Czech drinks group Kofola bought a 49% stake in Panamanian drinks company Alta Fermentación, a minority investment that could strengthen ties between European beverage firms and Panama’s market.
Panama’s National Police say they arrested a 27-year-old woman at Tocumen Airport who was wanted for a violent armed attack at Plaza Tocumen. Authorities say investigations and legal steps will continue.
MEDUCA and the Hotel Association have reactivated a tourism education program for students, with MEDUCA saying it will pursue more private-sector partnerships to expand the model.
Maritime News reports CK Hutchison says the Republic of Panama missed an arbitration response deadline; the outlet gave no further details on the dispute or tribunal.
MIDES announced that nearly 20,000 Panamanians with severe disabilities will receive the first Ángel Guardián payment of 2026, affirming continued social support for beneficiaries.
The Comité Olímpico de Panamá reported that Panamanian athletes stood out at the Copa Nacional Interligas de Esgrima, delivering notable performances in both individual and team events.
The IMA will hold agro‑fairs in more than eight provinces on March 17–18, starting at 8:00 a.m., offering quality agricultural products at accessible prices to consumers.
Panama’s National Statistics Agency reported a 4.4% increase in GDP for 2025, signaling continued economic momentum tied to services and trade.
TradingView reports Panama’s economy expanded 4.4% in 2025, with the transport sector identified as the primary driver of growth. The result highlights the continuing centrality of transport and trade-related services to Panama’s economy.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Panama, received by President José Raúl Mulino at the Palacio de las Garzas. Officials marked it as the first German presidential visit in 75 years and issued a joint declaration.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned in Panama that the conflict involving Iran could expand, calling the situation ‘very dangerous’ and urging an end to hostilities.
A GazetteXtra headline ‘Panama Germany’ appeared in a news feed on March 16, 2026, but the feed did not include the full story; readers should seek the complete report for details.
Magistrate Olmedo Arrocha told reporters that arbitrators should evaluate the arguments in the dispute with Panama Ports Company, signaling judicial deference to the arbitration process.
Telemetro reports that the Lotería Nacional de Panamá is preparing Lotto and Pega 3 draws this week. Players should check official Lotería channels for confirmed times and results.
AAUD says a sanitation worker struck on Vía España remains in serious condition. The agency and the worker’s family have expressed deep concern as details remain limited.
Panama has asked Chinese shipping giant COSCO to return to canal terminals it has operated since 1997, after Panamanian authorities reclaimed control. The move highlights operational and geopolitical concerns over foreign roles in Panama Canal infrastructure.
Panama President José Raúl Mulino received the President of Germany at the Palacio de las Garzas in a diplomatic visit that officials said aimed at cooperation “for the benefit of our nations.”
A Devdiscourse report says a legal dispute has arisen involving Panama’s ports. The case could affect operations, investor confidence, and supply chains tied to the Panama Canal and national ports.
Newsroom Panama published a brief “Your Morning Smile” post on March 16, 2026, featuring a playful photo and inviting readers to email funny photos and short items to PanamaNewsroom@gmail.com.
Panama Ports Company, a CK Hutchison unit, said on March 16 that Panama missed a March 13 arbitration response deadline and is still holding documents PPC says were seized.