Coverage of Panama’s corporate world, markets, startups, and trade developments. We provide news, analysis, and practical insights for business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Escalation in the Middle East is driving investors into safe havens and straining the more than US$3 trillion global private-credit market, posing risks to China as the top creditor to developing countries.
Shenzhen has launched a three-year plan to grow into a hub for intelligent computing clusters, aiming for a “leapfrog” increase in AI server, semiconductor and storage production and shipments by 2028.
Costa Rica and Panama have submitted a joint bid to develop a regional rail link aimed at improving cross‑border connectivity and strengthening trade and transport ties.
Panama is identified among Latin American countries seeking to attract investment amid a regional lithium and copper boom, with the Mining Chamber referenced as engaged in the effort.
Capital Group says global stock buybacks reached a record US$1.46 trillion in 2025, up 8.4% year on year, as companies returned cash to shareholders amid an equity rally.
Seatrade Maritime News reports CK Hutchison’s damages claim against the Republic of Panama has expanded to over $2 billion, raising potential fiscal and sectoral implications for Panama’s ports and investment climate.
Philippine Airlines president Richard Nuttall warned that the Philippines may need to ration fuel amid tightening supplies caused by the war in Iran, a development that could impact flights and transport sectors.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee urged stronger ties with Hainan after meeting its Communist Party secretary, calling on Hong Kong firms to offer finance, legal and accounting services to the island’s free‑trade port.
Shipping disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz are driving up freight, energy and raw-material costs, prompting some Chinese factories to cut production and suspend exports, including to Iran.
Diesel price spikes in March — to $1.21 per liter — are increasing freight operating costs in Panama, prompting contract adjustments and warning of higher consumer prices.
Higher fuel costs are squeezing freight operators moving produce from Tierras Altas in Chiriquí to Merca Panamá, prompting carriers to consider raising rates soon.
An op‑ed warns that low trust—measured by corruption perception and public confidence—raises Panama’s borrowing and operating costs, filtering out patient investment and inflating prices.
La Prensa warns a draft proposal to charge transit passengers at Tocumen could damage Panama’s aviation hub, risking rerouted flights, lost connectivity and investor uncertainty.
A CK Hutchison unit says its international arbitration claim against Panama has risen above US$2 billion after Panama cancelled port concessions and PPC accused authorities of seizing property.
Surgeons using XCath’s telerobotic system performed the first reported remote robotic intervention on a stroke patient in Panama, announced March 19. The milestone highlights potential for telemedicine to expand access to specialist emergency care in the country.
Visa-free travel and an influx of foreign business and leisure visitors are boosting demand for luxury hotels in China, with international tourists typically spending more than domestic guests.
CADE 2026 will be held next Tuesday in Boquete, Chiriquí, and will include discussion of Panama’s possible accession to the OCDE. The conference could shape debate on reforms tied to membership.
CADE 2026 will be held April 22–24, with the conference’s main focus on Panama’s possible accession to the OECD and its implications for policy and investment.
A unit of Hutchison Ports has increased an arbitration claim in Panama to over $2 billion after describing a port takeover as “unlawful.” The report provided limited operational or legal detail.
Panama’s Budget Commission approved $5.015M to hire Eversheds Sutherland and Wordstone to defend the state in separate mining arbitrations brought by Petaquilla and Orla.