Coverage of Panama’s corporate world, markets, startups, and trade developments. We provide news, analysis, and practical insights for business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Costa Rica and Panama are taking another step toward a possible cross-border train link, with both countries’ rail authorities involved in the discussion. Panama is also moving ahead with related construction work, though key details remain limited.
ADAP supports using bioethanol in gasoline in Panama but is urging lawmakers to assess how the change could affect vehicles. The discussion is tied to Bill 443 in the National Assembly.
A press release highlights home ownership and mortgage access in Panama as important for families seeking housing stability. The source underscores affordability and financing as key issues in the country’s property market.
Acodeco found major failures in air conditioner energy-label compliance during inspections in Panama City, with only three of 208 models meeting the rules. The agency says it will keep checking stores nationwide.
Panama’s auto dealers support bioethanol in gasoline blends, but only if strict quality standards protect engines and consumers. Their comments come as Bill 443 advances in the National Assembly.
Panama’s Chamber of Commerce is proposing electronic labeling as an alternative to front-of-pack food warnings, arguing it would provide more information without raising packaging costs. The group says any labeling policy should also include consumer education.
A Newsroom Panama post highlights how preferential mortgage rates and home equity loans can make homeownership more accessible in Panama. It also stresses the importance of choosing a stable lender and using property-backed financing responsibly.
China is detaining Panama-flagged ships as a dispute over port control escalates. The case has already moved into court and international arbitration.
China’s detentions of Panama-flagged ships have intensified as the fallout from Panama’s Supreme Court ruling against CK Hutchison spreads. The dispute is now affecting port operations, trade flows, and a planned multibillion-dollar ports sale.
CADE 2026 will tackle whether Panama can and should pursue OECD membership, weighing economic impacts, fiscal adjustments, financial system effects, and governance challenges. The forum, held April 22–24 at Sheraton Grand Panama, features keynote speaker Andrés Velasco and regional experts.
Apede reabre el debate sobre la posible entrada de Panamá a la OCDE, insistiendo en que la discusión debe basarse en información y distintas miradas. También advierte que existen retos estructurales que Panamá deberá considerar.
En el primer bimestre de 2026, la Zona Libre de Colón movió más carga y aumentó las reexportaciones, aunque el valor total del intercambio cayó levemente. El reacomodo en proveedores y destinos, y los cambios aduaneros que inician el 1 de abril, marcarán el ritmo de la actividad.
El Proyecto de Ley 534, en segundo debate, impulsa un patronato para el estadio Roberto Mariano Bula en Colón y busca reforzar la fiscalización de recursos. El debate enfrenta dudas sobre la administración de ingresos y pone sobre la mesa alternativas como APP y fideicomisos.
Un análisis de La Prensa advierte que en Panamá se ha normalizado que la lluvia corra por superficies impermeables y colapse alcantarillas, agravando inundaciones. La propuesta es cambiar la gestión hídrica hacia soluciones verdes y azules, promoviendo la infiltración para proteger ecosistemas y mejorar la resiliencia.
La nueva Ley de Interés Preferencial en Panamá reactivó el ritmo en el segmento de viviendas, pero persisten obstáculos: muchos bancos no participan en casas de hasta 80 mil dólares. También hay actores que esperan que el Gobierno se ponga al día con deudas pendientes para avanzar.
Hong Kong is attracting more Middle Eastern visitors, with hoteliers reporting an increase in arrivals and longer stays. The shift also extends to investors exploring opportunities in the city to diversify portfolios amid rising regional tensions.
Samsung increased investment in its Xian chip plant in 2025 to boost capacity amid AI-driven memory demand. SK Hynix is also raising China investments as the sector faces tightening supply under US restrictions.
China’s China Development Forum and the Boao Forum for Asia used the endorsement of the 15th five-year plan to explain the country’s economic strategy to foreign officials and business leaders. The move underscores China’s ongoing push to “open up” and reduce uncertainty for international stakeholders.
Banana workers in Panama’s Bocas del Toro have reportedly regained their jobs after a union crisis disrupted employment. The article describes the hardships workers faced and notes related commitments tied to the banana industry in Panama.
Panama is being presented as a growing draw for European tourists, with Panama City and the Panama Canal named as the top attractions. The release suggests improved access and wider traveler interest are supporting the trend.