (Arians Tours, S.A.), Ms. Dianick de Serizawa, Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of Panama	From left to right, Mr. Ritter N. Diaz, Commercial Attaché of the Embassy of Panama, Ms. Ivanka de Diaz (Allegro Tours, S.A.), Ms. Maria Chavez (Arians Tours, S.A.), H.E. Dr. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, Ms. Dianick de Serizawa, Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of Panama
From left to right, H.E. Ms. Midori Matsushima, Senior Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and Ambassador Martiz, Ms. Maria Chavez (Arians Tours, S.A.)	At the center, Mr. Koji Shinmachi, Chairman of the Association of Travel Agents of Japan (JATA), and Ambassador Martiz

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Working Meeting of Panama Japan Business Cooperation Committee

On September 12th, 2007, Panama Japan Business Cooperation Committee held a working meeting at the headquarters of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).

The said Committee was officially established in July 2006 during the visit to Japan of H.E. Samuel Lewis Navarro, First Vice President and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Panama, with the purpose of promoting trade between Panama and Japan, as well as Japanese investment and tourism.

The Committee comprises more than 60 prestigious Japanese companies already established in Panama, and it is headed by Mr. Mikio Sasaki, Chairman of the Board of Mitsubishi Corporation, while Mr. Yasuyuki Fujishima, Director & Senior Managing Executive Officer of Sojitz Corporation and former Ambassador of Japan to Panama, performs as Secretary General. In addition, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan, holds the position of Honorary Chairman.

During the meeting, members of the Committee discussed issues of interest for Japanese business sector related to trade, real estate, the cleaning of the Panama Bay, modernization of public transportation, Panama Canal Expansion, tourism and others.

Japanese businessmen expressed a strong interest in expanding business opportunities in Panama by taking advantage of its significant and ongoing economic growth. Hence, members of the Panama Japan Business Cooperation Committee are planning a visit to Panama in order to meet with business associations’ representatives such as the Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE, in Spanish), Panamanian Construction Chamber (CAPAC, in Spanish), the Panamanian Chamber of Commerce, and other business and trade associations.

Participants at the working meeting also took the opportunity to bid farewell to H.E. Shuji Shimokoji, outgoing Ambassador of Japan to Panama, while welcoming H.E. Makoto Misawa, who was appointed as new Ambassador of Japan to Panama.

From left to right, H.E. Shuji Shimokoji, outgoing Ambassador of Japan to Panama, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan and Honorary Chairman of the Panama Japan Business Cooperation Committee, and H.E. Makoto Misawa, new Ambassador of Japan to Panama.

(Sitting from left to right) Mr. Yasuyuki Fujishima, Director & Senior Managing Executive Officer of Sojitz Corporation and former Ambassador of Japan to Panama, who performs as Secretary General of the Committee, H.E. Makoto Misawa, new Ambassador of Japan to Panama, H.E. Alfredo Martiz, Ambassador of Panama to Japan and Honorary Chairman of the Committee, and H.E. Shuji Shimokoji, outgoing Ambassador of Japan to Panama, with the members of the Panama Japan Business Cooperation Committee.

Working meeting of the Panama Japan Business Cooperation Committee.

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