Apede welcomes El Niño emergency declaration but calls for concrete action

The Panamanian Association of Business Executives, known as Apede, welcomed the declaration of a state of emergency over the possible effects of El Niño, but said the measure must be followed by concrete action.

The organization warned that the phenomenon could affect the population, agriculture and the wider economy. It said it had created a team to follow the measures adopted by the state and contribute expertise from different fields.

“We want to contribute, from our different areas of expertise, to ensuring that the decisions taken are timely, efficient and reach those who truly need them,” Apede said.

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We want to contribute, from our different areas of expertise, to ensuring that the decisions taken are timely, efficient and reach those who truly need them.

The association also said it would monitor the use of resources during the emergency. It called for the funds to be managed publicly and transparently, with the required controls in place.

“We are entering a decisive period,” Apede said, describing the coming months as an opportunity to prepare the country for the scenarios expected during the dry season. The group said the response should focus on informing, guiding and acting rather than creating alarm.

Apede said El Niño should not be treated solely as an agricultural problem. It could also affect drinking-water availability, food production, industry, power generation, infrastructure, Panama Canal operations, the economy and the country’s competitiveness.

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We are entering a decisive period.