Over the past five years, Panama has delivered an annual growth of 10%. This small country of 3.6 million people is now in the top 5 fastest growing nations. It is part of the emerging economies that, by 2020, will produce 70% of global growth.

Opportunities are to be seized now in these countries, not only for large European corporations, but especially for smaller companies which great challenge today remains internationalization.

It was precisely in that goal that has been conducted in Panama but also in Argentina and Paraguay, the Mission for Growth conducted by the European Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, Antonio Tajani.

Forty European entrepreneurs participated in this initiative which is designed primarily to fight against offshoring: "Internationalization is the solution against the relocation," he said, "we must continue to work Europe, but also try to work in other countries, with joint ventures and new European plants in different countries"

In recent years, these Missions for Growth took place in over twenty countries and have made some 600 European entrepreneurs to initiate a process of internationalization.

"It gives the opportunity for small and medium businesses that do not have the opportunity to internationalize," said Paolo Franchetti, CEO of Studio Franchetti, "to make contacts at the highest level in a very short time and at extremely low cost"

Major European groups have been working for a long time in Panama. They are also to participate in the enlargement of the famous canal. A project that would allow the 2016 to triple its capacity and by four the dividends it generates. It represents for the country a great emulation, and European companies, known for the quality of their products and high technology should definitely take a part in.

But there are also opportunities in the energy, mining, telecommunications, transport, logistics and tourism. In addition, the country has a particularly attractive strategic position.

Panama has free trade treaties such as with the United States, Canada, Singapore, Chile, Peru and Taiwan. Historically, Panama has very important commercial ties with Europe. Today, the European Union is the largest trading partner of Panama, just after the United States.

This country will grow and the doors are open for European investors but competition is fierce, China and other South American countries are also enjoying the beautiful Panamanian growth.