In a crucial step towards the development of the semiconductor industry in Panama, the National Secretary of the National Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation (Senacyt), Eduardo Ortega, announced that Panama will host the informal meeting of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on semiconductors, which will be held in December.

The event will be attended by approximately 120 representatives, including companies and members of governments from different countries, with the aim of strengthening cooperation in this key technological sector for the global economic future.

Ortega highlighted that this event is part of a broader strategy that seeks to position Panama as a center of innovation in semiconductors, and during the meeting, Panama will present its national strategy in this field and will announce its action plan for the coming years.

Ortega mentioned that within the framework of this effort, the Semiconductor Commission of Panama approved two weeks ago the national strategy and the action plan for the development of this industry in the country.

As a first step to carry out this plan, Senacyt launched an international call to select the national commissioner of the semiconductor strategy, a key position to coordinate the actions of the government and the private sector in this field.

The call closes this week, and so far, 40 people at the national and international level have shown interest in occupying this position, which demonstrates the growing interest on the part of experts and professionals from around the world in the development of the semiconductor industry in Panama.

“Despite being a country that is taking its first steps in this sector, the call has had a very positive response. This shows us that Panama is attracting international attention and is on the radar of the main global players in this industry,” said Ortega.

The Secretary of Senacyt explained that the profile sought for the national commissioner is highly specialized, since the position requires a combination of technical, economic and political knowledge.

He explained that candidates must have a doctorate in one of the engineering areas related to microelectronics or semiconductors, in addition to having experience in the commercial aspects of the industry, and the ability to work in international alliances.

The commissioner will also have to coordinate efforts with key entities such as the United States Department of State, as well as with countries such as Mexico, Costa Rica, Europe and Asia, to strengthen international collaboration in this sector.

“This is not just a technical issue, but also about being able to build cooperation networks with other countries and work together with key international actors. That is why the commissioner’s profile must be comprehensive, with a global vision and a deep understanding of the economic and political aspects involved,” added Ortega.