Panamá como hub logístico de las américas: una reflexión crítica sobre competitividad, vulnerabilidad hídrica y equidad regional a partir del periplo internacional

Abstract

This paper analyzes Panama’s positioning as one of the leading logistics hubs in the Americas, considering its geographical advantages, multimodal infrastructure, and public policies that have contributed to consolidating its leadership in international trade. Based on the knowledge acquired during the academic field trip, the study examines the importance of the Panama Canal, the Colón Free Trade Zone, the port system, and the National Logistics Strategy of Panama as fundamental elements for the country’s economic development and competitiveness. The paper also presents a critical perspective on the challenges that may limit the sustainability of this model, particularly the Canal’s water vulnerability, which became evident during the 2023–2024 water crisis, as well as the need to ensure a more equitable distribution of the benefits generated by logistics activities. It concludes that Panama has exceptional conditions to maintain and expand its logistics leadership over the next decade. However, its consolidation will depend on the country’s institutional capacity to sustainably manage water resources, strengthen its infrastructure, and transform the growth of the logistics sector into greater development opportunities for the Panamanian population.