Panama to build the first Hydraulics Research Center in the region

(Panama, June 6, 2011).- To strengthen its position as an important benchmark in the world maritime industry, Panama plans to build a high technology Hydraulic Research Center, which will be the first in the region. The feasibility study for the project prepared by the University of Miami was financed by non-reimbursable funds from CAF - Latin American development bank - supervised by the City of Knowledge Foundation.

As part of the study of the technical, economic, financial, social and environmental impact of this ambitious project, specialists from the hydraulic engineering body of the Panama Canal, the Panama Technological University, and the City of Knowledge Foundation, among others, participated in a workshop with experts from the University of Miami, to receive and discuss the preliminary results of the first component of the study which includes a water tunnel.

"We have defined a set of strategies and actions to support and benefit the countries of Latin America in an effort to promote research and development of new technologies which will position them in an increasingly competitive global environment," Rubén Ramirez, CAF director representative in Panama, said.

"The expansion of the Panama Canal is an historic opportunity to attract complementary investment and promote development of ambitious engineering projects which stimulate the technological progress of the country," Ramirez said.

The location of this center in Panama will bring important economic and technological benefits to the country by creating better structural solutions in the area of ​​civil engineering, shipbuilding, aerospace, automotive, among others; promoting knowledge transfer in region, and attracting large companies from around the world which develop leading edge technology in specialized areas.

According to Jorge Arosemena, executive director of the City of Knowledge Foundation, this project enhances the International model of Panama as a logistics support center for the maritime hub. "It is a new avenue for hydraulic research. It is a first world center which simulates currents, tests materials, and does other research which contributes to the development of the industry."

Alejandra Collarte, director of International Corporate Affairs and Information Technology at the University of Miami, said one of Panama’s attractions for construction of this facility is its geographical position and the operation of the Canal, which is directly linked to this project. "The Panama Canal Authority is essential, without it this subject wouldn’t even have come up. The excellent management of the Panama Canal has confirmed the possibility of building up the country as a maritime hub, and now also for research."