PANAMA’S VISION FOR THE CANAL’S NEXT CHAPTER - On Monday, October 20, at 4:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. Panama time, the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center will host a conversation with José Ramón Icaza, Panama’s minister of canal affairs, exploring the country’s vision for the future of the Panama Canal.

The canal handles around 5 percent of global trade, making it a key driver of economic activity for Panama and the broader region. Amid shifting trade routes and increasing environmental pressures, Panama is moving forward a $8.5-billion, seven-year investment plan to modernize its infrastructure, boost capacity and efficiency, and secure long-term sustainability. Key projects include the Rio Indio water reservoir, a new liquified natural gas pipeline designed to transport energy products from the Atlantic to the Pacific for shipment to Asia, and the construction of two new ports to expand logistics capacity.

This event will explore the challenges and opportunities of these projects and the potential impact they may have on regional trade, economic growth, and key US interests.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 10/20/2025