Panama Joins the Regional Race in Artificial Intelligence

Panama has taken a strategic step to strengthen its technology ecosystem and regional competitiveness by signing a cooperation agreement on artificial intelligence (AI) with Chile. The agreement aims to develop local technological capabilities, foster innovation, and generate AI-based solutions for key sectors of the economy.

The partnership was formalized between Panama’s National Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation (Senacyt) and Chile’s Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation, reinforcing bilateral collaboration in emerging technologies.

Panama Joins LatamGPT, a Regional AI Language Model

As part of the agreement, Panama formally joined LatamGPT, the first collaborative large language model developed for Latin America and the Caribbean. Similar in scope to global AI language platforms, LatamGPT is designed using regional data and linguistic contexts, enabling more accurate, inclusive, and locally relevant AI applications.

From a business and innovation perspective, participation in LatamGPT opens new opportunities for the development of digital products, AI-powered services, and high-value solutions with a strong regional identity.

From Technology Adoption to Regional Co-Creation

The initiative seeks to move beyond the passive adoption of imported technologies and toward a co-creation model, where countries actively participate in the design, training, and application of AI systems.

This approach is expected to deliver tangible benefits in productivity, efficiency, and cost reduction across strategic sectors such as education, healthcare, public administration, and social development—areas with strong potential for economic linkages and digital transformation.

Building AI Capabilities and Technological Sovereignty

LatamGPT currently brings together several countries in the region, positioning the project as a key platform for advancing technological sovereignty, strategic autonomy, and innovation-led development in Latin America.

The agreement also includes collaboration in:

• High-performance computing infrastructure

• AI model training and development

• Applied research projects

• Strengthening autonomous technological capabilities

For the private sector, these elements create a favorable environment to attract technology investment, enhance human capital, and accelerate Panama’s digital transformation.

Panama’s Emerging Role in the Digital Economy

Through this alliance, Panama positions itself as an emerging player in the regional digital economy, aligning public policy, academia, and the productive sector around a shared vision for artificial intelligence.

By integrating AI into its development strategy, the country aims to transform artificial intelligence into a driver of sustainable growth, competitiveness, and higher value-added economic activity.