Author: michaelm

Panama’s National Authority of Public Services has raised the country’s cap on solar self-consumption. The regulatory body increased the limit from 4 percent to 5 percent of total electricity demand this week. This decision provides immediate relief for the fast-growing solar installation sector, which was rapidly approaching the previous ceiling. The change was formalized through Executive Decree 21,235 and also increases the total solar energy participation cap in the national grid from 13 percent to 16 percent.Official data indicates Panama now has over 7,000 solar self-consumption systems connected to the national grid. These installations span residences, businesses, and industrial operations…

The Institute of Agricultural Marketing (IMA) will host its popular agricultural fairs this Tuesday, January 20. These events are scheduled simultaneously across multiple provinces of Panama to provide affordable food directly to consumers.Officials from the state-run marketing institute confirmed the nationwide schedule. The initiative represents a continued effort to combat high food prices by selling staple goods at reduced costs directly from producers.Affordable Staples for FamiliesShoppers can expect to find a wide variety of essential goods. The product list includes rice, beans, pasta, cooking oil, salt, bread, sugar, grains, vegetables, eggs, tortillas, chicken, plantains, meat products, apples, and other fruits.All…

Panamanian companies have until January 26, 2026, to apply for the National Business Innovation Award 2025. The Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama is organizing the competition to recognize firms transforming their processes, products, or services for greater economic and social impact.Now in its nineteenth year, the award program is open to businesses of all sizes and sectors. It is jointly developed with the National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (Panama) (SENACYT). Organizers stress that innovation is not exclusive to large corporations but is a practical tool for any business aiming to improve.”In Panama, innovating does not…

A new regional risk assessment places Panama among Latin America’s top democracies but warns of significant pressures from organized crime, high public debt, and a tense geopolitical climate. The “Political Risk Latin America 2026” report, published Wednesday by the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile’s Center for International Studies (Ceiuc), highlights the country’s structural vulnerabilities. These challenges come despite Panama securing the fifth-highest democratic ranking in the region.The report cites the annual Democracy Index (The Economist Intelligence Unit), where Panama ranks 47th globally. Its score of 6.84 categorizes it as a “flawed democracy,” a group characterized by competitive elections and political…

A major legislative push to mandate ethanol in Panama’s gasoline supply has sparked debate over transparency and potential conflicts of interest. The discussion unfolded during a public forum at the National Assembly of Panama on Thursday, January 15. Lawmakers examined Bill 443, which would require all gasoline sold in the country to contain a 10 percent blend of anhydrous bioethanol.The forum, organized by the Assembly’s Commerce and Economic Affairs Commission, brought together government energy specialists, industry representatives, and academics. While most speakers touted the environmental and economic benefits of biofuels, the session revealed that one of the four companies poised…

Business leaders from Costa Rica have formally expressed interest in using Panama’s new Puerto Armuelles multipurpose wharf for import and export operations. President José Raúl Mulino announced the development during his weekly press conference on January 15, 2026, revealing the project is now 65 percent complete and on schedule for a July 2027 operational launch.This international interest from a neighboring country adds significant momentum to the strategic port development in Panama’s western Barú district. The president noted the Costa Rican inquiry was made directly to the Panama Maritime Authority. It follows earlier expressions of interest from a major Japanese maritime…

Irma Hernández, the mayor of Panama’s San Miguelito District, has publicly accused the national government of using a garbage collection crisis for political gain. The controversy centers on a six-month contract extension requested by the current waste management firm, a request mediated by the nation’s top auditor. Hernández revealed the details this week, framing the intervention as a direct threat to municipal autonomy.The dispute involves Recicladora Vida y Salud, S.A. (Revisalud), the company responsible for residential waste collection in San Miguelito. Mayor Hernández stated that the company’s owner, Sandra Vélez, formally asked for a six-month addendum to its contract during…

Panama will host the Americas Maritime Convention (MCA) in May 2026, aiming to solidify its status as the Western Hemisphere’s premier maritime and logistics hub. The Panama Maritime Chamber announced the major international gathering this week, framing it as a strategic move to attract global investment and decision-makers to the isthmus.The event is scheduled for May 7-8 at the Megapolis Convention Center. Organizers unveiled plans under the theme “Connecting People, Business, and Sustainable Progress” during a launch ceremony attended by government authorities and industry leaders.A Strategic Platform for Global Maritime BusinessThe convention’s primary goal is to showcase Panama’s extensive maritime…

Panama’s Tocumen International Airport handled over 20.9 million passengers in 2025, setting a new annual record for the nation’s primary aviation hub. The figure represents a significant 9 percent increase from the 19.25 million passengers served in 2024, according to official airport statistics released this week.This milestone caps a year of expanded operations and growing international air traffic. The airport’s performance in December was particularly strong, with 1.9 million passengers traveling through its terminals. That monthly total marked a 13.5 percent jump compared to December 2024.Operational Growth and Daily TrafficBeyond the headline passenger number, operational data reveals a busier airport…

Panama’s Ministry of Agricultural Development forecasts a national rice harvest exceeding 10 million quintals for the upcoming agricultural year. The official estimates for the cycle running from May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026, signal a significant increase from the previous year’s production, aiming to strengthen national food security.This projected output would mark a notable rise from the 2024-2025 cycle, where production surpassed 9 million quintals and contributed over $249 million to the national economy. The new targets are based on planting and harvest projections compiled by the Ministry of Agricultural Development (Panama).”The projections for the 2025-2026 agricultural year indicate…