In March of 2002, the Government of Panama in collaboration with the private sector and with the financial and technical support of the InterAmerican Development Bank, launched a cluster-based economic strategy program called Compite Panamá (Panama Compete).  ETG was hired to facilitate the process and put into action a collaborative strategy process that would accelerate business competitiveness in Panama.  One of the most important accomplishments was the development of a shared vision for the future economy developed by a public-private leadership team.  Four key sectors were targeted for accelerated development (agro-industry, logistics/transportation around the Panama Canal, information technology, and tourism).  Five cluster working groups were organized and put to work, leading to the development of more than 40 action initiatives.  The program is now in its second phase with the development of the Compete Panama Fund to support initiative development.