PANAMA CITY, Panama – The Directorate General of Revenue (DGI) of Panama has officially launched its Digital Transformation Support Program for the Tax Administration (PATDAT), initiating comprehensive training for officials in a move to modernize national tax collection systems. The program, backed by a $40 million investment managed through the Inter-American Development Bank, aims to optimize processes and deliver more efficient technological services to taxpayers while strengthening national treasury revenues.
The inaugural workshop, held on October 31, 2025, marks the operational beginning of PATDAT, which involves coordination across multiple government entities. These include various directorates within the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), the Presidency’s Secretariat of Goals, the Government Innovation Authority (AIG), and the Inter-American Development Bank (BID).
Strategic Partnership for Modern Taxation
Camilo Valdés, Director General of Revenue, emphasized the program’s significance in aligning Panama’s tax administration with international standards.
“It will help bring us up to speed with new taxation trends, a program that suits us very well and that goes hand in hand with the Inter-American Development Bank (BID),”
said Valdés [Translated from Spanish]. The director general highlighted the comprehensive nature of the initiative, which represents one of the most substantial digital modernization efforts in Panama’s public sector in recent years.
The PATDAT framework encompasses 50 distinct projects, with 18 already completed and 32 currently active. The program’s scope includes modernizing the e-Tax 2.0 platform, improving existing technological infrastructure, and developing human capital through specialized training initiatives designed to foster organizational cultural change.
Mobile Innovation for Small Businesses
Among the most anticipated projects nearing completion is a mobile application for electronic invoicing that will enable street vendors and individual entrepreneurs to generate invoices directly from their smartphones. This innovation specifically targets micro-entrepreneurs and small business owners who require mobility and simplified administrative processes.
Mariela Castillo, PATDAT Coordinator, explained the program’s broader vision during the inaugural session.
“The program promotes a comprehensive vision of change, where technology is at the service of transparency and efficiency,”
stated Castillo [Translated from Spanish]. The coordinator emphasized that the ultimate goal is to bring the DGI closer to citizens, facilitating voluntary compliance with tax obligations while contributing to the country’s sustainable development.
Substantial Investment in Digital Infrastructure
The $40 million investment managed through the Inter-American Development Bank represents a significant commitment to technological advancement within Panama’s public administration. Director General Valdés noted that the resources are strategically allocated to ensure technology serves as a tool that benefits taxpayers rather than complicating their compliance efforts.
According to official program documentation available through the Panamanian DGI website, the transformation initiative marks a milestone toward digitalizing Panama’s public sector. The program reaffirms the government’s commitment to establishing a modern, open, and innovative administration that effectively serves the nation’s development needs while improving director general oversight of critical national systems.
The PATDAT program represents Panama’s ongoing efforts to enhance governmental efficiency through digital transformation, positioning the country’s tax administration system among more advanced regional models while improving service delivery to citizens and businesses nationwide.