FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The World Trade Center Arkansas and the Sam. M. Walton College of Business are inviting Arkansas companies and higher education professionals to join their delegation to Panama from Aug. 8-15. The delegation will meet with the leaders of several Panama agencies, including the Panama Canal Authority and the Ministry of Education.

The goal is to position Arkansas companies and educators to find opportunities for growing their businesses or to explore ways to enhance the educational experience of students in transportation, logistics and supply chain management.

Companies and educators interested in joining the trade and educator’s mission can visit arwtc.org/panama2018 for details and registration.

“We are calling this mission ‘Inside the Locks,’” said Melvin Torres, director of Western Hemisphere Trade for the World Trade Center Arkansas. “It is a very rare opportunity for Arkansas transportation, logistics and supply chain companies to understand the inner workings of the Panama Canal and meet with some of the most important leaders of these sectors in the entire Western Hemisphere.”

Higher education is a strong component of this mission and educators and companies can choose from two travel options. Each option promises comprehensive tours, presentations and first-hand Q&A sessions with Panamanian leaders from agencies such as the Panama Canal Authority, the Ministry of Education, the University of Panama, the Colon Free Trade Zone, the Manzanillo International Terminal and more.

“Panama serves as the crossroads of trade for the Americas,” Torres said. “Its strategic location as a bridge between two oceans has made Panama not only a maritime and air transport hub, but also an international trading, banking and services center. To be able to meet with key leaders and professionals responsible for the success of this region is an exceptional opportunity.”

For more information about “Inside the Locks” and the opportunities available through this trade mission, visit arwtc.org/panama2018 or contact Melvin Torres at melvint@arwtc.org.

About the World Trade Center Arkansas: The mission of the World Trade Center Arkansas is to grow trade and increase Arkansas exports by connecting Arkansas businesses to the world through international trade services. The Center is part of the University of Arkansas and serves as the trade promotion arm for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. For more information and valuable updates, please follow the Center on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the World Trade Center Arkansas newsletter.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.