APL SETS UP OFFICES IN PANAMA

APL SETS UP OFFICES IN PANAMA    APL has set up a wholly-owned subsidiary in Panama, replacing previous arrangements with independent agents.
   APL de Panama, S.A. will represent the carrier in Panama and operate offices in Panama City and at Colon’s Manzanillo International Terminal, adjacent to the Colon Free Zone.
   Juan Tejeira has been appointed general manager of APL de Panama.
   “Panama is the most active container-shipping hub in Latin America, not only because of canal activity, but because Panama’s geographical location offers strategic access to the world’s major markets,” said Manny Fernandez, APL’s vice president for Latin America. Some 70 percent of the country’s container trade is transshipped to other regions, the carrier said.
   APL operates six weekly services that link South and Central America and the Caribbean to Asia, Europe, and North America.