The Venezuelan government has announced that it is  negotiating with Panamanian companies interested in selling food and commodities that can go into the country duty free.

The government says  that it has $100 million available to buy more than 1,000 tons of food products, "... including canned tuna, tomato sauce, mayonnaise, pasta, wheat flour, rice, lentils, black beans, margarine, oatmeal, coffee, powdered milk and canned meat. "

Personal hygiene products to be requested include shaving razors, sanitary towels, soap, toilet paper, toothpaste, shampoo and deodorant.

Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade in Venezuela, Urbáez Renier said that "... 'As soon as we have analyzed the profile of companies that are financially solvent, have acceptable prices and can guarantee shipping logistics, we will be signing the contract and making a down payment," the official said noting that they hope that as soon as the purchase order is finalized, the products will reach the Venezuelan territory within a period not exceeding three weeks and will enter exempt from tariffs in that country."

"... Urbáez explained that so far more than six Panamanian companies have expressed interest in participating in this first round of negotiations for direct purchases and they expect to finalize contracts this week " reports CentralAmericaData