The area is seeing new banks, restaurants, hotels and shopping centers as well as a boom in housing construction and the renovation of transport systems.

The Comptroller General of the Republic, has revealed that at the end of 2012 the value of gold exports reached $115.7 million. “So far, the only company in the process of exploitation is Petaquilla Gold, though it is expected that the end of 2016 will see the start of the Cobre Panama project (as it was called by Minera Panama, predecessor in the concession), now First Quantum“, reported Laestrella.com.pa.

“Petaquilla Gold has invested about $500 million, and for its part, First Quantum will invest $6.2 billion in the exploitation of copper (an investment which is larger than the Panama Canal expansion project).

According to the governor of Cocle, Juan Carlos Rodriguez, the growth experienced by the province is positive, although there are certain steps that should be taken by the government to strengthen basic services such as security, health and education.

Source: laestrella.com.pa