China’s advance in Panama: An update


News from Panama

The June 2017 recognition of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) by the Panamanian government of Juan Carlos Varela set in motion an array of Chinese activities in Panama, as well as diplomatic changes in nearby El Salvador and the Dominican Republic—all of which grabbed the attention and concern of Washington. The election of the opposition Democratic Revolutionary Party’s (PRD) Laurentino Cortizo […]

April 20, 2021

8 Reasons To Fall In Love With Panama


News from Panama

Casco, my favorite part of Panama City. Big waves roll onto flat sandy beaches, coffee plantations dot lush mountainsides, and turquoise-blue coves border tropical islands. It might come as a surprise to some travelers, but all of these scenes play out in Panama — the Central American country that has long been known mostly for […]

April 20, 2021

Panamanian Consumer: Confidence Improves at a Slow Pace


News from Panama

During March 2021, the Panamanian Consumer Confidence Index increased 2% with respect to the level reported in January of this year, this slight increase is reported in the context of the economic reactivation process of local production. According to the survey conducted by the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP), in strategic alliance with The Marketing […]

April 13, 2021

MSC Panama Canal surcharge updates


News from Panama

Panama Canal Surcharge from WCSA to USA Effective April 7th, 2021 (Gate In Date) Following recent “advisory” from the Panama Canal Authority in which is reported a further reduction in the draft for the Neopanamax Locks, MSC is reinstating the PCE surcharge to maintain service level. From: All WCSA origins (for Dry and Reefer cargo) […]

April 13, 2021

Foreign Investment Attraction: Creation of ProPanama


News from Panama

President Laurentino Cortizo sanctioned the law that creates the National Authority for the Attraction of Investments and Promotion of Exports of Panama, an institution whose objective is to attract foreign investment to the country. The law establishes the legal framework for the Investment Attraction and Export Promotion Agency (ProPanama) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be […]

April 13, 2021

Consumer Data: New Law in Force


News from Panama

As of March 29, 2021, Law 81 on Data Protection came into force in Panama, a legal framework that requires consumers to be asked for authorization for their information to be used. According to the text that regulates these practices, “… those responsible for data processing may only transfer information about them when they have the prior, informed and […]

April 13, 2021

Panama, U.S. discuss need to tackle unlawful immigration


News from Panama

Panama’s Foreign Minister Erika Mouynes and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the need to tackle unlawful immigration during a phone call earlier on Tuesday, the Panamanian government said. In a statement, Panama’s government said the two officials discussed areas of common interest during the call, including the political situation in the region, and […]

April 13, 2021

Panama to present its commitment to sustainability and safety in its bicentenary year, at FITUR


News from Panama

Panama will be presenting its commitment to sustainability and safety in its Bicentenary year, at FITUR. Panama will be at FITUR again this year together with the country’s Tourism Minister, Iván Eskildsen, and the Tourism Promotion Fund (PROMTUR). This next edition of the International Tourism Fair will be the Tourism Recovery Special, from 19th to 23rd May, […]

April 13, 2021