Coverage of Panama’s corporate world, markets, startups, and trade developments. We provide news, analysis, and practical insights for business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Panama Convention Center in Panama City ranked 97th among the world’s top 100 convention centers for 2026. The recognition underscores Panama’s growing role in international meetings and business tourism.
China dismissed U.S. allegations over Panama Canal traffic, calling the claims groundless. The dispute highlights the canal’s strategic importance and Panama’s role in global trade.
Companies that admitted paying bribes in the Blue Apple case continue to win multimillion-dollar contracts in Panama, especially from the Ministry of Public Works. The pattern has intensified debate over procurement rules and the lack of automatic debarment for firms linked to corruption.
Companies linked to the Blue Apple scandal and political figures tied to parallel decentralization continue to operate and rise in Panama despite corruption allegations. The cases highlight how impunity can outlast public outrage and weaken trust in institutions.
Panama’s planned teleférico bid has been pushed back to May 28 after both prequalified consortia requested more time to finalize financing and guarantees. The project, valued at $278.6 million, would link six stations across San Miguelito under a 20-year concession.
The Panama Canal remains a cornerstone of global trade, but drought, aging infrastructure and rising demand are putting new strain on the route. The pressure is exposing how vulnerable the system has become.
CHORD Real Estate has announced the second annual Invest Panama Summit for American investors, highlighting Panama’s appeal as a real estate and investment destination. The event reflects ongoing foreign interest in the country’s property market and broader economy.
Panama is preparing to authorize the processing of stockpiled ore at First Quantum’s shuttered Cobre Panamá mine. The move would manage material already on site without fully reopening the operation.
Rising oil prices tied to the Middle East crisis are complicating the outlook for interest rate cuts and could raise Panama’s funding costs. The shock also creates potential upside for Panama’s logistics sector as supply chains adjust.
Prestige Holdings plans to expand into Panama with the Pizza Hut brand, adding the country to its growing regional restaurant portfolio. The move reflects continued confidence in Panama as a market for international dining brands.
Marco Rubio accused China of detaining dozens of Panama-flagged cargo ships, adding to rising U.S.-China tensions involving Panama’s maritime role. The dispute highlights how the country’s shipping registry and canal remain tied to global geopolitical pressure.
A Volcancito property in Boquete is on the market for $689,000, offering four independent units, mountain views, and income potential. The renovated home includes rental-ready amenities, parking, storage, and a landscaped setting near downtown Boquete.
The Panama Canal has listed a $450 million bond issue on Latinex, allowing secondary-market trading of debt originally issued in 2015 to finance the Atlantic bridge in Colón. The move highlights both the Canal’s financing strategy and Latinex’s push to expand international listings.
Inadeh and the Panama Tourism Authority signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen tourist guide certification and expand formal job opportunities for Panamanians. The move links vocational training with tourism, one of the country’s key economic sectors.
Panamanian airlines, hotels and merchants are opposing a bill that would raise the senior discount on airfare from 25% to 35%. Lawmakers will resume debate after the Ministry of Economy and Finance weighs in.
Credit card use in Panama has climbed to more than 876,000 cards, even as delinquency and interest rates rise. The trend points to stronger reliance on revolving credit and growing pressure on household budgets.
Panama’s energy pressures are putting household budgets under strain, making savings, efficiency and careful planning more important. The focus is on reducing waste at home, managing fuel use and building financial buffers against inflation.
Panama is being positioned as a potential hub for energy buffering, with pre-positioned fuel stocks seen as a way to reduce global supply disruptions. The proposal could also bring investment and logistics activity into the country.
Vendors at Merca Panamá are reporting lower customer traffic and weaker sales as prices hold steady for some products and rise for others. The shift is putting pressure on merchants at one of Panama’s key food markets.
Public-private partnerships are being promoted as a faster way for Panama to improve water service, hospitals, schools and logistics infrastructure. The model is also seen as a tool to create jobs and strengthen investor confidence.