On the afternoon of November 12, the opening ceremony for the MOFCOM Seminar on Cross-Border E-Commerce and International Supply Chain Management for Panama, organized by the Ministry of Commerce and undertaken by the MOFCOM Training Base for International Business Officials (Shanghai) from SBS, was held at the Caobao Road Campus. Chen Wei, Secretary of the Direct Party Branch of the International Education college, and Lin Shuya, Deputy Secretary-General of the Pudong Municipal Council for the Promotion of International Trade and Executive Vice President of the Pudong Foreign Trade Association, attended the opening ceremony.
(scene of the opening ceremony)
Currently, the global supply chain landscape is undergoing profound restructuring, with digital trade rules and green logistics standards rapidly reshaping the international trade system. Panama holds traditional advantages in areas such as free trade zone operation, shipping services, and cross-border finance. Meanwhile, China, as the world’s largest cross-border e-commerce market, is providing new paradigms for the transformation and upgrading of global trade through innovative practices like digital ports, smart warehousing networks, and full-link supply chains. This Seminar aims to build a China-Panama collaborative innovation network for supply chains, help Panama consolidate its position as a regional trade hub, and promote trade exchanges and cooperation between China and Panama.
Chen Wei stated that the seminar will invite experts and scholars from Shanghai Maritime University, the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, and CCCC Logistics Planning and Design Institute Co., Ltd., among other institutions, to share insights on topics such as the relationship between international production capacity cooperation and supply chains, cross-border e-commerce import-export and customs supervision, and the progress and experience of “Silk Road E-Commerce” international cooperation. He expressed his hope that the participants would cherish this valuable learning opportunity, engage in serious reflection and active exchange, continuously improve their professional competence and work capabilities, contribute to the cooperation and development of both countries, and jointly elevate China-Panama cooperation to a new level.
Lin Shuya pointed out that in recent years, cross-border e-commerce and smart logistics have become important forces driving practical cooperation between China and Panama. A growing number of Chinese enterprises are actively participating in the construction of ports, logistics, and digital infrastructure in Panama. Simultaneously, characteristic Panamanian products such as seafood, coffee, and tropical fruits are increasingly entering Chinese households via e-commerce platforms, winning the favor of more and more consumers. She stated that the Chinese side is willing to share e-commerce development experiences with Panamanian partners, jointly explore innovative paths for “Silk Road E-Commerce” cooperation, co-build smart logistics networks, and help Panamanian products reach the global market.
On behalf of the participants, Eric, a representative from Panama, expressed gratitude to China for its commitment to promoting cooperative exchanges and its contributions to achieving sustainable development and the common prosperity of the peoples of both nations. He noted that cooperative exchanges between China and Latin American countries are crucial for the development and economic growth of various regions in Panama. The scale of Chinese investment in Latin America is significant and has made positive contributions to local progress and well-being. He looks forward to this seminar serving as an important step in consolidating China-Panama trade relations and bringing mutually beneficial outcomes for both countries.
This seminar lasts for 14 days. The 30 participants come from departments such as the Government of Herrera Province, the Municipality of La Chorrera, the Municipality of Bugaba, and the University of Maradín in Panama. The Seminar program includes an inspection tour to Kunming City, Yunnan Province for the participants.
Written by: Zhou Dejiang
Photography by: Li Shuo
Reviewed by: Chen Wei
