Author: michaelm

Agricultural producers in Panama’s Tierras Altas district are urgently calling for a border security crackdown. They say rampant smuggling of Costa Rican farm goods is devastating their livelihoods and threatening national food security. Farmers specifically identified tomatoes, onions, and corn as products being illegally trafficked across the porous border, undercutting local markets and creating significant economic losses.The producers made their plea during a high-level meeting with Panamanian security and customs officials this week. They argued that the uncontrolled influx of foreign produce distorts local pricing and poses a severe phytosanitary security risk. Without proper inspections, these smuggled goods could introduce…

Panama has enacted a new law that significantly enhances the benefits for foreign investors in its residency program. Law No. 493 of 2025, promulgated on October 29, 2025, amends the nation’s passport regulations to grant a special travel document to permanent residents who obtained their status through the Qualified Investor Visa. This legislative change effectively elevates the QIV program by offering a key privilege previously reserved only for retirees. The law mandates the Executive Branch to establish final application procedures within a six-month period from its enactment date. A Major Upgrade for Investor Residency The reform modifies Law 32 of…

Tourism generates 10 percent of Panama’s entire economic output according to a major announcement from the country’s top diplomat. Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha revealed the sector’s significant contribution during the official launch of the 2026 International Economic Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean, organized by CAF, the Development Bank of Latin America. He positioned tourism as a clear driver for inclusive national development and a cornerstone of the nation’s economic reactivation strategy. This milestone underscores a sustained and strategic national effort to promote Panama as a premier global destination. The minister pointed to consistent investment in infrastructure and international…

Panama economy is forecast to become the fastest-growing economy in Central America next year. Major international financial institutions project this rebound despite significant domestic challenges and global trade uncertainties. The nation’s unique economic model, built on a foundation of logistics and financial services, is expected to propel it ahead of its regional neighbors. This optimistic outlook comes even as Panama continues to manage the financial fallout from the closure of a major copper mine. International Consensus Points to Panamanian Recovery A clear consensus has emerged among the world’s leading economic bodies. The World Bank projects Panama’s GDP will expand by…

Major American airports are experiencing widespread flight delays and cancellations as a historic government shutdown creates a critical shortage of air traffic controllers. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a mandatory 10 percent reduction in flight capacity at 40 of the nation’s largest airports starting this Friday. The unprecedented capacity cut, ordered by the Federal Aviation Administration, aims to manage safety risks after more than 2,000 controllers left their posts following a month without pay.This staffing crisis mirrors the plight of approximately 700,000 federal employees affected by the budget impasse that has triggered the longest government shutdown in US history. The…

Industry experts called for increased investment and enhanced competitiveness in Latin America’s biopharmaceutical sector during a regional forum this Wednesday. They emphasized that strategic public policies and specialized talent development could transform the region into a global health hub, driving economic development and improving life quality. The forum, titled ‘From the Medical Prescription to the Economic One: The Potential of the Pharmaceutical Industry as an Investment Engine in Latin America,’ was organized by EFE.The discussions were anchored by the newly released 2025 Biopharmaceutical Competitiveness & Investment (BCI) Survey. This report provided a data-driven backdrop, revealing Latin America’s average competitiveness score…

Panama’s Land Transit and Transportation Authority (ATTT) has launched a new online system for registering paper traffic tickets. The digital platform allows drivers to process infractions from any internet-connected device, eliminating the need for in-person office visits. This initiative represents a significant step in the agency’s ongoing modernization efforts aimed at streamlining public services. The system is designed to drastically reduce the average processing time for a traffic fine, which officials estimate can take up to an hour when handled through traditional channels. By moving the initial registration online, the ATTT expects to cut down on long queues that frequently…