Panama aims to recuperate the American banana conglomerate Chiquita following its expulsion from the country

The town of Bocas del Toro, Panama, which heavily relies on tourism and banana production, is feeling the effects of a strike by Chiquita workers. The prolonged protests have led to the layoff of more than 6,000 employees at the Changuinola plant earlier this spring, causing significant product shortages in the province.

The strike began on April 28 to protest pension reforms, and it has resulted in road closures and over $75 million in losses for the U.S. banana giant. The exact time and location of the meeting between President Jose Raul Mulino and Chiquita Brands representatives are not publicly available, but it is expected to take place during Mulino's visit to Brazil, which begins on Aug. 28.

Commerce and Industry Minister Julio Molto stated that talks with Chiquita are progressing positively, and he hopes to reach an agreement that would allow the company to return to Panama. Chiquita is reportedly evaluating its losses and analyzing ways of hiring new staff, while also requesting guarantees that supply routes will not be closed in the event of future protests.

If the talks are successful, Chiquita's return to Panama could be announced in September or the end of August. The company's return to Panama, if it occurs, will be phased, with the aim of gradually restoring operations and minimising disruption to the local economy.

The city where the meeting between the Panamanian President and Chiquita representatives is taking place has not been specified. The meeting is expected to discuss Chiquita Brands resuming operations in Panama, and Molto expressed his optimism about the potential for a positive outcome.

The town of Bocas del Toro, which relies heavily on tourism and banana production, is eagerly awaiting news of Chiquita's return to the region. With the tourism industry still struggling due to the pandemic, the return of Chiquita could provide a much-needed boost to the local economy.