UMECIT La Chorrera branch participated in the Panama West Growth and Development Forum, a dialogue space organized by the Panama West Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Agriculture and Tourism and the Panama Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture.

The main topics discussed included tourism, job creation, infrastructure, roads, mobility, economic growth, and proposals aimed at the sustainable development of the province.

The forum was attended by authorities, including the Minister of Tourism, mayors, businesspeople and representatives from various sectors of Panama and West Panama, who shared experiences, projects and proposals aimed at strengthening the growth of this region of the country.

Representing UMECIT were teacher Katherine Labrador, along with the Extension Coordinator, Mgtr. Alexis Del Cid, and the Research Coordinator, Mgtr. Osvaldo Blackman, from the La Chorrera campus. 

Strengthening the link between academia and the business sector

One of the relevant aspects of UMECIT's participation was the approach that the La Chorrera headquarters has been developing with the Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Agriculture and Tourism of West Panama, with which the management of a cooperation agreement is currently in process.

This initiative seeks to strengthen ties between academia and the business sector, generating opportunities for collaboration in areas such as professional internships, training, outreach activities, research, and potential job placement opportunities for students and graduates.

For UMECIT, this collaboration represents an opportunity to continue building strategic alliances that foster a stronger connection between university education and the business and professional realities of the region. It also opens avenues for the knowledge generated at the University to contribute to the needs and projects driving the development of Western Panama.

Education, innovation and regional development

As an institution of higher education, UMECIT recognizes that the growth of West Panama requires prepared professionals, innovation, quality education, job creation, and ongoing collaboration between the public, private, and academic sectors.

In this sense, the University's participation in these spaces reaffirms its commitment to research, university extension and engagement with different sectors of society, promoting the exchange of knowledge, collaboration and the joint construction of solutions.

From its headquarters in La Chorrera, UMECIT continues to strengthen its ties with institutions and organizations in the region, contributing through education to the training of professionals capable of entering the labor market, undertaking ventures, and providing solutions to the needs of their communities.

Because development is built by everyone, and through education we continue to train those who will be an active part of the future of West Panama.