The Panama-Taiwan free trade negotiations were Taiwan's first FTA negotiations after becoming a WTO member. Five rounds of negotiation were held: the first in Panama City from 3-4 October 2002; the second in Taipei from 13-17 January 2003; the third from 17-21 March 2003 in Panama City; the fourth from 19-23 May in Miami; and the fifth from 1-10 August in Taipei.

Panama and Taiwan signed their free trade agreement during the closing ceremony of the fourth meeting of Heads of State of Taiwan and the Central American countries and Dominican Republic that took place in Taipei on 21 August 2003.

Documents relating to the negotiations
21 August 2003	Panama and Taiwan sign free trade agreement
09 August 2003	Taiwan and Panama conclude FTA negotiations
14 May 2003	Fourth round of Panama-Taiwan FTA negotiations
01 March 2003	Third round of Panama-Taiwan FTA negotiations
26 January 2003	Second round of Panama-Taiwan FTA negotiations
05 October 2002	First round of Panama-Taiwan FTA negotiations
12 August 2002	Panama and Taiwan sign declaration of intent to initiate FTA negotiations
26 May 1997	Panama and Taiwan undertake consultations on economic issues
Source: Embajada de la República de China en Panamá; Ministerio de Comercio e Industrias, Panamá

In November 2003 Panama and Taiwan exchanged notes on the FTA, leading to the implementation of the agreement.

The Panama-Taiwan Free Trade Agreement entered into force on 1 January 2004.

Documents relating to the entry into force
5 November 2003	Taiwan and Panama formalize FTA
Source: Oficina Económica y Cultural de Taipei en Perú

Article 18 of the Panama-Taiwan FTA establishes an Administrative Commission comprised of Ministers or designated senior officials of each Party, to supervise the implementation of the agreement. The Administrative Commission is to meet at least once a year.

The first meeting of the Administrative Commission took place in Taipei in April 2007.

Documents relating to the Administrative Commission
24 April 2007	First Meeting of the Administrative Commission
Source: Ministerio de Comercio e Industrias, Panama

• Embajada de la República de China en Panamá
• Ministerio de Comercio e Industrias, Panamá
• Oficina Económica y Cultural de Taipei en Perú
• Taiwan Bureau of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Foreign Affairs