The Panama Canal yesterday participated in the traditional ringing of the opening bell at the Latin American Stock Exchange (Latinex) to mark the listing of its US$450 million bond, originally issued in 2015, on Latinex’s International Secondary Market.
The ceremony brought together executives from the Panama Canal and Latinex, who highlighted the significance of this milestone for strengthening Panama’s presence in international capital markets and increasing the visibility of financial instruments issued by one of the country’s most recognized and financially solid institutions.
The listing of the bond on Latinex’s International Secondary Market expands its exposure to regional and international investors while maintaining the original terms and conditions of the 2015 issuance. The listing does not modify the bond’s conditions nor involve a new capital raising by the Panama Canal.
Strengthening Panama’s capital markets
During the ceremony, Olga Cantillo, Chief Executive Officer of Latinex, said that incorporating Panama Canal bond issuances into the International Secondary Market represents an important step in enhancing the country’s profile among global investors.
“When an institution with the prestige and importance of the Panama Canal lists one of its bond issuances on our international market, it strengthens confidence in Panama and in our capital markets,” Cantillo said.
She also described the Panama Canal as a benchmark of excellence and competitiveness for the country.
“The Panama Canal generates confidence to facilitate global trade, and that same confidence is what drives capital markets and attracts investment for Panama’s economic and social development,” she added.
A stronger connection with international investors
For his part, Panama Canal Administrator Ricaurte Vásquez Morales said the listing will deepen and increase the visibility of Panama’s financial markets while strengthening the country’s links with international investors.
“The importance of this event goes beyond listing a financial instrument. It is about continuing to open doors for more institutions to participate in the capital markets and helping strengthen Panama as a leading financial and logistics hub,” Vásquez Morales said.
He also stressed the close relationship between the development of the Canal and the country.
“The Panama Canal is a strategic asset for the nation. As the Canal advances, Panama advances; and as Panama advances, the Canal also becomes stronger,” he stated.
The listing provides a new platform of visibility for the bond, facilitating access for international investors and helping position Panama within an increasingly integrated network of global capital markets.
