Panama Will Change From Pounds And Gallons To Kilos And Liters Soon

The new measuring system - changing from pounds to kilos - will take effect staring in October in every supermarket in the country, said Friday the National Director of Industries and Business Development of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ahmed Morón. The new measurement system will be implemented in all hardware stores starting in November 2012, and gas stations will switch from selling fuel in gallons to liters in April 2013. The delays are being caused by problems with suppliers and a lack of software, because one company is supplying everything, said Morón.

The official explained on the channel 2 TVN morning news broadcast that there will be a six month adjustment period. During this time traders can sell in both weights, meaning, they can express the weight in both pounds and kilos. Morón said the National Government will hold, together with the Ministry of Education, teaching campaigns in the media for people and traders understand the new measure. The official also said Panama must conform to the international measurement system, even though the United States, its senior trading partner, still handles weights internally in pounds.

According to Morón, our country belongs to international trade, and most of our exports go to Europe, where items are managed using the international measurement system. (Estrella)

Editor's Comment: I'm sorry, but it was hard for me to get past this guy's last name. I know, it's not Moron, it's Morón. But could you imagine working in the United States with a last name of Dumbass? "According to Ambassador Idiotschtick ... " or maybe "Ambassador Phukwad, tried to keep a straight face as the children danced around him ..." I mean, it just doesn't work. So great. No disrespect meant for Vice Minister Morón. I'm sure he's doing a great job, pounding home the change to kilos and liters.