Francisco Rodriguez, Chief Accountant Photo by Seeta T. Shaw Roath

Kaira Casitllo, Executive Assistant Photo by Seeta T. Shaw Roath

Paul Wylie, Vice President of Technology Photo by Seeta T. Shaw Roath

Dennis Smith, Vice President of Business Development Photo by Seeta T. Shaw Roath

Reynald Henry Katz indicated that when the construction of the PIMM is completed in 2011, profits will be at its optimum. “When the 6,800 showrooms will be at their average sale capacity, the PIMM will be able to trade approximately $35 billion yearly, making the PIMM the largest wholesale trading zone of Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Katz.

It is estimated that the building and operation of the Panama International Merchandise Mart (PIMM) will make a significant contribution to the economy. Katz said the contribution to the economy would be mainly through employment.

Over 31, 000 people will be employed by PIMM during the construction and operation phases. These employees will be drawn from both the province of Colon and Panama City. During the operational phase, about 70 percent of the office staff and sales persons will be employed from Panama City. The remaining 30 percent of the operational personnel will be employed from the Colon province.

Over 70 percent of the service workers will be mainly sourced from the Colon province, while the remaining 30 percent will be employed from Panama City.

Katz indicated that he will not be competing with the rapidly expanding Colon Free Zone, which is also experiencing an increase in demand for workers.

“We will not compete with the Colon Free Zone for workers because PIMM does not offer warehouse space. We will employ mostly women in the service sector of PIMM, whereas the warehouses in Colon employ mainly men. Our office staff and sales persons will also be mainly women.”

Children of Panama are benefiting from an enhanced educational program that is aimed at preparing them for a global marketplace. Photo by Seeta T. Shaw Roath

The creation of PIMM is the result of teamwork.

Reynald Katz said that behind the success of PIMM is his team. “We share the vision of the PIMM city and through effective teamwork, we will do the best job possible.”

Canadian Paul Wylie is the Vice President of Technology. Wylie has a background in database and mathematics. He brings the strength of his experience to the team effort of creating, building and operating PIMM. Vice President of Technology, Dennis Smith, foresees the next decade as a challenging but rewarding experience. American-born, his extensive experience in Panama, US, and Japan will enhance the global growth program envisioned for PIMM.