Coverage of Panama’s corporate world, markets, startups, and trade developments. We provide news, analysis, and practical insights for business leaders and entrepreneurs.
The Philippines has signed multiple international agreements to develop its critical minerals but analysts warn a clear national road map is needed to reach globally competitive standards.
Lloyd’s List reports China has increased detentions of Panama-flagged vessels, prompting concern among shipowners and financiers about inspections, financing and insurance risks.
ByteDance has agreed to sell Moonton, developer of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, to Saudi-owned Savvy Games Group for over US$6 billion as ByteDance focuses on AI.
President José Raúl Mulino denied Panama failed to meet arbitration obligations in the CK Hutchison ports dispute, saying international lawyers will defend the country after the Supreme Court annulled the concession.
Panama has rejected a Hong Kong firm’s claim that the country ignored an arbitration decision, The China-Global South Project reported on March 20, 2026. Details on the arbitration forum and next legal steps remain limited.
Al Jazeera warns the main threat to the Strait of Hormuz is disruption in its approaches rather than a full closure, a distinction with implications for global shipping and trade, including Panama and Latin America.
Reports say Iran has tightened screening and imposed steep transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz, leaving ships and crews confined as the IMO urges a “safe maritime framework.”
Panama has accused a CK Hutchison subsidiary of misrepresenting its response in an arbitration case, the South China Morning Post reported, raising procedural and reputational issues for the dispute.
Lloyd’s List reports Iran is developing a vetting system that would allow ships to use an IRGC-approved ‘safe corridor’ through the Strait of Hormuz, potentially affecting shipping costs and global trade.
Panama’s president has publicly accused CK Hutchison’s Panama Ports Company of lying, escalating a dispute tied in reporting to weakening carrier profits amid geopolitical strain. Details remain limited as observers await official responses and potential regulatory or legal developments.
The Panama Canal Authority said it will permit uninterrupted vessel transits during its March–September 2026 maintenance program, aiming to prevent disruption to global shipping.
Lo Ying-sui, brother of Great Eagle chairman Lo Ka-shui, sold a Hong Kong residential unit for HK$19 million on March 17, a move seen as investors preserving liquidity amid uncertain market conditions.
Hainan’s new separate customs regime has accelerated its bid to become a free-trade gateway and a “super partner” to Hong Kong, positioning the island as both rival and collaborator in retail, finance and tourism.
A likely explosion and subsequent fire at a car-parts factory in Daejeon injured at least 55 people; 24 were seriously hurt and authorities are searching for at least 14 more.
Sinolam International has launched World Bank arbitration after Panama revoked its gas‑plant licence, invoking protections under the Panama–Singapore Free Trade Agreement.
A drone attack set fire to Kuwait’s Mina Al‑Ahmadi refinery after a hit on Qatar’s Ras Laffan, as Iran says it has “no concern” about missile production amid a wave of Gulf strikes.
Sinolam International has taken Panama to a World Bank arbitration forum after Panama canceled the company’s licence for a gas plant. The claim invokes protections under the Panama–Singapore Free Trade Agreement and involves concessions near the Panama Canal.
The South China Morning Post warns US Section 301 tariffs could trigger fresh global trade disruption amid political diversions and heightened Middle East tensions, risking knock-on effects for Panama and Latin America.
Costa Rica and Panama signed a rail cooperation deal tied to Panama’s border-bound train project, aiming to enhance trade, logistics and regional connectivity while prompting technical and regulatory follow-up.
Chinese stocks outperformed peers during the latest oil shock, with the CSI 300 down 3.1% since Feb. 28 while major Western indices slid at least 4%, as China’s shift to renewable fuels helps cushion markets.