[Letterhead of Ministry of Economy and Finance]
February 26, 2015
VIA EDGAR
Securities and Exchange Commission
100 F Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20549
Attention: Sandra B. Hunter, Esq.
Re: Republic of Panama
Registration Statement Under Schedule B
File Number 333-202178
Ladies and Gentleman:
Pursuant to Rule 461(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Republic of Panama (the “Republic”) hereby requests acceleration of the effective date of the above referenced registration statement to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, or as soon thereafter as practicable.
The Republic confirms that it is aware of its responsibilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as they relate to the proposed public offering of securities specified in the above referenced registration statement.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Iván Zarak
Iván Zarak A.
Vice Minister of Economy of the
Republic of Panama
