Panama and Costa Rica could become bigger markets for Thai exports with the development of a new logistics route from Asia that could reduce shipping costs.

Thai exporters and the Thai Chamber of Commerce signed a total of 15 agreements with Panamanian entrepreneurs during a trade mission to Panama last month. … Ten memoranda of understanding with Costa Rican counterparts were also signed by the private companies and the Thai Chamber of Commerce.

Many exports go via Peru because of its status as a Pacific gateway to South America. But Mr Techa said freight service to Peru was costly. However, improvements in capacity in panama from canal expansion would give shippers more options.

From the Bangkok Post