Panama Canal Sets New Tonnage Record


News from Panama

Following the close of the 2015 fiscal year, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announced today that it has set a new historical tonnage record, welcoming 340.8 million Panama Canal tons (PC/UMS) through the Canal. The spike represents a year-on-year increase of 4.3 percent and highlights the Canal’s value and significance to global maritime trade. The […]

October 13, 2015

Fast Food Chain in Costa Rica Closes


News from Panama

OK, maybe they should not have changed the slogan from “Have it your way” to “Be your way”.  Yeah, we be good! Burger King Costa Rica has announced the closure of 29 restaurants operating in the country, after a decision was taken by shareholders and the franchisor BKC US. Since February the franchise has closed […]

October 13, 2015

Panama: Constructions in Ancon Halted


News from Panama

Can you spell “over built”.  Floods that have caused serious damage are forcing a review of the geology of the area and its ability to support new infrastructure. While preparations are being made for a new general plan of pending and existing works, the Municipality of Panama has suspended permits for 50 residential, commercial and […]

October 13, 2015

Panama: Agrochemicals Too Expensive?


News from Panama

I have never heard a farmer say, things are great and I am making a fortune.   With oil prices lower and the cost of Ag chemicals lower, it is hard to imagine this happening in Panama. Farmers have denounced the fact that half of the investment needed for cultivation goes towards agrochemicals such as fertilizers, […]

October 13, 2015

Oil Palm: Another Victim of Cheap Oil


News from Panama

Last year I thought this  might be an excellent venue for investment here in Panama.  I am glad I did not jump on that bandwagon.   It may take time for this industry to recover. As with other forms of alternative energy, high oil prices in the past boosted investment in oil palm plantations as […]

October 13, 2015

Panama: Tocumen to Issue More Debt


News from Panama

The company Aeropuerto Internacional de Tocumen has been authorized to issue securities in the local and international market for an amount of up to $1.275 billion. A statement from the Presidency of Panama reports that “… Through Executive Decree authorization has been give to the corporation called Aeropuerto Internacional de Tocumen, S.A. (AITSA) to make […]

October 13, 2015