business

Embassy awards prizes

Iván Uribe/la prensa

Ambassador William Eaton1000856

The U.S. embassy awarded prizes to Dell Panamá and Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT) on Tuesday in recognition of their corporate social responsibility programs. Esso Standard Oil received an honorable mention.

MIT has allocated $4 million to its nine permanent social responsibility programs in education, sports and social development. The company has invested $1.5 million in the construction of a children's hospital in Colón, the Hospital Juan Antonio Núñez. MIT has also demonstrated a concern for environmental issues, investing $2.3 million to convert the operation of eight cranes from diesel to electricity, eliminating 3,000 tons of carbon monoxide emissions annually.

Dell has donated more than $120 million to the children's hospice Hogar San José de Malambo, and through its Movimiento Nueva Generación has has provided the government with 1,500 computers to reduce the digital breach between those who have access to the technology and those who do not. Dell employees participate in various environmental and recycling programs.

U.S. Ambassador to Panama William Eaton said that "We are honoring American businesses that provide an example of what they can bring to Panama: innovation, leadership, and a commitment to work with others to build a better and more hopeful future."

Eaton pointed out that "the United States and Panama share important values, such as their commitment to democracy" and "development based on free enterprise and trade." The ambassador added, "It is this shared commitment that unites us in signing the Trade Promotion Agreement. The U.S. believes that this is a good agreement for both nations, and we remain committed to assuring its approval by Congress, since it creates opportunities for Panamanian agriculture and industry."