Belize represented at German Unity Day celebration in Panama

Belize’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries, Honorable Rodwell Ferguson, and Dr. Luigi Wewege, President of San Pedro-based Caye International Bank, attended a German Unity Day celebration in Panama on October 22. Both participated at the invitation of His Excellency Joachim Schmillen, Germany’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Panama.
The reception brought together government officials, diplomats and private-sector representatives, including Panama’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Javier Eduardo Martínez-Acha Vásquez. Discussions highlighted diplomatic cooperation and economic ties between Germany and Central America.
In its account of the evening, Panama’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized respect for international law, cooperation, and strong institutional relationships. Martínez-Acha highlighted the economic complementarity between Germany’s industrial capabilities and Panama’s role in global connectivity, while Ambassador Schmillen reaffirmed Germany’s friendship and support for Panama.
Ferguson’s attendance also came during Belize’s pro tempore presidency of the Council of Ministers of the Central American Agricultural Council, known by its Spanish acronym, CAC, for the second half of 2026. The regional body provides a forum for cooperation on agriculture and food security, including opportunities to exchange expertise and strengthen market access.
Wewege, meanwhile, pointed to growing interest in Central America among German-speaking investors and clients. He said Caye International Bank, which is headquartered in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, had recorded an increase in its German-speaking clientele.
“German nationals have submitted the second-highest number of applications to Panama’s Qualified Investor program in 2026, which is a striking indication of the interest developing in this part of the world,” said Dr. Wewege. “At Caye International Bank, we have also noticed a recent increase in our German-speaking client base. Although these are distinct developments, together they suggest that more people are looking carefully at the opportunities Central America offers.” He said people considering overseas investment or a longer-term presence in the region require support beyond selecting a property.
“They want to understand the business environment, access reliable professional advice and establish banking relationships that support their circumstances,” he said. “The quality of that experience matters enormously. Belize and Panama each have their own strengths. Building stronger relationships with German investors and the wider German-speaking community begins with understanding their expectations and providing consistent, professional service.”
Panama’s Qualified Investor residency program offers further context for that interest. According to the country’s Ministry of Commerce and Industries, 938 Qualified Investor certificates have been issued since the program began in late 2020, supported by investments totalling US$450.8 million.
Idaliz H. Guiraud, Managing Partner of Guiraud Law, who also attended the reception, said Germany was among the ministry’s five leading countries of origin for investors in the program, while Spain ranked eighth.
For Belize, the reception provided an opportunity to maintain diplomatic and business contacts with Germany and Panama. Ferguson and Wewege identified continued dialogue to explore closer economic cooperation, particularly in light of the announced commercial air connection between Germany and Belize planned for 2027.