Panama’s Economy Growing to Double-Digits


News from Panama

The minister of Economy and Finance, Frank De Lima, made an announcement during a conference of the National Economic Council (CENA) that Panama’s growth exceeded earlier estimates. This in from CentralAmericaData.com. During the second quarter of 2011, Panama’s economic growth was 11.4%, reaching 10.3% during the first six months of the year. Panama’s economic growth […]

September 19, 2011

Panama to Reinstate 20 Year Property Tax Exoneration


News from Panama

Well, just as we find ourselves coming close to the deadline, once again it is extended and for good reason as it is an equalizer that levels the playing field for developers.  Martinelli has also suggested that the affordable housing limit be increased from $80,000 to $100,000 for preferential interest subsidization.   All good news for […]

September 15, 2011

Multiple Entry/Exit Permit


News from Panama

I just heard from a couple who are in the process of obtaining their permanent visa, that their attorney said that they had needed to acquire a Multiple Entry/Exit Permit before they returned to the US.  They did not know about this as it is not publicized so, as they are still considered persons who […]

September 14, 2011

Greece Should ‘Default Big’: Blejer


News from Panama

While you might not think that the story on Greece affects you (yes you in Panama) and all of us, you should!  This is the best article that I have read by an economist who has been through it already.  I keep hearing cries of  “we should pour more money into the hole” and “we […]

September 13, 2011

Panama: Shortage of Workers Increasing


News from Panama

Here is a series of articles that appear in CentralAmericaData.com.  It is a problem we are facing in light of an explosive economy and unbridled growth in Panama. A lack of qualified personnel, an aging population and legal obstacles preventing the hiring of foreigners are impacting on the competitiveness of businesses. The problem, faced by […]

September 13, 2011

IronMan Comes to Panama


News from Panama

I know that your calendars are filling up with the upcoming events in 2012 including the Panama City Jazz Fest, the Boquete Jazz Fest, the Panama International Film Fest and every other festival we have annually, but now we can add the Iron Man 70.3 series event to our calendar which is coming in February.  […]

September 13, 2011

Panamaniac Surfers!


News from Panama

A friend of mine sent me this slide show and short story about a world renowned surfer photographer who was born in Panama and grew up with some the first guys who surfed here.  You will enjoy it if you click on the link and turn up your speakers.  See the story and slide show […]

September 13, 2011

Wood Export Potential


News from Panama

While Panama was an exporter of many types of hardwoods in the past, massive deforestation for cattle pasture and exploitation of the lumber halted the business entirely until recently when the reforestation programs have started paying off and Panama once again will become a net exporter.   If you are interested in this business, a good […]

September 13, 2011