Coverage of Panama’s corporate world, markets, startups, and trade developments. We provide news, analysis, and practical insights for business leaders and entrepreneurs.
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.
Credendo says a Panama Supreme Court ruling against a Hong Kong-based firm has raised concerns about expropriation risk, highlighting how legal decisions can reshape investor perceptions in a shifting geopolitical landscape.
At the Boao Forum, China’s Zhao Leji urged rejecting power politics and resolving conflicts through negotiation, linking peace to economic development as the US-Israeli war on Iran continues.
PT Merdeka Gold Resources has applied to list in Hong Kong to broaden its international investor base and boost liquidity, a move brokers say supports HKEX’s drive to attract global issuers amid stronger gold markets.
Rising gasoline prices tied to the Middle East crisis are affecting Panama, increasing costs for transport and food and prompting local drivers and families to adjust.
Kuaishou shares plunged over 13% to HK$45.96 after reporting strong sales growth, as analysts warned of pressure on advertising and live-streaming and noted heavy AI spending.
Brent crude rose above $104 a barrel after Iran denied talks with the U.S., dimming hopes for de‑escalation in the US‑Israel war on Iran and pushing oil prices higher.
Temporary concessions for Balboa and Cristóbal, awarded to Maersk and MSC affiliates in February 2026, include an extension clause; AMP is hiring legal advisers amid potential arbitration and planning for longer-term procurement.
A proposal to charge transit passengers at Tocumen could undermine Panama’s hub status, risk airline routes and revenues, and may be avoidable through smarter commercial strategies.
Rising global oil prices are driving up fuel costs in Panama, prompting higher state subsidies and adding strain to public finances as debt exceeded $60.05 billion, warns Finance Minister Felipe Chapman.