A. M. 
The Latin America and Caribbean business meeting: Connecting to the Global Market generated US$72,208,019 in trade expectations, according to reports from participating international buyers, of which US$2,646,800 corresponded to deals closed during the event. This was the first business meeting between countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, and it was organized by CAF (Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean) within the framework of the Latin America and Caribbean International Economic Forum 2026.
Held on january 29 and 30 in Panama City, the business meeting brought together for the first time 149 buyers from 34 countries and nearly 270 exporters from 20 nations. Among the markets represented were the United States, Germany, Canada, Spain, Italy, Japan, South Korea, India, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Jamaica, Paraguay, and Bolivia, among others.
“The success of this business matchmaking event demonstrates that Latin America and the Caribbean have a competitive export offering capable of entering global markets. This forum has become one of the region’s main business networking hubs, generating new commercial opportunities and strengthening production chains”, said Sergio Díaz-Granados, Executive President of CAF.
According to the consolidated results reported by buyers, deals worth US$9,114,970 are projected to be finalized in the next three months; US$20,616,100 within three to six months; and an additional US$21,628,899 in more than six months, highlighting the high potential for business partnerships generated during the event.
During the two-day event, more than 4,000 business appointments took place, with an average of over 20 meetings per businessperson. There were one-on-one meetings of 25 minutes each, following a pre-arranged agenda, in addition to further meetings held on-site.
The most dynamic sectors were agri-food, manufacturing, fashion, and services, reflecting the diversity and sophistication of the regional offerings.
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