Financial groups meet to review Panama Canal funding

Financial groups meet to review Panama Canal funding International banking interests from around the world Wednesday concluded a two-day summit in Panama on financing the Panama Canal expansion.
   Representatives from the Inter-American Development Bank, the European Investment Bank, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, and International Finance Corp. attended the event, which covered a host of questions about the canal project. The conference looked at market and economic trends, risk management, dredging requirements, workforce development and availability, and environmental issues.
   'The interest we received from the financial institutions has been strong. We've received some very thoughtful questions during the workshop, and it's clear that these banks have a good understanding of the project and the goals we want to accomplish,' said Alberto Alem'n Zubieta, Panama Canal Authority administrator and chief executive officer.