Arab News Japan

Japan has proposed constructing a tunnel under the Panama Canal, the first to be built, to support the transport of goods given Japan’s prominent use of the canal. Panama’s government is considering the project following meetings with Panamanian officials.

日・パナマ外相会談
パナマ共和国を訪問中の茂木敏充外務大臣は、現地時間7月18日午前10時30分から1時間15分、エリカ・モイネス外相との間で外相会談を行いました。
https://t.co/mlJix1cdGk pic.twitter.com/DN5vZd1ZQ5

— 外務省 (@MofaJapan_jp) July 19, 2021

Given that 70 percent of Japan’s commercial fleet employ the canal, the 5km tunnel would enhance practical use while also fortifying relations between the two countries. If approved, construction on the tunnel could begin in 2023, according to the Monocle.

Japan is willing to contribute to the growth of Panama, exemplified by their involvement in the Panama City Urban Transport Line 3, according to Japan’s Foreign Ministry.

Bilateral and economic ties between the two nations came into focus following Japanese Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu’s meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama Erika Mouynes on July 18.

At the meeting, Motegi outlined how the “2016 commencement of operations of the expanded Panama Canal has increased the importance of the canal from the perspective of energy security.” He also stressed the importance of maintaining the safety and stability of the canal according to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Both Motegi and Mouynes applauded the ongoing cooperation between Japan and Panama, and vowed to further strengthen the bind between the countries from an economic perspective but also with regard to international matters.

Minister Mouynes acknowledged Japan’s heavy use of the canal, and expressed intent to further their partnership.