Coverage of Panama’s corporate world, markets, startups, and trade developments. We provide news, analysis, and practical insights for business leaders and entrepreneurs.
A regional fiscal review for 2025 compares public finances across Central America and highlights Panama’s place in a varied economic landscape. The study shows Latin America holding relative stability while the Caribbean faces worsening deficits and weaker revenues.
Panama says relations with China are improving after a diplomatic spat, raising hopes for steadier ties between two key partners. The shift matters for trade, investment, and Panama’s broader diplomatic strategy.
Felipe Chapman said Panama’s lower country-risk profile could save the state about $400 million a year and eventually lead to cheaper credit for businesses and families. He also defended a reform on economic substance for multinational companies operating in the country.
The Panama Canal is promoting a gas pipeline and new port projects as global energy trade shifts and demand for shipping capacity grows. Officials say the plan could strengthen Panama’s role in moving propane, ethane and butane between the Atlantic and Pacific.
Panama is under pressure to reform a broad system of tax breaks and subsidies as debt, unemployment and weak investment weigh on the economy. The call is for incentives with stricter rules, audits and expiration dates.
Costa Rica’s new president, Laura Fernández, said she plans to propose working groups with Panama’s José Raúl Mulino to address a WTO trade dispute. She also spoke about being the second woman to lead Costa Rica and the environmental crisis in Crucitas.
U.S. and Panamanian partners held an aviation outreach event in Panama to encourage young people to explore careers in aviation and related fields. The effort highlighted aviation’s importance to the country’s economy and regional connectivity.
Panama won a legal dispute with Banesco over claims tied to public works bonds, a ruling that could affect investor confidence in public finance cases. The decision reinforces the importance of legal clarity in infrastructure funding.
Panama’s tourism businesses are using Instagram to promote the country’s beaches, forests, islands, and cultural experiences to global travelers. The shift is helping operators reach audiences directly with visual content that can influence booking decisions.
Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz could increase interest in the Panama Canal as shipping companies look for safer and more reliable routes. For Panama, any rerouting of global trade may strengthen the canal’s strategic and economic importance.
President José Raúl Mulino met with King Felipe VI of Spain to discuss trade, investment, and cooperation. The talks also highlighted Panama’s efforts to stabilize public finances and strengthen investor confidence.
Stronger tanker demand has pushed Panama Canal traffic to a multiyear high, underscoring the waterway’s role in global energy and shipping routes. The surge highlights Panama’s continuing importance in international maritime trade.
The Panama Canal Authority advanced its 2025-2035 strategy after meeting with its Advisory Board, focusing on talent, leadership, digital transformation, and sustainability. The plan aims to strengthen the canal’s long-term competitiveness and institutional resilience.
Platform drivers in Panama are preparing proposals for talks with the government on digital transport regulation. Their main point of resistance is joining prestatarias.
Felipe Chapman commented on Panama’s Economic Substance Bill and the fuel subsidy for transport workers, highlighting two issues with major economic and fiscal implications. Both measures affect business compliance and the cost of transport in Panama.
Panamanian Customs retained a cigarette shipment worth more than $900,000 in the Colón Free Zone after inspectors found 1,200 bales and signs of irregularities.
Felipe Chapman said he is open to hearing transport operators as pressure builds over Panama’s fuel subsidy. The debate sits at the intersection of public finances, fares, and the cost of keeping transport services moving.
Panama’s governance and transparency debate is focusing on tax reform and economic substance rules aimed at strengthening oversight of companies and multinational groups. The discussion underscores the country’s effort to balance competitiveness with greater regulatory credibility.
Panama has launched a national geolocated postal code system that assigns codes using longitude and latitude, covering rural, urban, and indigenous areas. The platform aims to modernize delivery services and replace landmark-based addressing.
President José Raúl Mulino met with King Felipe VI in Costa Rica to discuss trade, security, investment and Panama’s economic priorities. The talks also covered Spain’s support for Panama on international listings and social programs.