Business

Panama is studying a transport relief program to prevent fare increases amid rising global fuel prices, with transport operators set to submit data for MEF simulations before April 1.

The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission is monitoring a surge in detentions of Panama-flagged vessels in China that appears linked to a Panama court ruling. The situation could have operational and diplomatic implications for Panama and the maritime sector.

The National Fishing Chamber backed Panama’s ARAP and denied that the fishing sector is out of control, saying sustainability and economic development are complementary goals.

The Asociación Directoras de Panamá presented the results of its eighth compliance study on Panama’s gender equity law, urging inclusion of qualified women on boards and highlighting the group’s training and advocacy work.

Alejandro Ramírez of Cobre Panamá confirmed that an environmental audit is underway at the mining project in Donoso. The process aims to review the project’s environmental management and compliance.

The Panamanian government has requested fuel consumption and route data from transport operators to explore ways of avoiding passenger fare increases after a rise in fuel prices.

Panama’s National Chamber of Fisheries and Aquaculture has voiced strong support for ARAP, defending the regulated fishing sector and highlighting full VMS coverage amid regulatory updates under Decreto Ejecutivo No.13/2023.

BAC earned Silver in Panama at the 11th Fintech Americas Awards for Pymecash and added three country awards across Central America, highlighting its digital and inclusion efforts.

Virgin Voyages highlighted its ship Brilliant Lady transiting the Panama Canal, emphasizing Panama’s continuing role as a key maritime route for both commerce and cruise travel.

Panama’s National Chamber of Tourism, led by Nadkyi Duque, opposes a proposed tax on transit passengers, warning it could harm the tourism industry’s recovery and Panama’s hub competitiveness.

WTO director-general Ngozi Okonjo‑Iweala warned that world trade is facing its worst disruptions in 80 years. For Panama — a major shipping and logistics hub — such disruptions could affect canal transits, ports and trade-related services.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he can envisage a future trade agreement with China, signaling a softening in Europe’s stance as transatlantic tensions reshape policy.

Pony AI said it will launch robotaxi services in Europe with Uber and Croatian start-up Verne, starting in Zagreb and aiming for thousands of autonomous taxis across multiple cities.

Volkswagen is withdrawing its Skoda brand from mainland China after years of weak sales, shifting the marque’s focus to growth markets such as India and the Asean region.

Meituan reported a 15 billion yuan adjusted net loss for Q4, its second straight quarterly loss, as an intense price war with Alibaba and JD.com squeezed margins and outpaced analyst estimates.

Lloyd’s List reports that detentions of Panama-flagged vessels at Chinese ports could reach 100 in March amid intensified inspections, raising operational and regulatory concerns for Panama’s maritime registry.

Hong Kong Baptist University will spin off its School of Continuing Education into a private university of applied sciences next year, aiming for greater agility to meet societal and labour-market needs.

Cathay Pacific will raise its fuel surcharge for all flights by 34% from April—its second increase in two weeks—citing higher oil prices linked to conflict in the Middle East. The long‑haul fee jumps to HK$1,560.

Railway Supply reports Panama and Costa Rica have advanced coordination on a proposed cross-border rail link into a new planning stage, opening feasibility and technical work.

At the Boao Forum, Singapore PM Lawrence Wong called on China to lead plurilateral cooperation in Asia, highlighting AI governance and regional prosperity and offering Singapore’s collaboration.