Within the framework of the IV High Level Meeting – Central Triangle, the National Customs Authority of Panama, represented by its General Director, Soraya Valdivieso, and the company Strategos BIP LLC, headed by its CEO and founder, Juan Carlos Buitrago, signed today (10.02.2025) a Cooperation Agreement with the aim of preventing and combating illegal trade in Latin America and the Caribbean.
According to Panamanian Customs, “This agreement constitutes a strategic and operational alliance aimed at combating illicit trade in Central America and other regions of the continent. Through the exchange of information and the strengthening of institutional capacities, both parties will collaborate closely to identify, quantify and prevent illicit activities.”
The agreement also includes the development of training, workshops and other academic activities aimed at strengthening public institutions. In addition, the exchange of experiences and the implementation of best regulatory practices and public policies will be promoted, in order to optimize the fight against illegal trade.
For the National Customs Authority of Panama, this agreement marks "a significant advance" in the fight against smuggling and counterfeiting of products, problems that affect public health, consumer rights and free competition in the region. The initiative will allow for the establishment of action plans and joint projects with other countries, strengthening cooperation and effectiveness in combating these threats.
IV High Level Meeting – Central Triangle
As mentioned above, the agreement was signed during the "IV High Level Meeting on the Fight against Illicit Trade", organized by the National Customs Authority of Panama as host. Representatives of Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru and Dominican Republic are participating in this meeting, which began today and will culminate tomorrow with a visit to the Panama Canal locks.
According to the agenda, today's session included interesting panels discussion on key topics such as “Customs Security and Illegal Trade,” “Government Efforts against Illegal Trade in the Central Triangle Countries,” “Multi-Industry Vision: Lessons Learned and Areas of Opportunity,” “Regional Cooperation Efforts against Illegal Trade,” and “International Cooperation and Support for the Triangles Strategy.”
The “Triangles Strategy” is a public-private alliance aimed at preventing and combating illegal trade and transnational crime in the region. Founded in 2020 by Brigadier General (RA) Juan Carlos Buitrago Arias, former member of the Colombian National Police, Strategos BIP. Supported by organizations such as the OAS, UNODC, EUROPOL, CODECOF, COLADCA International, AMERIPOL and INTERPOL, The strategy strengthens international cooperation and information sharing to combat illegal trade.
Government and Private Sector Representation
Illegal trade represents a regional challenge that demands a multi-sectoral approach. In this regard, the meeting was attended by high authorities, including the Minister of Commerce and Industry of Panama, Julio Moltó, and directors and representatives of the aforementioned countries of the Central Triangle: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru and the Dominican Republic, as well as Uruguay.
From the private sector, representatives of key industries such as beverages and spirits, tobacco and pharmaceuticals participated, including Diageo, Philip Morris International, Bayer, Sanofi and COPAC, as well as the European Union Anti-Fraud Office and the United States Department of State Security.
Closing words
At the closing of today's event, Soraya Valdivieso, Director of the National Customs Authority of Panama, stressed the importance of international commitment in the fight against illicit trade: "I am very grateful for your presence and participation in this IV Meeting of the Triangles Strategy. We have great challenges ahead, but I am convinced that, starting today, we will obtain better results in this fight against illicit trade. The exchange of information, training and, above all, political will are essential."
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