Coverage of national economic trends, policy decisions, and indicators that affect everyday life. We provide analysis of fiscal policy, employment, and growth drivers.
Deloitte says the Greater Bay Area spent about 28.9 billion yuan on basic research in 2024, but basic research accounted for just 5.67% of total R&D—below China’s national average. The report warns the tech-heavy region may be underfunding foundational science despite strength in semiconductors and smart manufacturing.
Trump denied he is “begging” for a deal with Iran while presenting claims about oil boats moving through the Strait of Hormuz. As the Iran war nears one month and oil prices rise, he also teased new farm aid.
Panama’s gambling sector is expanding rapidly as sports betting, digital technology and tourism converge. Growth is attracting investors but also raising regulatory and social challenges.
Hainan has opened as a free-trade port, prompting warnings that it could undercut Hong Kong’s duty-free appeal. A key counterargument is that Hong Kong’s edge lies in its role as a global financial hub under China’s opening-up strategy.
Soaring fuel prices in Manila are being linked to heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, as Filipinos face tighter budgets and a stagnant economy. The report describes unusually quiet streets, reflecting how quickly energy shocks can reshape everyday life.
IndexBox reports a dispute between CK Hutchison and Panama over a port concession has topped $2 billion. The report provides the headline amount but no further details.
The US Federal Maritime Commission warned that intensified inspections and detentions of Panamanian-flagged ships appear aimed at punishing Panama after the transfer of Hutchison port assets, TVN reports. The warning raises concerns about operational and diplomatic impacts on Panama’s maritime sector.
Russia is positioning itself to profit from the Iran war’s disruption to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, with Putin urging energy suppliers to use higher “additional revenues.” A temporary easing of US sanctions is also cited as boosting Moscow’s advantage in supplying Asia.
The WTO is holding a crunch meeting amid growing uncertainty over whether members can agree on reforms to the multilateral trade system. Failure to reach consensus could accelerate fragmentation, with some countries creating alternative “rulebooks.”
The IMA will hold agroferias on March 28–29; check the published list of sale points and purchase requirements before attending to buy discounted produce.
President José Raúl Mulino said Panama’s bioethanol bill, having passed first debate in the National Assembly, could be approved within a reasonable timeframe as technical experts review implementation.
Panama is listed among more than 30 countries in a UK-published joint declaration condemning attacks on ships and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz; Panama’s government has not yet commented.
Minister Dinoska Montalvo said the Panamanian government has taken measures to lessen the impact of higher fuel prices and to prevent an increase in public transport fares.
Panama City Mayor Mayer Mizrachi has alleged that property tax revenues are not reaching municipal governments, raising concerns about municipal budgets and service delivery.
At the inauguration of Escuela República de Venezuela, President José Raúl Mulino answered reporters’ questions about education reform, a bioethanol project and Panamanians detained in Cuba, Telemetro reports.
Reuters reports the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission is monitoring a surge in detentions of Panama-flagged vessels in China amid a reported dispute over port control, raising concerns for Panama’s maritime registry.
La Repregunta’s latest episode questioned President José Raúl Mulino’s limited public briefings and examined a National Assembly bill to mandate bioethanol in fuels, highlighting transparency concerns.
China says it has completed a tariff investigation and warned it could impose retaliatory measures against Mexico. The duties, ranging from 5% to 50% on 1,463 product categories, may also complicate Mexico’s parallel US trade talks.
Panama is studying a transport relief program to prevent fare increases amid rising global fuel prices, with transport operators set to submit data for MEF simulations before April 1.
The Panamanian government is evaluating a program to cover rising fuel costs to prevent increases in public transport fares, Minister Chapman said, as officials study possible relief options.