The American Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Panama (AMCHAM) was created on October 31, 1979, by a handful of business people who felt that the organization could be an important voice in promoting business ideas in Panama. AMCHAM membership has grown from 68 firms in its first year, to over 410 member companies today. Since its founding, the Chamber has provided members with conferences and seminars on a variety of important topics. In addition, the Chamber publishes a selection of newsletters, research articles, a monthly magazine and an annual directory.

The dissemination of business and economic information, which can be difficult to obtain in Panama, is one of AMCHAM's primary and most valuable member services. Periodic market studies and reports covering topics such as local legislation, have all provided critical data about the Panamanian market for business people here and the head offices of American businesses in the United States. In 1986, for example, a comprehensive study was made by AMCHAM of the "Assets and Liabilities" of Panama in the development of tourism.

In 1995, AMCHAM promoted a very successful international investment forum on the "Opportunities in the Panama Canal Areas". Research of this kind helps the Chamber's members stay abreast of the most important and timely business information in Panama. As the independent voice of business in Panama, AMCHAM has been instrumental in communicating U.S. trade and multinational commerce concerns to the American Embassy, as well as to the U.S. Congress in Washington. Improved communications and better understanding between U.S. and Panamanian member companies have also resulted from the Chamber's activities.

AMCHAM is a non-profit, non-political, independent, voluntary association supported primarily by membership dues. Much of the organization's work is accomplished through the efforts of volunteer member committees which collaborate to help AMCHAM promote free enterprise in Panama. Today, AMCHAM organizations are established in over 90 countries throughout Latin America, Asia and Europe. Panama's Chamber is affiliated with the Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America (AACCLA) and is a fully accredited member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce of America. The current President of AMCHAM Panama is José Gabriel Miralles, and the Executive Director is David Hunt.