The Panama Innovation Summit 2025

Julio Moltó is an accomplished engineer and seasoned public servant, recently appointed as Panama's Minister of Commerce and Industries. Known for his leadership as the National Police Director during the administration of former President Ricardo Martinelli (2009-2014), Moltó brings a wealth of experience to his role. Committed to addressing Panama’s unemployment challenges, Moltó advocates for revitalizing stalled trade agreements and fostering open dialogue on free trade with other nations. He underscores that “without commerce, there is no employment” and is determined to create opportunities by strengthening Panama's commercial relationships. Aligned with President José Raúl Mulino’s vision, Moltó aims to advance Panama’s economic development and propel the country forward.

Juan Alberto Arias Strunz is the General Manager of Hacienda Loma Linda, S.A., an agricultural company specializing in the production and sale of orchids for both local and export markets. He is also actively involved in the aluminum, glass, and automotive sectors, holding board positions in construction, banking, and real estate. Since 2005, he has been a director and advisor at the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP), currently serving as its President for 2024-2025.

Miguel Bolinaga is the President of AES Panama, formed by AES Panama, AES Changuinola, Gas Natural Atlántico, and Costa Norte LNG Terminal. Bolinaga started his work in Panama in July 2013, previously holding the position of VP of external relations and electric market of AES El Salvador. Before arriving in El Salvador in 2006, he was manager of marketing and distribution of C.A. La Electricidad de Caracas. He had 16 years of experience in the Armed Forces of Venezuela prior to his entry into the world of the electric industry. He is a graduate of the Naval School of Venezuela with a degree in administration and logistics. He also holds the degree of systems engineer awarded by the University of the Venezuelan National Armed Forces and a master’s degree in information system development from the Simon Bolivar University in Venezuela.

Alexander Acosta is an industrial engineer specialized in marketing. He has a track record of more than 25 years in the financial sector in consumer banking, franchises of payment methods, data processing networks, and data analytics services, with experience in Colombia, Peru and Panama. He has been a speaker in local and international forums with the Inter-American Development Bank, World Bank, Visa International, and Felaban on issues of bancarization, the extension of financial services to the lower-income population, and sustainable financial inclusion models. Additionally, he was in charge of the project “Bancarización estratos Bajos” selected by the World Bank – CGAP – Bill Gates Foundation.

Hector Cotes is an industrial engineer with two master’s degrees—one from INCAE Business School and another from Nova Southeastern University, Florida. He is currently CEO of Electron Investment, S.A. (EISA), a renewable hydropower company with 86MW installed capacity, and CEO of Ecosolares, which operates five 10MW solar plants. His previous roles include CFO of Grupo Eleta, VP of Operations at Profuturo AFPC, and various management roles at the Panama Canal. Cotes is President of the World Energy Council – Panama Chapter, and Vice President of the INCAE National Committee in Panama. He is also Past President (2017–2018) of APEDE, where he has been active since 2004. He was named among Panama’s top 75 executive leaders for professional reputation in both 2018 and 2019.

Yill Otero Guevara has extensive experience in international relations, strategic planning, and export promotion. She holds a BA in Latin American and Caribbean Studies with a focus on business administration from Florida State University, an MBA in marketing, and a master’s in strategic planning and ,anagement, complemented by postgraduate certifications in project management, leadership, and NGO governance. She has held leadership roles in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MICI, the UN, and since 2024 serves as Secretary General of PROPANAMA.