Much of Panama trade from crime

“Criminal organizations that dedicate themselves to money laundering, prostitution, drug trafficking and human trade are generating a fair amount of income, but nobody knows for sure the extend of their businesses,” said Garcia.

Over the last few years criminal gangs have moved to Panama after being chased from countries such as Mexico and Colombia and try to start their businesses in here.

The government has responded by creating more robust laws to protect the borders and control the indiscriminate entrance of foreigners into Panama.

The controversial security legislation that created the border police, the air and naval service and the security force were aiming to combat the imminent danger that organized crime represents, according to Ministry of Government and Justice, Daniel Delgado Diamante.

Currently there are 4,000 registered sex workers in the country, and government figures, show there are another 6,000 women who work in the sex industry illicitly.

Garcia said that it is important and necessary for the countries in the region to work together to effectively fight organized crime.

The United States has recently created the so called Merida Plan, that aims to help Mexico and the Central American countries to eradicate criminal gangs from their territories.

Talking about the financial crisis, Garcia said that the government should take precautions to protect the national economy such a freezing the basic food basket products, until the financial crisis subsides around the world.

“We are in the middle of an international financial meltdown, which would have unpredictable consequences and that is the reason why, all policies should be directed to preserve savings and the Panamanian international reserves,” said García.

He added that the government should generate a policy of sustainable growth in the education, training and technology areas to be able to face the potential problems that could affect Panama in the near future and the ramifications will be felt.