AGP Executive Report

Livestock Biosecurity: The USDA confirmed the New World screwworm in South Texas for the first time since 1966, with a 3-week-old calf in La Pryor (Zavala County) testing positive after lab work in Ames, Iowa; officials are setting a 20-kilometer infested zone, quarantines, movement controls, and ramping surveillance plus targeted sterile-fly releases to stop spread. Cross-Border Tech & Security: ESET reports China-linked cyber-espionage groups have increased targeting of Latin America and the Caribbean, including Panama government entities, as state-backed operations expand alongside US-China geopolitical competition. Panama Education & Skills: Trinidad and Tobago’s Education Minister Crystal Caesar highlighted CedarBridge Academy’s “Signature Learning Programmes,” including a Panama language immersion trip and hands-on tech tracks like robotics, engineering drafting, and computer science. Archaeology & Materials Science: Research in Latin American Antiquity confirms emeralds found in Panama’s ancient tombs originated in Colombia, using non-destructive analysis to map long-distance pre-Hispanic trade. Maritime Industry Watch: Posidonia 2026 opened in Athens with Panama’s president in attendance, spotlighting shipping’s strategic and environmental pressures as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

Cybersecurity & Geopolitics: ESET reports China-linked APT groups FamousSparrow and NegativeGlimmer have targeted government agencies in Panama, alongside other Latin American and Caribbean countries, showing how state-backed cyber operations are spreading across the region. Agriculture Biosecurity: New World screwworm has been detected about 25 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, prompting USDA to tighten cross-border monitoring and counter misinformation as livestock producers face potentially massive economic losses. Panama Education & Skills: CedarBridge Academy highlighted its “future-focused” language immersion and hands-on tech programs in Panama, spanning robotics, engineering drafting, web production, and computer science. Archaeology & Science: Non-destructive analysis confirms emeralds in Panama’s ancient tombs came from Colombia, reshaping what we know about pre-Hispanic trade networks. Maritime Tech & Climate: Panama’s Canal Authority is ordering hybrid harbour tugs from Armon Shipyard, aiming to boost maneuvering performance while cutting local emissions. Digital Government: A new partnership links Germany’s digital identity push with Estonia’s experience, while Ukraine’s Diia model is also being positioned as a reference point for modernization efforts.

Panama Archaeology: Scientists confirmed that emeralds buried in Panama’s ancient ritual tombs (El Caño and Sitio Conte, 800–1000 CE) were genuine Colombian stones, reshaping what we know about long-distance pre-Hispanic trade. Maritime Tech & Policy: Posidonia 2026 opened in Athens with Panama’s president present, spotlighting shipping tech and compliance pressures as the Strait of Hormuz stays closed. Canal Engineering: Panama Canal Authority selected Spain’s Armon Shipyard to build 10 additional hybrid harbour tugs, aiming to boost maneuvering performance while cutting local emissions. Biodiversity Research: Conservation paleobiology in Panama uses shark microfossils to reconstruct “before overfishing” communities, guiding restoration targets after major Caribbean declines. Public Health & Nature: Study finds Panama’s leaf-mimicking katydids may use their disguise to enhance mating signals, linking camouflage and sexual communication. Regional Travel Economy: WTTC forecasts Central & South America travel and tourism growth in 2026 outpacing the global average, driven by resilient demand and spending.

Maritime & Tech Diplomacy: Panama President José Raúl Mulino joined Greece’s PM at Posidonia 2026, opening the Panamanian pavilion and meeting shipping leaders as the country leans on its ship registry and logistics clout. Canal Modernization: The Panama Canal Authority ordered 10 more hybrid harbour tugs from Spain’s Armon Shipyard, adding battery-assisted power aimed at better maneuvering and lower local emissions. Public Safety & Health Tech: Panama’s Colón buried six teens in three weeks, underscoring urgent local security needs. AI & Information Warfare: A new AI-driven U.S. “content mill” (La Tilde) is accused of producing propaganda-style material targeting Latin America. Conservation Science: Smithsonian-led work in Panama uses shark microfossils to reconstruct past reef communities, guiding restoration after major overfishing losses. Cybersecurity: ESET reports China-aligned APT activity reaching Panama and targeting AI/robotics firms in South Korea. World Cup Logistics: Lakeland Fire + Safety expanded Latin American fire-protection orders, including Panama, as tournament-era readiness ramps up.

