President Mulino's clarification followed comments by Director General of the Department of Latin America and the Caribbean of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cai Wei, during a press conference.

The President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino, stated today that there has not been a formal request to restart negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China, so there is nothing concrete.

The statement follows comments by Director-General of the Department of Latin America and the Caribbean at the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Cai Wei, during a press conference.

The President stressed that he is aware that the official was in Panama, and he knows that he said so at a press conference, arguing that he has no problem in evaluating the proposals that are made, but as everything, they have to come in order.

He mentioned that he has asked the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Julio Moltó, to review what happened with that attempt at a free trade agreement with China, so those are also big words.

“But we have to be very careful, not for any reason, but because of the size of the markets, and I don't have to explain that,” said Mulino. He added that the Chinese official's statement was an expression of their desire to move forward, but there is still nothing concrete.

Wei, who was visiting Panama, said that it is necessary for the negotiations of the FTA between Panama and China to be resumed as soon as possible, and recalled that both countries had already started negotiations on July 9, 2018, having up to five rounds of dialogue on the matter.