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 development debate is shifting toward the provinces, with growing calls to strengthen agriculture, infrastructure, education, and jobs outside the capital. Advocates say balanced regional growth is key to reducing inequality and sustaining the economy.
Shipping companies are paying up to $4 million to cross the Panama Canal as global trade reroutes away from the Middle East. The surge highlights the canal’s growing strategic value during a period of maritime disruption.
Panama’s Chamber of Commerce says the country’s labor challenge is to turn rising hiring into formal, stable, and productive jobs. It also called for closing the gap that keeps young workers out of the labor market.
Panama City Mayor Mayer Mizrachi said businesses in Old Town were occupying public squares without paying, highlighting enforcement issues in Casco Antiguo. The remarks underscore the tension between heritage preservation, public access, and commercial activity.
Mayor Mayer Mizrachi said businesses were using squares in Casco Antiguo without paying, following municipal action against several restaurants in the historic district. The move highlights Panama City’s effort to regulate public space in a key tourist area.
Panama City’s municipality moved against restaurants using Old Town squares without paying, and Mayor Mizrachi confirmed the unauthorized occupancy. Business representatives said regulations must be followed but urged a more tactful approach to protect tourism.
U.S. Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera said Huawei is not trustworthy while stressing Washington’s readiness to work with Panama on cybersecurity. His comments come amid growing concern over cyberattacks on Panamanian institutions.
Mariscos and San Felipe Neri markets in Panama City will close for the full day Monday for cleaning and fumigation. The temporary shutdown is aimed at maintaining hygiene in two key public food markets.
Panama’s Chamber of Commerce is urging a stronger move toward formal, productive employment as concerns grow over labor market stability. The call highlights the need for job creation that supports both workers and long-term economic growth.
Temporary contracts have become the dominant form of new hiring in Panama, even as overall employment continues to recover. The trend is raising concerns about job stability, savings, and access to credit.
Panama is aiming to strengthen its position as a regional center for maritime law, with legal experts pointing to the country’s close ties between shipping operations and legal practice. The effort is focused on litigation, arbitration, and specialized disputes tied to international navigation.
Shipping companies are paying record sums to use the Panama Canal as disruption at the Strait of Hormuz pushes global trade onto new routes. The canal’s role as a strategic chokepoint is growing as carriers seek faster alternatives.
Panama’s port system posted a slight first-quarter decline, but the numbers hide a major reshuffling of cargo between terminals. Balboa and Cristóbal fell during a management transition, while several Atlantic ports grew sharply.
Panama’s planned public procurement reforms promise faster and more digital contracting, but the real test is whether lawmakers will require disclosure of beneficial owners. Without that transparency, efficiency gains may do little to curb corruption risks.
The Panama Canal is regaining global attention as shipping shifts away from the Strait of Hormuz, raising its importance in international trade. The change highlights Panama’s central role in keeping cargo moving between oceans.
The Panama Canal is gaining new importance as global shipping reroutes away from disrupted passages such as the Strait of Hormuz. The shift underscores Panama’s central role in international trade.
More than 190,000 beneficiaries have registered on Panama’s MEF platform to receive Cepanim, a payment certificate tied to interest on overdue obligations. The figure signals wide participation in the government’s financial program.
The IMA has scheduled agroferias for May 4 and 5 in Coclé, Panama City, Chiriquí, Darién, Veraguas and other areas. The sales events begin at 8:00 a.m. and require a cédula and reusable bag.
Panama’s IMA is holding agricultural fairs on May 4 and 5, offering rice for $5 in several districts and communities across the country. The sales aim to give households access to a key staple at a lower price.
President José Raúl Mulino named Felipe Chapman’s brother-in-law to the SMV board, raising ethics questions under Panama’s public service rules. Chapman defended the appointment and said the focus should be on the nominee’s experience.