Panama is in the process of negotiations with one of the world’s largest (unidentified) rice companies regarding the signing of a contract to package and re-export rice. The signing of this contract is part of the Government’s strategy of turning Panama into a food hub in the Central America region. According to the minister of Agricultural Development, the measure which will become operational in the second quarter of 2016 is likely to stimulate domestic production and generate employment. The Government has identified and plans on securing the location for re-export at the Colon Free Zone, on the Caribbean coast.