Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide lost patent protection in China on March 20, triggering at least 10 domestic weight‑loss drugs to seek approval as regulators speed up drug clearances. The market could reach about US$14 billion by 2030.
Río Indio basin communities have moved from passive observers to active participants in Canal-related planning, taking part in 200+ meetings and raising participation in resettlement talks to nearly 70%. The process uses IFC PS5 as a starting point and emphasizes protecting water security and livelihoods.
An independent inquiry into the Tai Po estate fire that killed 168 has entered its fourth day as residents testify that contractors failed to supervise smoking workers and refuse piled up outside Wang Fuk Court.
Malaysia plans to cut the number of foreign workers to encourage local hiring and push up wages, a move that could reshape sectors reliant on migrant labour and affect multinational staffing plans.
Panama’s National Energy Secretariat has suspended the April 1, 2026 start date for mandatory anhydrous bioethanol blends, citing technical, regulatory and market shortcomings. Authorities will set a new timeline after further evaluations and pending legislation.
Panama’s government and transport unions agreed not to raise fares while they develop temporary measures to ease the impact of rising international fuel prices; the MEF will run scenarios using sector data before April 1.
An editorial argues Panama has the geography and resources to grow faster but must remove bureaucratic hurdles, boost supply-chain linkages and roll back inefficient protectionism. It urges CADES-Panamá to drive evidence-based reforms and concrete targets for faster permits and greater local value capture.
A former top national security adviser urged Japan to consider sending warships to the Strait of Hormuz under a special measures law to protect ships — even before a ceasefire.
Panama’s government and transport operators agreed to keep passenger fares unchanged despite rising fuel prices, and will seek alternatives to cover higher operating costs.
Panama prepares for Holy Week from March 27–April 5, 2026, with religious brotherhoods, pilgrims and new processional floats, and remarks from Tourism Authority chief Gloria De León.
Acodeco has ordered a safety notice over possible malfunctions in certain Frigidaire and Frigidaire Gallery stoves sold in Panama; the alert covers serial numbers VF52200000–VF54399999 and 96 units acquired locally.
Bafana Bafana will host Panama for two international friendlies, with coach Hugo Broos saying the selection of Panama “was the right decision.” The first match is set for Moses Mabhida Stadium, and Panama are ranked 33rd in the latest FIFA rankings.
Mayor Mayer Mizrachi’s Canal Underline tunnel proposal did not win The Boring Company’s competition but reached the final round despite lacking funding, highlighting financing and feasibility challenges.
Mitradel suspended the Empleos Panamá job portal after detecting an attempted cyberattack and is coordinating with AIG and tech providers to secure the system. The ministry urges users to use official channels and verify sources.
Sotheby’s Maison in Hong Kong is showcasing “Beyond the Abstract,” a sweeping exhibition surveying 3,000 years of abstraction across painting, sculpture and historic objects through March 27.
Australian Cameron McEvoy broke the 50m freestyle world record at the China Open with a 20.88 swim and called the lack of a prize for the feat “ludicrous,” highlighting questions about athlete compensation.
The Feria de Colón 2026 will run April 8–19 in Buena Vista under the theme “Caribe de Corazón,” featuring gastronomy, vendor sales and artistic and cultural presentations.
Ross Harrison warned that public diplomacy between the U.S. and Iran masks hardline positions and predicted a likely military escalation, highlighting persistent risks in bilateral relations.
Shipping Telegraph reports CK Hutchison’s Panama unit (PPC) has expanded claims against the Republic of Panama, saying losses now exceed $2 billion; details and responses remain limited.
Electrolux warned of a potential slow-ignition fault in select Frigidaire stoves sold in Panama; Acodeco ordered sales suspended and advised users to stop using affected units until parts are replaced.