Panama slows down pace of China talks

Panama wants to lower the pace to its talks with China on a free trade agreement. There are a lot of items still to be discussed in the agenda, said Trade minister Augusto Arosemena.

The fourth round of talks began yesterday in Panama City among concerns voiced in various sectors, including the industrialists, who fear that Panama's costs will be undercut and China will provide bis subsidies for its exports.

"The negotiations will take as long as is necessary," Arosemena said. "We feel things have gone very well so far in the talks."