Panama City, Panama, December 6, 2017 – Panama Canal Administrator Jorge L. Quijano has been awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Golden and Silver Star, by the Government of Japan.

Established in 1875, the distinguished honor is bestowed by the Japanese Government upon individuals who make exemplary achievements in international relations, promoting Japanese culture, improving social welfare, environmental preservation or the advancement of their own respective field. Mr. Quijano was recognized for his service in strengthening relations through trade and global maritime transportation and promoting mutual understanding between the nations of Japan and Panama.

“We have been working very closely with Japanese government entities, as well as the ship owners, importers and exporters who are friends of our country and the Panama Canal. I want to thank the Government of Japan and I am very honored to receive this award,” said Panama Canal Administrator Quijano. “I accept this award on behalf of all the Canal workers who have supported me in strengthening this relationship with Japan for several decades.”

Mr. Quijano was honored in Panama at a reception commemorating the birthday of the Emperor of Japan, His Majesty Emperor Akihito.

Mr. Quijano’s mother, Mrs. Analia Arango de Quijano, an instructor at the Sogetsu School of Ikebana, was also awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays, for her contribution to the introduction and promotion of Japanese culture in Panama through her work with the Japanese art of Ikebana floral arrangement.

About the Panama Canal Authority
The Panama Canal is run by an autonomous agency of the Government of Panama in charge of managing, operating and maintaining the Panama Canal. The operation of the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) is based on its organic law and the regulations approved by its Board of Directors. For more information, please refer to the ACP’s website: http://www.pancanal.com  or follow us on Twitter @thepanamacanal .

About the Panama Canal Expansion
The Panama Canal Expansion is the largest enhancement project since the Canal’s opening in 1914. Considered and analyzed for a decade with more than 100 studies, the Expanded Canal provides the world’s shippers, retailers, manufacturers and consumers with greater shipping options, better maritime service, enhanced logistics and supply-chain reliability. The Expansion included the construction of a new set of locks on the Atlantic and Pacific sides of the waterway, creating a third lane of traffic and doubling the cargo capacity of the waterway. While the expanded locks are 70 feet wider and 18 feet deeper than those in the original Canal, they use less water due to water-savings basins that recycle 60 percent of the water used per transit. In line with its commitment to customer service, the Panama Canal will continue to provide the world with value for another century and beyond.