by Francisco Javier Paz Atencio
Journalist and Editor of Colegio de Periodistas de Panamá, Panamá
The relations between Panama and China transcend the commercial sphere and are a rich cultural symbiosis, the likes of which have rarely been seen in our country.
With a presence in the country since the 19th century, Chinese culture has not only been accepted by Panamanians, but is part of our traditions.
Nationals from other countries affirm that a Panamanian tradition is to enjoy a delicious Chinese breakfast. In Panama, every Sunday it is common to see an ingredient fron Chinese gastronomy in our diet.
The Chinese have taken over all retail trade in urban and rural sides of Panama.
Popularly known as stores, it is common for each one to be managed and administered by Chinese, who do business with every need that the consumer has, from food to financial transactions.
In every neighborhood in Panama there is a Chinese community, something that no other foreign community in the country has.
The Chinese are so accepted that they are considered part of the Panamanian society to which they have arrived and they have also assumed Panamanian customs.
As a curious fact, in the last general elections, several nationals of Chinese origin were chosen to be mayor of populous cities in the country.
Panama may have established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China seven years ago, but this relationship is more than a century old and has enriched our culture, just as the Chinese have adapted to ours.
*The views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the individual authors and do not reflect the position of the Secretariat of the Belt and Road Journalist Network.