Coverage of Panama’s corporate world, markets, startups, and trade developments. We provide news, analysis, and practical insights for business leaders and entrepreneurs.
More than 1,500 ships and 20,000 crew members are stuck in the Persian Gulf as unrest disrupts shipping routes. Panama’s role in global trade is growing as tensions boost traffic through the Canal.
Panama has put out a B/. 30.8 million tender to strengthen care for ulcers and diabetic foot conditions. The contract also covers storage and distribution to help ensure steady supplies for treatment.
President Jose Raul Mulino said Panama’s ties with China have improved after a dispute involving accusations that Panamanian-flagged ships were detained in Chinese ports. The development matters for Panama’s maritime interests and wider trade relations.
President José Raúl Mulino said Panama’s country risk has fallen and defended the maritime registry as a pillar of the economy. He also backed continued investment tied to the Panama Canal.
President José Raúl Mulino will attend Laura Fernández’s inauguration in Costa Rica and hold bilateral meetings focused on diplomacy, trade, and regional cooperation. The visit highlights Panama’s interest in deeper Central American integration and logistics ties.
President José Raúl Mulino said Panama’s falling country risk is improving the country’s appeal to investors. He made the remarks at the Americas Maritime Convention 2026, linking financial confidence to new capital flows.
President José Raúl Mulino visited ASTIBAL in Balboa and highlighted the shipyard sector’s contribution of more than 1,000 jobs in Panama. The visit points to the importance of maritime industry in the country’s logistics economy.
Panama’s National Energy Secretariat says fuel in the country meets international technical standards, even as authorities increase gas station inspections after user complaints. The move underscores growing attention to consumer protection and fuel market oversight.
President José Raúl Mulino said tensions with China over detained Panamanian vessels are starting to ease after a recent spike in holds at Chinese ports. The issue has highlighted Panama’s exposure to maritime and diplomatic disruptions.
Panama will tender the concession for the Isla Margarita port in Colón before the end of 2026, President José Raúl Mulino said. The government wants to attract a top-tier operator for the strategic maritime asset.
Panama City is hosting the Maritime Convention of the Americas 2026 at the Megapolis Convention Center, with President José Raúl Mulino set to attend. The event highlights the country’s central role in regional shipping and logistics.
Panama closed a renewable energy tender at $33.7 per MWh, lowering the benchmark power price and reinforcing the country’s shift toward cheaper clean energy. The result highlights growing competition in Panama’s electricity market.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog ended a visit to Panama after both countries expanded trade and technology agreements. The move underscores Panama’s role as a regional business hub and Israel’s effort to preserve international alliances.
Israel’s first state visit by an Israeli president to Panama comes as Jerusalem seeks partners amid diplomatic strain and maritime pressure. The trip highlights Panama’s outsized role in global shipping and international engagement.
The Panama Canal has rejected speculation that a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would trigger higher canal prices. The move underscores Panama’s effort to keep toll policy separate from geopolitical volatility.
Panama and Israel agreed to reinforce their Free Trade Agreement during a meeting between President José Raúl Mulino and Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The talks also covered cooperation in water, cybersecurity, medicine, logistics, agricultural technology and tourism.
Panama’s foreign minister has denounced China’s crackdown on Panama-flagged ships, warning that a court ruling should not be used to pressure the country’s merchant fleet. Deputies have been urged to press Beijing for answers as detentions rise.
Panama is being urged to charge more for the value created by its logistics and port sector, rather than fear losing transshipment traffic. The argument centers on turning the country’s strategic location into broader national development.
Panama won a CIADI arbitration against Banesco after the tribunal dismissed a $13.5 million claim and ordered the bank to pay $900,000 in costs. The ruling bolsters Panama’s position on investment disputes and legal stability.
Panama is moving ahead with its new internship law even as a constitutional challenge remains active. The government and business leaders say the plan aims to give young people experience and help ease unemployment.