Panama Cybersecurity Reform: Panama’s Ministry of Security is pushing cyber defense reforms that redefine how “strategic” infrastructure is governed, with new controls tied to defense, financial oversight, and geopolitical risk across sectors like energy, health, telecoms, finance, transport, water, food, and submarine cables. AI & Work: The UN’s labor agency says AI gains must reach workers fairly, through better wages, stronger protections, and inclusive growth—not just productivity boosts. Panama Tech & Payments: A J.P. Morgan executive highlights how blockchain-based payments are being integrated into large-scale financial systems, with a focus on scaling globally while meeting local rules. Security Tech in Panama’s Orbit: PatrolTech’s platform aims to digitize security round traceability, reducing disputes by recording time, location, and multimedia proof. Regional Crime Routes: Chilean prosecutors warn organized crime is shifting maritime trafficking routes via the Strait of Magellan as Panama Canal transit faces pressure. Panama-Linked Trade & Tech Diplomacy: Panama is pitching itself as India’s logistics and tech gateway to Latin America, including maritime connectivity and investment opportunities.

Panama’s Cyber Defense Overhaul: Panama’s Ministry of Security is pushing new cyber defense reforms that expand governance beyond “just cybersecurity,” covering strategic sectors like energy, health, telecoms, finance, transport, water, food, and even submarine cables. Bridge of the Americas Maintenance: Engineers and authorities outlined a medium- and long-term plan for the Bridge of the Americas after April’s fire, including deck and rivet replacement work to extend safety and lifespan. Blockchain Payments in Panama’s Orbit: A profile of J.P. Morgan’s blockchain payments push highlights how distributed ledger tech is being integrated into global payment rails—relevant to Panama’s fintech and payments audience. Security Round Traceability Startup: PatrolTech is digitizing security and concierge rounds with verifiable records (time, location, multimedia) to reduce incidents and disputes—an applied tech story with local relevance. Maritime Crime Route Shift: Chile warns organized crime is using the Strait of Magellan as an alternative trafficking corridor, citing pressure from enforcement and constraints tied to Panama Canal transit. World Cup Tech & Risk Watch: With the 2026 World Cup starting soon, Miami officials are flagging hurricane-season risks for visitors, while Panama’s role as a logistics gateway to India keeps showing up in regional tech-and-trade angles.

Panama Cyber Defense Overhaul: Panama’s Ministry of Security is pushing new cyber defense reforms that expand governance beyond traditional security, covering strategic sectors like energy, health, telecoms, finance, transport, water, food, and even submarine cables. Robotic Surgery in Panama: The Social Security Fund (CSS) says surgeons at the City of Health completed Panama’s first robotic-assisted gastric bypass, highlighting faster recovery and paving the way for robotic telesurgery to reduce backlogs. Ancient Trade Tech in Panama: Researchers confirmed that green stones from Panama’s pre-Columbian tombs were Colombian emeralds, using portable X-ray fluorescence and other tests—evidence of a trade network over 700 km. Infrastructure Maintenance Watch: Panama’s Bridge of the Americas is set for medium- and long-term repairs after fire damage, including deck and rivet replacement plans. Maritime Security Diplomacy: Israel’s “Isaac Accords” framework includes Panama and focuses on defense tech sales for maritime security, police modernization, and organized crime fighting. Climate & Coasts: Costa Rica oceanographers warn unusually warm Pacific waters could worsen erosion and flooding risks as the year progresses.

Cyber Defense Reform: Panama’s Ministry of Security is pushing new cyber-defense legislation that ties technology protection to national defense, financial oversight, and tighter control of services deemed strategic, including energy, health, telecoms, finance, transport, water, food, and submarine cables. Medical Tech in Panama: The Social Security Fund (CSS) says surgeons at the City of Health completed Panama’s first robotic-assisted gastric bypass, highlighting more precise movement, less bleeding, and a path toward future robotic telesurgery for patients outside the capital. Ancient Trade Science: Researchers report green stones in Panama’s pre-Columbian tombs were confirmed as Colombian emeralds, using portable X-ray fluorescence and other tests—supporting a long-distance trade network over 700 km. Infrastructure Engineering: Panama’s Bridge of the Americas is set for major medium- and long-term repairs after a fire, with plans including replacement of the road deck and affected rivets. Ocean & Culture Diplomacy: Pacific voyaging and ocean leaders gathered on Rapa Nui to share wayfinding knowledge and coordinate high-seas marine conservation, with Panama among participating communities. Canal Engineering Story: A new explainer revisits how the Panama Canal lifts massive ships using gravity-driven “water staircase” design rather than cranes or pumps. World Cup Tech & Logistics: Coverage around Brazil vs Panama and World Cup officiating spotlights how global sports operations, broadcasting, and match-day systems are being organized for 2026.

