Companies attending Colombian expo

David Mesa/La Prensa

building blocks: Colombian materials are a key component to Panama’s construction industry.1077336

The trade disputes between Panama and Colombia have not impacted the sale of construction materials from this country's neighbor.

Panama is the third-largest importer of Colombian construction materials, trailing only Cuba and Venezuela. In 2007, Panamanian businesses imported $23.7 million worth of materials from that country, a 51 percent increase from 2006.

Panama has sent a delegation from 22 companies to Expocamacol, the main Colombian trade fair for the construction, architecture and design industries that is taking place this week in Medellin. Those companies include Grupo Melo, Do It Center and Raenco.

The show includes 365 Colombian suppliers and buyers from 645 companies from 32 countries. Organizers have said that an estimated $76 million in commercial transactions will be finalized at the event.

The local demand for Colombian construction products is varied. They include iron, steel, cement, ceramic tiles, and electrical switches.