Coverage of national economic trends, policy decisions, and indicators that affect everyday life. We provide analysis of fiscal policy, employment, and growth drivers.
A Hutchison Ports subsidiary has increased its arbitration claim against Panama to more than $2 billion after calling the government’s takeover of key terminals “unlawful,” escalating a major dispute over port control.
The Panamanian government will quadruple prizes for the Lotería Fiscal, allocating B/. 440,000 nationwide in May to boost the program’s appeal and reinforce fiscal compliance.
The Panamanian government asked the National Assembly for $30.5M to clear unexploded ordnance on 695 hectares in Colón so the land can be sold to the ACP for $126M, prompting parliamentary scrutiny.
The Panamanian government said it will announce a plan to offset rising fuel costs; official Chapman declined to give details on whether subsidies will be included.
Panama’s private‑sector Décimo Tercer Mes payment is slated for the second half of April; workers are advised to plan ahead to save or avoid overspending when funds are disbursed.
Telemetro reports that The Boring Company declined to finance the “Canal Underline” tunnel proposed by Mizrachi. The proposal now must seek other financing and approvals to move forward.
A recent report shows 47.14% of Panamanian companies meet the legal 30% female board quota, an increase of 3.25 percentage points from the prior measurement.
The Ministry of Public Works says the Ribazo bridge in Penonomé has entered its final construction phase and an alternate route has been opened to manage traffic during finishing works.
The MEF has requested a $30 million transfer to remediate munitions-contaminated land in Piña and to pay international arbitration obligations, a step officials say is needed to guarantee safe use of reverted territory tied to the Panama Canal.
A unit of Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison has widened its international arbitration claim against Panama to more than $2 billion, Reuters reported on March 24. Details on legal grounds and Panama’s response remain limited.
Panama’s Finance Minister Felipe Chapman met with a World Bank delegation led by Managing Director Anshula Kant during her official visit, alongside senior MEF officials.
The Caja de Seguro Social has clarified which retirees and pensioners in Panama will not receive the permanent bonus, and provided guidance on amounts, dates and eligibility. Beneficiaries should consult CSS official channels for full details.
International Railway Journal reports Panama and Costa Rica have advanced a memorandum of understanding to coordinate cross‑border rail planning, marking a potential step toward closer regional rail integration.
The IMA published locations and buyer requirements for March 25 agroferias in Panama, where rice will be offered at $5. Shoppers should consult IMA channels for venue details and eligibility.
Panama’s National Railway Secretariat has partnered with rail institute INCOFER as a first regional partner in talks about a possible cross-border rail link, with the Panamá Pacífico–Divisa stretch identified as the likely initial Panamanian segment.
TVN 2 reports that merchants in Río Abajo are preparing for the Vía España widening; shops located on the public easement must relocate to make way for the project.
A World Bank Group delegation met with Panama’s Ministry of Economy and Finance; Panamanian officials stressed consolidating strategic alliances to dynamize the economy, attract investment and promote development.
IFARHU is considering barring cash withdrawals of the PASE-U subsidy to better control use and modernize payments, a change that could shift beneficiaries toward digital access.
MIDA says using bioethanol could cut gasoline prices by about $0.20 per gallon in Panama, and notes the country used a 5% ethanol blend in vehicles in 2013.
A Travel And Tour World report lists Panama among Latin American countries where 2026 price hikes are affecting digital nomads and long-term visitors, with broader implications for visa demand and tourism patterns.