Infrastructure & Safety: Panama’s Old Bridge of the Americas is set for major upkeep after the April 6 fire, with plans discussed at a UTP forum including replacement of the road deck and existing rivets to extend the structure’s life. Health Tech: The CSS at Panama’s City of Health carried out the country’s first robotic-assisted gastric bypass, highlighting more precise surgery, less bleeding, and a path toward robotic telesurgery for patients outside the capital. Ancient Science & Trade: Researchers confirmed that green stones from Panama’s pre-Columbian tombs are Colombian emeralds, using portable X-ray fluorescence and other lab methods to trace a trade network over 700 km. Cybersecurity: ESET reports China-linked hackers exploiting Middle East conflict to target maritime, energy, and even Panama-linked activity patterns, showing how instability is becoming a cover for espionage. Agriculture & Resilience: IICA member states backed its 2026–2030 strategic plan focused on food security and agricultural resilience, with Panama among the represented ministries. Maritime/Geopolitics: NATO condemned a Russian drone strike that hit a Romanian apartment building, underscoring ongoing risks near NATO borders. Crypto Regulation: A MiCA-focused explainer highlights how offshore corporate structures can still be MiCA-compliant via EU licensing and filings. Energy Security: Coverage on LNG reliability points to North America as a growing “security premium” supplier as Middle East disruptions reshape global flows. Sanctions: The US Treasury expanded sanctions tied to Iran’s military oil network, including a Panama-flagged tanker listed among targeted vessels.

Medical Tech in Panama: The CSS at the City of Health carried out Panama’s first robotic-assisted gastric bypass, using a robotic platform to cut bleeding and speed recovery, with plans to expand toward robotic telesurgery for patients outside the capital. Ancient Trade Science: Portable testing confirmed that green stones in Panama’s pre-Columbian tombs were Colombian emeralds, linking Panama’s Gran Coclé sites to trade routes over 700 km. Cybersecurity & Espionage: ESET warned that China-aligned hacking groups are exploiting Middle East conflict to target maritime and energy firms, and also noted attempts to spy on AI/robotics work abroad. Panama Policing (Digital Crime): Panama National Police arrested three people tied to a sexual extortion network using online dating apps, seizing technological equipment. Food & Agriculture Policy: IICA member states backed a 2026–2030 strategic plan focused on food security and resilience, with Panama among the represented ministries. Global Tech/Policy: DOJ and CFTC filed prediction-market insider trading cases tied to confidential internal search data.

Robotic Surgery in Panama: The CSS at the City of Health carried out Panama’s first robotic-assisted gastric bypass, using a robotic platform to cut bleeding and speed recovery, with plans to expand toward robotic telesurgery for patients outside the capital. Ancient Trade, Modern Lab Work: Researchers at the Technological University of Panama confirmed that rare green stones from El Caño and Sitio Conte are genuine Colombian emeralds, linking Panama’s Gran Cocle burials to trade routes over 700 km. Cybersecurity Watch: ESET says China-linked hackers have exploited Middle East conflict to target maritime and energy firms, with added interest in strategic AI and robotics. Sanctions & Shipping Links: The US Treasury expanded sanctions on Iran’s military oil network, including a Panama-flagged tanker, underscoring how global shipping routes get pulled into geopolitics. Biosecurity Alert: US officials warn of New World screwworm near the US/Mexico border, with heightened risk to livestock and pets and ongoing sterile insect releases. Panama’s Tech for Industry: A new look at industrial reliability highlights why maintenance and heat-treatment capacity matter for Panama’s ports and energy projects as activity rises. Panama Police Cybercrime: Three people were arrested in Operation ECFO over a sexual extortion scheme using online dating apps, with tech equipment seized.

Panama–Israel Tech & Innovation Deal: Israel and Panama signed an economic accord letting Israeli firms plug into Panama’s public development projects, with a stated focus on innovation, technology, education, security, and sustainable development. Cybersecurity Watch: ESET’s APT Activity Report (Oct 2025–Mar 2026) says geopolitical pressure shaped state-linked hacking, with China-aligned groups targeting maritime, energy, government, and advanced tech sectors. Digital Crime in Panama: Police arrested three people tied to a sexual extortion network that used online dating apps to lure victims, seizing tech equipment in San Francisco, Juan Díaz, and El Chorrillo. Prediction-Market Insider Trading: DOJ and CFTC charged a Google software engineer over Polymarket trades allegedly made using confidential internal search-trend data. Maritime Reliability for Panama’s Ports: A look at why equipment reliability matters for Panama’s port and energy operations as activity rises—downtime becomes a fast commercial problem. Tourism Growth Signal: WTTC forecasts Central & South America Travel & Tourism GDP growth of 4.1% in 2026, with international visitor spending up 7.8%.

