Chiquita and Panama agree on the return of banana operations to Bocas del Toro with 24 months of monitoring

The Government of Panama, through the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, disclosed the main commitments assumed with the company Chiquita Panama LLC following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the banana company to resume its activities in Bocas del Toro. Chiquita Panama ceased its operations in Bocas del Toro in mid-2025, following a prolonged strike, triggered by a reform of the social security system that threatened pension benefits and involved various unions, including Sitraibana. The agreement signed at the end of August aims to promote the modernization, sustainability, and competitiveness of the banana sector, prioritizing employment, the well-being of workers, community development, and the productive growth of the region. The goal is for operations to be up and running by February 2026 at the latest, with a view to resuming the export of the fruit. Among the main commitments assumed is the initial hiring of approximately 3,000 workers by Chiquita Panama ...