Coverage of national economic trends, policy decisions, and indicators that affect everyday life. We provide analysis of fiscal policy, employment, and growth drivers.
Panama’s ship registry remains a major global asset, generating substantial state revenue and supporting a wide maritime ecosystem. New competitive pressures are pushing the country to improve service, compliance and technical support.
Panama’s new decree on digital ride-hailing platforms has triggered sharp criticism from lawmakers, former officials and users who say it protects traditional taxi interests. President José Raúl Mulino plans to meet transit and government authorities to review the concerns.
Motorizados linked to PedidosYa in Panama are moving to Uber Eats and Indrive as a pay dispute continues to disrupt delivery service. The protest has hit thousands of businesses and forced many restaurants to suspend deliveries.
The U.S. seizure of an Iranian cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz has triggered retaliation threats from Tehran and renewed fears of escalation in a critical shipping lane. The episode could ripple into energy markets and global trade.
Panama’s Chamber of Commerce says new investment is needed to keep jobs stable and expand formal employment. The warning underscores the country’s challenge of turning economic growth into lasting work for more people.
Women head roughly 40% of households in Panama, and community groups in Curundú are stepping in with aid for single mothers. The trend is highlighting persistent gaps in jobs, care work and social support.
Female-led households are becoming a more visible part of Panama’s social reality, with single mothers facing rising vulnerability. Community support efforts, including those led by the Panamanian Women’s Center, are drawing attention to the challenge.
Panama’s Ministry of Public Works says pile work on the Cuarto Puente over the Panama Canal is nearing completion, allowing the bridge’s upper construction to begin. The project is a key infrastructure link for the capital area.
Panama’s Chamber of Commerce says stronger investment is essential to sustain jobs as unemployment stands at 10.4% and informality remains widespread. The warning highlights pressure on the labor market and the need for more formal employment.
The Gulf war has shown how fast military tensions can damage investor confidence, a lesson with clear relevance for Panama’s neutral image around the Canal. The conflict also underscores the economic value of stability in a region tied to global trade.
The CEPANIM registration platform opens Monday, April 20, for about 425,000 eligible beneficiaries in Panama. Registration is a required step to access the program’s benefit.
Metro de Panamá extended its Line 2 maintenance contract with Alstom Panamá through June 30, 2026, after the previous deal expired at the end of 2025. The agreement covers trains, signaling and substations for up to $4.33 million.
Panama has created a special migration category to attract up to 50 foreign scientists and researchers. The move is aimed at strengthening the country’s research base and supporting strategic innovation projects.
Panama’s business chamber says the country needs more investment to create sustainable jobs, as unemployment stands at 10.4% and informality remains high. The warning underscores pressure on the labor market and the need for more formal employment.
Panama’s 10th March for Science in Amador renewed calls for greater research funding as officials and scientists pointed to low investment and a shortage of researchers. The event also highlighted recent gains in the country’s scientific workforce.
Registration to collect Cepanim funds starts Monday and is set to cover more than 425,000 beneficiaries, including family members of deceased claimants. The process could affect a large number of households across Panama.
Panama’s Finance Ministry has opened registration for more than 425,000 people seeking Cepanim payments tied to unpaid 13th-month bonus funds. Applicants must register online first and then wait for validation and an appointment.
Apede has criticized Panama’s decree regulating digital transport platforms, saying it could weaken competition, free enterprise and service efficiency. The business group argues the rules risk pushing the market back toward less open models.
Rising oil prices tied to Middle East tensions are increasing costs in Panama, with effects on transport, inflation, and trade. The pressure also reaches the Canal and the country’s investment outlook.
Panama’s business chamber is calling for stronger economic activity to address 10.4% unemployment and widespread informality. The group says investment, execution and job access are key to expanding formal work.