Panama–Israel Tech & Innovation Deal: Panama and Israel signed an economic accord letting Israeli firms plug into Panama’s public development projects, with a stated focus on innovation, technology, education, security, and sustainable development. Maritime Tech via Panama Canal: A giant Manitowoc-built U.S. Navy crane is set to depart Manitowoc Harbor for Hawaii, with an ocean tug planning a tow route that includes the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Panama Canal. Cybersecurity Watch: ESET’s APT Activity Report (Oct 2025–Mar 2026) says China-aligned groups stayed highly active, targeting maritime, energy, government, and advanced tech sectors, including an AI robotics company in South Korea. Maritime Security in Focus: Korea says Iranian Noor-series anti-ship missiles attacked a Panama-flagged cargo ship (HMM Namu) in the Strait of Hormuz, based on a joint inspection. Health Systems in the Region: PAHO rolled out HEARTS 2.0, a 38-intervention pathway to improve hypertension care and follow-up across cardio-renal-metabolic conditions in primary healthcare.

Panama Canal Leadership: President José Raúl Mulino named engineer Ilya Espino de Marotta as the first woman to lead the Panama Canal, with a seven-year term and an $8.5B investment push to keep the waterway reliable amid climate shocks. Cybersecurity: ESET’s APT Activity Report (Oct 2025–Mar 2026) flags China-aligned espionage targeting maritime, energy, and government interests, plus attacks tied to AI robotics in South Korea. Maritime Security: South Korea says Iranian Noor-series anti-ship missiles hit the Panama-flagged HMM Namu in the Strait of Hormuz, citing findings from a joint inspection team. Crypto & Sanctions: The UK sanctioned Huobi Global S.A. (linked to HTX, a Panama-registered entity), escalating pressure on crypto channels tied to Russia-linked evasion networks. Health Tech: PAHO rolled out HEARTS 2.0, a 38-step cardio-renal care pathway to standardize hypertension detection and treatment across the Americas. Energy/Trade: Canada moved closer to LNG exports to Germany via the Ksi Lisims project, supporting long-term supply planning into the early 2030s.

Panama Canal Leadership: Panama named engineer Ilya Espino de Marotta as the waterway’s first female administrator, tasking her with a roughly $8.5B decade investment plan to keep the canal reliable amid climate shocks and water stress. Health Systems in the Region: PAHO rolled out HEARTS 2.0, a 38-step primary-care pathway to tackle hypertension alongside diabetes and chronic kidney disease across 29 countries. Energy & Shipping: Canada moved closer to LNG exports to Europe after reaching a deal to supply Germany with up to 1mn tons a year from the Ksi Lisims project; separately, Jumbo Maritime ordered two methanol-ready heavy-lift vessels from Dajin for delivery in 2028 and 2029. Tech Policy & Finance: The UK sanctioned Huobi Global S.A. (linked to HTX) in a Russia-focused crackdown on crypto networks used for sanctions evasion, while HTX said the action won’t affect its exchange operations. Science Watch: UCL research on tropical paper wasps found that when a queen disappears, colonies can fall into chaos—but “compensator” wasps keep essential work going.

Panama Canal Leadership: Panama just named Ilya Espino de Marotta as the first woman to lead the Canal, with a mandate to push an $8.5B investment plan and keep the waterway reliable as climate pressure mounts. Crypto Sanctions Spillover: The UK escalated its Russia-linked crackdown by sanctioning Huobi Global S.A. (tied to HTX), adding fresh compliance pressure for crypto firms operating through Panama-registered entities. Shipping & Trade Costs: Container rates from Asia to the US are climbing again as the Strait of Hormuz risk and peak-season demand tighten capacity. Regional Tech & Connectivity: Panama’s Mas Movil (+Movil) is set to launch a Starlink-backed D2C satellite mobile service later this year. Local Security: Panama reported 25 arrests in Penonomé tied to micro-trafficking, a reminder that enforcement remains active alongside the tech push.