Coverage of national economic trends, policy decisions, and indicators that affect everyday life. We provide analysis of fiscal policy, employment, and growth drivers.
Residents of Panama Oeste continue relying on informal transport as regulated service falls short of demand and traffic worsens daily commutes. The pressure is pushing calls for safer, better integrated mobility planning tied to Metro Line 3 and neighborhood feeder routes.
Mango is more than a favorite fruit in Panama: it is a cultural staple, a backyard tree in thousands of homes, and a crop with growing agricultural value. Producers and officials see room to strengthen pest control, postharvest handling, and production.
Panama’s Executive Branch has named Banco Nacional as the official paying agent for CEPANIM certificates tied to pensioners. The move centralizes the payment process through one of the country’s main state banks.
MiBus reported higher passenger numbers during the first four months of the year and said it has introduced targeted operational measures to keep service running smoothly. The move reflects the importance of public transit in Panama City as demand continues to grow.
Movida and Bank of China Panama are preparing bond offerings in Panama, highlighting continued activity in the country’s capital markets. The deals underscore Panama’s role as a regional financing hub.
Panama’s National Assembly has begun debating a major Tax Code reform aimed at tighter corporate oversight, higher revenue, and compliance with international standards. The bill targets economic substance rules and special tax regimes used by multinational companies.
Felipe Chapman defended Panama’s proposed economic substance bill, saying it is a domestic reform rather than an external demand. The measure is part of broader efforts to strengthen transparency and business credibility.
Guillermina Martínez has been named head of human resources at UNACHI, drawing attention because her salary rose from $1,936 at the Comptroller’s Office to $5,460 at the university. The appointment adds to scrutiny of Rector Etelvina Medianero de Bonagas’ administration.
The IMA announced Agroferia locations for Tuesday, May 12, with sales starting at 8:00 a.m. in several regions of Panama. The events are part of the country’s effort to connect consumers with local producers.
Panama has expanded AI-based cybersecurity monitoring across the entire national government, covering more than 500,000 devices. Authorities say the system targets critical institutions after several public agencies suffered cyberattacks this year.
Panama’s tourism sector grew 17.3% in the first quarter of 2026, generating more than $2 billion in economic impact. The Tourism Authority says it aims to top 2025’s results.
Panama nearly reached one million visitors in the first quarter of 2026, boosted by Carnival, Copa Airlines’ Stopover program and international events. Officials say the surge generated more than $2 billion in economic impact.
Retirees and pensioners in Colón blocked roads to demand approval of Bill 491, which would raise payments for people receiving less than B/.600 a month. The protest highlights ongoing pressure for pension reform in Panama.
The Biomuseo in Panama has opened new vacancies for security and visitor services, reinforcing staffing at one of the capital’s top cultural attractions. The hiring move highlights the museum’s role in tourism, education and local employment.
IFARHU has urged more than 300 former employees to complete the process for collecting pending seniority bonuses tied to work performed between 2014 and 2021. The payments remain awaiting withdrawal by ex-collaborators.
Panama’s National Assembly has started debating a bill on economic substance, with Economy and Finance Minister Felipe Chapman outlining a 15% penalty for noncompliant companies. The proposal is aimed at strengthening business transparency and compliance rules.
MiBus moved more than 48 million passengers from January through April 2026 and introduced contingency measures to offset higher international fuel prices. The company said the steps were aimed at keeping service running and maintaining operational stability.
Panama has secured its first Bird Friendly cacao certification, highlighting a model of chocolate production that supports biodiversity and habitat protection. The milestone strengthens the country’s profile in sustainable agriculture.
Guillermina Martínez’s rise from Contraloría fiscal controller at Unachi to head of Human Resources is drawing scrutiny amid long-running concerns over the university’s payroll and governance. The appointment has renewed debate over transparency at the Chiriquí public university.
Panama’s Ministry of Economy and Finance has established the procedure for issuing and redeeming CEPANIM under Executive Decree No. 19. The rules are aimed at organizing the process for retirees and beneficiaries tied to the program.