Asociación de Usuarios de la Zona Libre de Colón

The Association of Users of the Colon Free Zone (AU) is a private, non-political, non-profit organization and the only business association that brings together the main companies established in the Colon Free Zone, representing the first productive sector of the national economy, with the highest contribution to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the main generator of foreign currency in the country.

The AU was born on November 5, 1979 backed by more than fifty visionary entrepreneurs. Throughout its existence, this body has promoted and obtained important achievements in favor of its members with a view to strengthening the leadership and competitiveness of the Colon Free Zone as the first in the world.

It has work commissions where issues related to logistics, transport, ports, airports, customs, security, community support and commercial exchange are actively analyzed, among others.

Our Association also provides guidance to all those entrepreneurs and investors interested in establishing themselves in this international trade center.

The AU, with more than 40 years of existence, through its directors participates in international events in which the advantages of the Colon Free Zone are promoted and made known, as a global logistics center for world trade, shows This led to the organization of the V Latin American Conference of Free Zones, under the motto "Business Development in Free Zones in the New World Environment" with the attendance of more than 200 people from more than 29 countries. In addition, other important events have been developed such as: Expo Foro de Zonas Francas, developed with an international focus, having special guests of great renown such as the Former President of Colombia, H.S. Alvaro Uribe and important international and national exhibitors from the government sector, among other prominent private sector entrepreneurs.

We have also held our traditional Gala Dinners, Business Lunches, conferences, congresses and constant training for our members and users in general of the Colon Free Zone.

The AU maintains relationships with international trade organizations and exchanges knowledge and services with similar groups in other free zones abroad and creates economic incentives to contribute to the Colón community.

OBJECTIVES

Unite and represent the users of the Colon Free Zone.
Watch over the rights and legitimate interests of its members.
Publicize and promote the services offered by this economic activity as a center for international trade both within and outside the country.
Provide its associates with the means and facilities of information, advice and training that contribute to competitively and economically improve their international services.
Actively participate in studies of commissions and working groups of the Users Association, as well as with official, private and labor entities that aim to improve the socio-economic conditions of the country and especially of the province of Colon.
Maintain a permanent dialogue with government authorities and especially with those of the Colon Free Zone to improve and increase the services of this free zone.
Create means of social contribution that benefit the community of Colon and cooperate in the establishment, together with the employees of the Users who are members of this association, of facilities for recreational, cultural and sports activities for the benefit of them and their families.
Maintain close relations with international institutions and exchange knowledge and services with similar groups in other free zones abroad.
Promote at the national level the principles of democracy and free enterprise as essential factors for the development and existence of our activity.
Ensure that the associates and their representatives maintain the highest ethics in the provision of their services and the development of their commercial and social activities.


Relations with other Important Guilds of Panama

National Council of Private Enterprise - CONEP
Council of the Private Sector for Educational Assistance - COSPAE.
United States - Panama Business Council - USPA.
International Negotiations Commission of the Vice Ministry of Foreign Trade - DINECI.
Association of Free Zones of the Americas - AZFA.
Panama Pacific Special Economic Area Agency - AAEEPP.
Logistics Business Council - COEL.
Honorary Members of the Colombo-Panamanian Chamber of Commerce and Industries - CICOLPA.
Council of International Services of Panama - COSIP
Executive Committee of the Colon Free Zone
Board of Directors of the Colon Free Zone
Intendancy for the Supervision and Regulation of Non-Financial Subjects of the MEF
Committee for the Facilitation of Trade in the Colon Free Zone
Crime Stoppers Inc. Caribe, Bermuda and America