What Happened
At the launch of the Foro Económico 2026, Apede president Giulia De Sanctis called on both the Government and the private sector to adopt measures that reduce costs for citizens amid rising fuel prices. De Sanctis recommended increased use of telework and implementation of staggered work schedules as practical steps employers and policymakers can consider.
Proposed Measures
De Sanctis focused on two main proposals: expanding teleworking arrangements where feasible, and introducing staggered start and end times for workplaces and schools. According to her remarks at the forum, these strategies aim to lower household spending related to commuting and to distribute transportation demand more evenly throughout the day.
Background
The call came during the Foro Económico 2026 launch, a platform where business leaders and public officials discuss economic challenges and policy responses. Rising fuel costs were identified as a pressure point for families and businesses, prompting Apede’s leadership to recommend operational changes that could reduce dependency on daily long-distance commuting.
What This Means
If adopted broadly, telework and staggered hours could reduce fuel consumption for daily commutes, ease congestion during peak hours, and lower transportation costs for workers. Successful implementation would require coordination between government authorities, employers, and educational institutions, as well as attention to sectors where remote work is not possible.
Apede’s proposals add to an ongoing policy conversation about how Panama can manage inflationary pressures and protect household budgets without prescribing specific regulatory measures. By urging voluntary and policy-driven changes at the forum, De Sanctis signaled a preference for pragmatic, operational responses that involve both public and private actors.