Coverage of national economic trends, policy decisions, and indicators that affect everyday life. We provide analysis of fiscal policy, employment, and growth drivers.
President José Raúl Mulino’s Thursday session centered on detained Panamanian-flag vessels, possible extra legislative sessions and a pause on bioethanol. The issues touch Panama’s shipping reputation, policy calendar and energy planning.
The U.S. ambassador in Panama voiced support for the country’s maritime sector after concerns over Panamanian-flagged ships in Chinese ports. The issue highlights Panama’s major role in global shipping and the importance of protecting its vessel registry.
MITRADEL announced new job vacancies in Panama, San Miguelito and Coclé through its official employment portal. The openings give job seekers across multiple provinces fresh opportunities to find work.
Panama’s National Assembly suspended bill 491, a proposal to raise lower pensions using a fee on containers. Supporters say the pause is strategic, not final.
IMA will close its Santa Ana store from May 6 to May 8 for a scheduled event, with service expected to resume afterward. The temporary shutdown may affect shoppers in one of Panama City’s busiest districts.
Panama’s Ministry of Public Works is advancing a $3 million pothole-repair plan in Herrera as part of a nationwide road maintenance strategy. Minister José Luis Andrade highlighted the province during a supervision tour.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route. The appeal comes as tensions around one of the world’s most important shipping chokepoints raise concerns about oil, trade and regional stability.
President José Raúl Mulino criticized Law 491 over the lack of consultation and said a veto remains possible. Business groups are warning that the pension increase could hurt Panama’s competitiveness.
Panama’s National Assembly will meet in extraordinary session from May 4 to June 5 to debate a Fiscal Code reform on economic substance. President José Raúl Mulino says the bill is key to helping Panama move off an EU tax list.
President José Raúl Mulino discussed detained Panamanian-flagged ships in China, extraordinary sessions in the National Assembly, and a pause in bioethanol debate. The remarks underscored Panama’s focus on shipping, legislation, and energy policy.
Transport operators in Ngäbe Buglé have gained access to the fuel subsidy, easing costs for the sector. But long-standing uncertainty over transport permits continues to affect drivers without formal concessions.
Panama President Jose Raul Mulino has defended the country’s ties with China as port control and canal-related tensions draw scrutiny from the United States. The dispute highlights Panama’s delicate balancing act between major powers.
President José Raúl Mulino rejected using a decree to impose mandatory ethanol in Panama, saying the matter now rests with the National Assembly. The debate stalled after bill 443 was suspended amid conflict-of-interest concerns.
China has defended its interests in Panama ports after U.S. accusations, underscoring how the country’s maritime infrastructure remains central to global power politics. The dispute adds to broader tensions between Washington and Beijing in Panama and across Latin America.
Panama is considering a $1.50 charge on each container entering through its ports to help fund senior pensions. President José Raúl Mulino has distanced himself from the plan, adding pressure to the bill.
President José Raúl Mulino addressed the retention of Panamanian-flagged vessels in China, extraordinary sessions in the National Assembly, and the pause in the bioethanol debate. The remarks highlighted key maritime, legislative, and energy issues on Panama’s agenda.
Panama’s National Assembly closed its legislative term with debate over bill 491, which would raise monthly payments for retirees and pensioners earning under $600. The proposal would be financed through a $1.50 charge per container entering the country through ports.
IFARHU is preparing the PASE-U 2026 payment for the coming months and plans to deliver it through a new digital system. The change could streamline access to Panama’s school assistance program.
President José Raúl Mulino has convened extraordinary sessions in the National Assembly to debate the Economic Substance bill after meeting with two caucuses. The proposal is expected to draw attention for its impact on Panama’s business and regulatory environment.
President José Raúl Mulino has rejected Bill 491, which seeks to raise container taxes to help fund seniors’ pensions. The proposal has no support from the Executive Branch or key maritime and economic agencies.