Coverage of Panama’s corporate world, markets, startups, and trade developments. We provide news, analysis, and practical insights for business leaders and entrepreneurs.
President José Raúl Mulino signaled full support for the Panama Canal’s long-term project agenda after naming Ilya Espino de Marotta. Water security, Rio Indio, and new logistics infrastructure are now central priorities.
Spain’s National Court has launched a formal investigation into former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero over alleged influence-peddling tied to a pandemic bailout. The case also examines offshore transfers linked to Panama, raising fresh questions about cross-border money flows.
A better near-term outlook for the Panama Canal is easing concerns for U.S. LNG shipments headed to Asia. The development matters for shipping costs, transit times, and Panama’s role in global energy trade.
A better near-term outlook for the Panama Canal reduces a major shipping risk for U.S. LNG cargoes headed to Asia. The shift supports Panama’s role as a key global transit hub.
Kevin Warsh was sworn in as Federal Reserve chair in a White House ceremony where Donald Trump renewed pressure for lower interest rates. The appointment is closely watched in Panama and other dollarized economies that track U.S. monetary policy.
The Panama Canal will immediately open a new competitive search for its deputy administrator once Ilya Espino de Marotta takes over as administrator on September 5. Officials say the process will mirror the same technical, transparent selection model used for the top job.
A Spanish judicial order places Panama-linked firm Panacorp at the center of the Plus Ultra bailout probe, alongside claims of fictitious financing and influence peddling. Former prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is now named in the case and is due to testify on June 2.
Spotify and Universal Music Group are teaming up on an AI tool that would let Premium users create remixes and versions of songs with artist consent and compensation. The deal signals how the music industry is trying to shape generative AI around licensing instead of conflict.
Iran has expanded the maritime zone it claims to control around the Strait of Hormuz, deepening tensions with the United States and Gulf states. The move comes as ship seizures, naval interceptions and diplomatic efforts all intensify around the vital oil route.
The European Union is preparing sanctions against Iran after the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a route used for about 20% of global hydrocarbons. The disruption highlights how a regional conflict can ripple through energy markets and shipping worldwide.
Air Europa has launched Air Europa ON, a broad service upgrade focused on cabin comfort, airport experience, punctuality and fleet maintenance. The changes are especially relevant for long-haul travelers connecting through Madrid-Barajas.
Air Europa has launched a major service plan focused on better onboard comfort, ground handling and punctuality, with its Madrid hub playing a central role. The changes matter for Latin American travelers who connect through Spain on long-haul trips.
Ilya Espino de Marotta has been named administrator of the Panama Canal, taking over at a moment defined by water security concerns and logistics expansion. Her leadership will be closely watched as the canal balances national revenue, climate pressure, and global shipping demand.
Panama is speeding up its 5G rollout, but the bigger challenge is extending mobile coverage beyond the capital and into the country’s underserved areas. A pending spectrum tender and new infrastructure investment will shape how fast the network expands.
Naos Island near the Panama Canal has become a symbol of stalled luxury development, with an abandoned plane, legal disputes, and property problems defining the site. The case highlights broader risks in Panama’s high-end real estate market.
Panama Canal tanker traffic has risen 8% this year as shippers reroute energy cargoes away from the Strait of Hormuz. The increase is pushing canal usage toward full capacity and underscoring Panama’s role in global trade.
Panama’s tourism recovery is fueling pressure to update labor rules and create a temporary contract for the sector. Supporters say the change could expand formal jobs while helping businesses handle seasonal demand.
Two years after the mine shutdown, Panama is still counting the costs in lost output, royalties and jobs. The debate now centers on whether the country can resolve the issue without more delay and uncertainty.
Canopy is backing a nature-first development approach in Playa Venao, a surf and tourism hotspot on Panama’s Pacific coast. The project highlights the growing tension—and opportunity—between coastal investment and environmental preservation.
Ilya Espino de Marotta has become the first woman to lead the Panama Canal, a historic appointment for one of Panama’s most important national institutions. The move comes as the canal continues to face major operational and strategic pressures tied to global trade and water management.