LOVILL organized the Academic Workshop “Panama’s Public-Private Partnerships in Action” to Strengthen the Implementation of the PPP Model in the Country

October 2, 2025
Projects and Infrastructure

Panama City, October 2, 2025 — LOVILL held an academic workshop designed to create a forum for learning and dialogue, bringing together government authorities, multilateral organizations, and private sector representatives with the objective of strengthening the understanding and implementation of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in Panama.

The event focused on addressing questions, explaining key processes, and providing practical tools related to PPP management. Throughout the workshop, participants discussed topics including financial architecture, the role of the Office of the Comptroller General and the Ministry of Economy and Finance, project supervision, the role of trustees, and the measurement of performance indicators in project execution and their significance.

“Through this academic workshop, we aim not only to share knowledge but also to support institutions and stakeholders involved in structuring stronger and more effective PPP projects. These projects extend beyond a single administration; they are Country Projects that represent a commitment to development and quality public services for Panamanians,” stated Ms. Isabel Cristina López, Founding Partner of LOVILL.

For their part, Ms. Jeannette Bravo and Mr. Gabriel Silva of LOVILL’s PPP team concluded during their respective panels that “the proper definition of roles and the application of international best practices are essential for PPP projects to advance with transparency, efficiency, and a results-oriented approach that benefits citizens.”

The workshop’s academic format allowed attendees to receive first-hand technical insights and engage directly with specialists, fostering an open exchange between institutions and experts.

The workshop was organized into three main panels. The first panel, dedicated to the financial architecture of PPPs, was moderated by Mr. Gabriel Silva (LOVILL) and featured Dilcia Monterrey (Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic), Esperanza Miranda (UNOPS Consultant – Ministry of Public Works), and Ivette Martínez (General Secretariat, Ministry of Economy and Finance). Panelists addressed resource management, payment processes, and the Comptroller General’s involvement throughout the different stages of PPP projects.

The second panel, focused on effective PPP supervision and the contractual framework, explored the fiduciary role and its coordination with other stakeholders, reviewed procurement processes and the responsibilities of project supervisors, and identified the contractual mechanisms that ensure project compliance. The panel was moderated by Ms. Jeannette Bravo (LOVILL) and featured Mary Inés Díaz (Banistmo), Lorena Ríos (Nippon Koei LAC Panama), and Daniella Espinosa (UNOPS Consultant – Ministry of Public Works). The session also included a special presentation by Denis Leduc, Senior PPP Specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), who shared international best practices and introduced attendees to the use of performance indicators.

Finally, the third panel, moderated by Mr. José De Gracia (LOVILL), addressed the measurement of PPP success through performance indicators and international experiences. Presentations were delivered by Gloria Rodríguez (UNOPS – Ministry of Public Works), Fernando Abraham (ABRACO Ingeniería), and David Álvarez (Arcux).

The event concluded with remarks by Ms. Ana Julia Carreira, National Secretary of Public-Private Partnerships (SNAPP), who highlighted the challenges and opportunities of the PPP model in Panama, the current status of ongoing projects, and initiatives under development. During her presentation, she also referred to the sixth anniversary of the PPP Law, emphasizing the importance of this milestone in consolidating the implementation of the model in the country and strengthening interinstitutional collaboration.

Through this initiative, LOVILL reaffirms its commitment to promoting technical education and creating academic forums that strengthen the country’s capacity to successfully implement the PPP model, contributing to Panama’s economic and social development.