Panama’s business community is welcoming the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the Central American nation.

According to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, in 2016, trade between the two countries topped $6 billion.

Many in Panama are hoping, that is just the beginning.

CGTN’s Roee Ruttenberg reports.

Margaret Myers on Panama’s fast growing economy

For more on Panama’s shifting foreign policy and its economic ties CGTN’s Rachelle Akuffo spoke with Margaret Myers, director of the Latin America and the World Program at Inter-American Dialogue.