Panama names new minister with tourism background

Panama's Commerce and Industry minister, Augusto Arosemena, has presented his resignation to President Juan Carlos Varela.

Arosemena says he want to return to his former career in the private sector. He was appointed as minister at the end of 2016. As minister he was instrumental in drawing up significant legislation, including that of the Colón Free Zone.

Varela said he has named Néstor González to replace Arosemena. González was the deputy minister under Arosemena. For some 15 years, he has been like to the private sector, particularly in tourism and construction.