Coverage of Panama’s corporate world, markets, startups, and trade developments. We provide news, analysis, and practical insights for business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Senior investment executives at the Milken Institute symposium in Hong Kong urged investors to reassess China, citing rapid technological progress and a perceived easing of geopolitical risk compared with other regions.
Rising oil prices tied to the Middle East conflict are expected to push up costs for plastic goods, construction materials and household items in Hong Kong, while exporters warn of cash-flow strains as buyers shorten orders.
Regal Hotels and affiliates sold the 494-room Regal Kowloon Hotel for about HK$1.52bn (US$194m) to Centaline Group’s real estate arm, which plans to convert the property into a student hostel.
Customs data show China cut exports of gallium and germanium to Japan to zero in early 2026 while increasing rare-earth magnet shipments, a move that could signal targeted trade pressure amid diplomatic friction.
EIN Presswire reports that Li Ka-shing’s firm is in a dispute with Panama over ports along the Panama Canal, including Balboa Port, amid a reported US-backed effort by Panama to assert control.
The IEA signalled possible additional releases from oil reserves as supply disruptions tied to the Iran conflict raise the risk of a “very severe” global energy crisis, a development that could push up fuel and transport costs worldwide.
HK4FAMILIES, a new Hong Kong NGO born from three years of research, will help family businesses focus on transferring legacy, values and harmony alongside wealth.
SCMP’s weekend roundup covers five notable Asia stories: a change in the timing of Trump’s planned China visit, factory closures amid rising Chinese exports, Takaichi’s profile in China, and pop-culture crowds at ComplexCon.
Zijin Mining has acquired controlling shares in Chifeng Jilong for 18.26 billion yuan (US$2.64 billion) via Zijin Gold, part of a wider expansion that followed a proposed bid for Allied Gold.
A fire at Anjun Industrial in Daejeon has drawn fresh attention to South Korea’s “pali-pali” hurried work culture, with safety experts pointing to visible hazards like heavy oil vapour and ceiling grease as warning signs of systemic risk.
Panama’s new-car registrations rose to 60,233 in 2025, driven by SUVs, expanded financing and greater market share for Chinese brands; ADAP projects ~63,000 sales in 2026 while flagging regulatory and infrastructure challenges.
Hongkong Post will raise local letter postage by 9% to HK$2.40 from April 13, citing higher conveyance costs and terminal dues driven by surging oil prices tied to the Middle East conflict.
An opinion piece in La Prensa argues Panama has world-class logistics and financial assets but lacks sustained commercial training and service culture, limiting broader economic gains.
Asia Sentinel reports a dispute between a firm linked to Li Ka-shing and Panama over canal-linked ports. The disagreement could affect investment and operations pending further details.
Hybe shares plunged after BTS’s comeback concert in Seoul attracted about 104,000 fans versus an initial police estimate of 260,000, prompting the agency’s biggest intraday drop since June 2022.
K11 Musea in Tsim Sha Tsui is bringing in more than 60 mostly luxury brands as operators expect double-digit rent increases, betting on affluent tourists amid warnings of wider economic headwinds.
Hong Kong stocks slumped as the Strait of Hormuz crisis deepened, with the Hang Seng down 2.6% and miners hit amid falling bullion prices, dragging Asian markets lower.
China’s ship research centre in Wuxi has designed a tourist submersible rated to 1,000 metres, with a prototype planned this year and commercial service targeted by 2030 for up to four passengers.
Asian equities in Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong slid after Iran threatened attacks on regional energy infrastructure, a move that coincided with an ultimatum from Trump and raised investor risk aversion.
The expiry of Decameron’s fiscal benefits spotlights Panama’s broader problem: incentives are frequently granted but not systematically reviewed. Critics call for stronger measurement and uniform enforcement across sectors.