Coverage of Panama’s corporate world, markets, startups, and trade developments. We provide news, analysis, and practical insights for business leaders and entrepreneurs.
The Panama Canal Authority advanced its 2025-2035 strategy after meeting with its Advisory Board, focusing on talent, leadership, digital transformation, and sustainability. The plan aims to strengthen the canal’s long-term competitiveness and institutional resilience.
Platform drivers in Panama are preparing proposals for talks with the government on digital transport regulation. Their main point of resistance is joining prestatarias.
Felipe Chapman commented on Panama’s Economic Substance Bill and the fuel subsidy for transport workers, highlighting two issues with major economic and fiscal implications. Both measures affect business compliance and the cost of transport in Panama.
Panamanian Customs retained a cigarette shipment worth more than $900,000 in the Colón Free Zone after inspectors found 1,200 bales and signs of irregularities.
Felipe Chapman said he is open to hearing transport operators as pressure builds over Panama’s fuel subsidy. The debate sits at the intersection of public finances, fares, and the cost of keeping transport services moving.
Panama’s governance and transparency debate is focusing on tax reform and economic substance rules aimed at strengthening oversight of companies and multinational groups. The discussion underscores the country’s effort to balance competitiveness with greater regulatory credibility.
Panama has launched a national geolocated postal code system that assigns codes using longitude and latitude, covering rural, urban, and indigenous areas. The platform aims to modernize delivery services and replace landmark-based addressing.
President José Raúl Mulino met with King Felipe VI in Costa Rica to discuss trade, security, investment and Panama’s economic priorities. The talks also covered Spain’s support for Panama on international listings and social programs.
Panama City has awarded two major urban renewal contracts to Consorcio Gana-Oti for Plaza 5 de Mayo and Avenida 3 de Noviembre. The projects aim to improve walkability, public space and transport connections in a key downtown corridor.
Panama’s Ministry of Economy and Finance will begin issuing CEPANIM, a negotiable certificate, starting in June. The move adds a new financial instrument to the country’s public finance toolkit.
Panama’s Labor Ministry found nine foreign nationals working without permits during an inspection of 35 businesses in San Felipe. The sweep highlights ongoing enforcement of labor rules in Panama City.
Panama is hosting the Maritime Convention of the Americas this week as the canal, security, and the Middle East conflict shape the regional maritime agenda. The country’s maritime and logistics sector accounts for 30% of GDP and employs more than 150,000 people.
President José Raúl Mulino traveled to San José for the inauguration of Costa Rica’s new president, using the visit to emphasize security, border coordination and trade. The trip comes as Panama seeks to improve commercial ties after earlier disputes with Costa Rica.
Portugal is moving toward joining the Panama Canal Neutrality Treaty after talks in Panama, adding support for the waterway’s neutral status. The two countries also discussed scholarships and cooperation in science and education.
RIU Plaza Panama is celebrating 15 years in Panama City, highlighting its role in the capital’s hotel market and its social commitment in the country. The milestone reflects the hotel’s lasting presence in one of Panama’s key business and tourism centers.
Panama has launched an online platform to check postal codes for residences, offices and buildings using a cellphone or other internet-connected device. The tool is meant to improve address accuracy and make everyday transactions easier.
Panama has launched a nationwide postal code system that uses geolocation and a digital platform to standardize addresses across the country. Officials say the change will improve logistics, support e-commerce and strengthen postal services.
Tocumen International Airport ranked first in Latin America and the Caribbean for international passengers in 2025, handling more than 20.7 million travelers. The airport also posted strong growth in total passengers, cargo and aircraft movements.
Panama hosted the Convención Marítima de las Américas as leaders from the canal, shipping, and government sectors confronted global supply-chain risks and Middle East tensions. The event highlighted Panama’s strategic role in world trade and the pressure on its maritime industry.
Tigo Panama raised $87.5 million in a private bond issue, strengthening its financing position in Panama’s telecom market. The deal underscores the sector’s need for steady investment in connectivity and infrastructure.