Welcome to Bayou Business Download, a podcast from the Greater Houston Partnership where we dive into the data and analytics influencing the region’s economy. In this episode we’re going to discuss the recent visit of the President of Panama to Houston. President Laurentino Cortizo came to Houston in July  to celebrate the five year anniversary of the expansion of the Panama Canal and discuss opportunities to further expand trade between Houston and Asia and other global markets through Panama. We're joined by John Cypher, Senior Director of International trade and investment for the Americas at the Partnership. Some of the topics discussed in this episode include: The relationship between Houston and Panama How the expansion of the Panama Canal impacted trade through Houston. The types of goods and products that most often travel through the Canal to and from Houston. The impact of planned growth of the Houston Ship Channel. The challenges and opportunity that lie ahead for Houston in foreign trade.