Author: spieper

In a significant move to bolster specialized higher education in Panama, the Universidad Especializada de las Américas (UDELAS) has announced a major expansion of its graduate program offerings and the implementation of a cutting-edge digital platform for faculty registration. Spearheaded by Rector Nicolasa Terreros Barrios, these strategic initiatives are central to the university’s 2025 Annual Operational Plan. This expansion is designed to meet the growing demand for highly specialized professionals by introducing new, relevant master’s and postgraduate degrees. The newly launched UDELAS graduate programs are meticulously aligned with both contemporary professional environment needs and the broader objectives of Panama’s National…

Poverty in Central America remains a persistent and complex challenge, affecting millions and demanding urgent, coordinated solutions. Despite notable progress in certain nations, the region as a whole continues to grapple with deep-seated issues of inequality, informal labor markets, and vulnerability to economic and environmental shocks. Understanding the multifaceted nature of this poverty in Central America is the first step toward crafting effective, long-term strategies for sustainable development and social mobility. This comprehensive analysis delves into the current statistics, underlying causes, success stories, and the essential policies needed to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.The Stark Reality: Poverty Statistics and Regional…

The Rueda de Negocios Panamá Exporta 2025 has concluded as a resounding triumph, projecting over $9 million in future sales and solidifying Panama’s growing stature on the global trade stage. This two-day business forum, orchestrated by Panama’s Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MICI), successfully connected nearly 80 Panamanian export companies with international buyers, generating 540 one-on-one business meetings. The event’s success is a powerful testament to the competitive strength and diversification of the Panamán export sector, highlighting a strategic push towards sustainable economic growth and international market penetration.Unpacking the Success: Key Figures from Panamá Exporta 2025The recently concluded business roundtable…

Planning a dream vacation should be exciting, but for some travelers in Panama, the experience turns into a frustrating battle over broken promises and lost money. From January to September 2025, the Panamanian Authority for Consumer Protection and Defense of Competition (Acodeco) received a staggering 59 formal complaints against hotels and vacation plans, totaling a massive $316,875.91 in disputed funds. This comprehensive guide delves into the most common issues faced by consumers, provides actionable advice to protect your hard-earned money, and explains how to leverage your rights under Panamanian law. Understanding your consumer rights for hotels and travel plans is…

Tocumen International Airport, Panama’s primary aviation hub, has reported a significant 8% increase in passenger traffic for the first nine months of 2025. Handling a staggering 15.49 million passengers from January to September, the airport welcomed an additional 1.1 million travelers compared to the same period in 2024. This robust growth underscores the airport’s pivotal role as a central connector in the Americas and a key driver of the nation’s econom. The data, released by the airport’s administration, highlights a consistent upward trend, with September 2025 alone seeing 1.72 million passengers—a 9% jump from the previous year, fueled in part…

Panama City Christmas Parade 2025: Your Complete Guide to the “City of Stars” FestivalThe magic of Christmas is set to transform Panama City once again with the highly anticipated Panama City Christmas Parade 2025. This spectacular event is the centerpiece of the “City of Stars” International Christmas Festival, a grand initiative by the Mayor’s Office of Panama (Alcaldía de Panamá) in partnership with the private sector. With a combined investment projected to exceed $6 million, the 2025 festival promises to be the most dazzling and extensive celebration to date, solidifying Panama’s capital as a premier holiday destination. This guide provides…

The National Energy Secretariat of Panama has announced new fuel prices, effective from October 17 to October 30, 2025. This bi-weekly adjustment brings welcome relief to drivers across the country, with decreases across all major fuel types, including 95 and 91 octane gasoline and low-sulfur diesel. Understanding these precios is crucial for budgeting, especially for expats and residents navigating the cost of living in Panamá. This guide breaks down the latest changes, explains how Panama’s fuel pricing system works, and offers practical tips for managing your transportation costs.Breaking Down the New Panama Fuel PricesThe newly announced prices reflect a direct…

Panama to Host Prestigious World Protected and Conserved Areas Congress in 2027In a landmark decision, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has announced that Panama will host the seventh IUCN World Protected and Conserved Areas Congress (WPCA) in 2027. This designation solidifies Panama’s growing reputation as a global leader in conservation and provides a powerful platform to address the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. The congress is the premier global forum for setting the international agenda for protected and conserved areas, bringing together a diverse coalition of experts to forge a sustainable path forward.Why the World Protected and…

Panama is currently facing a severe garbage crisis, with the district of La Chorrera in Panama Oeste province serving as a stark example of systemic failure. For weeks, residents have watched helplessly as bags of waste pile up in front of their homes, creating public health hazards and community frustration. The primary company responsible, Veolia-Aseo Panamá, implemented a contingency plan to address the mounting trash collection issues, but the results have been far from optimal. This comprehensive analysis explores the roots of Panama’s garbage crisis, its immediate impacts on communities like La Chorrera, the corporate and governmental responses, and the…

In a significant decision underscoring the strict regulatory framework governing Panama’s strategic waterways, the country’s Maritime Authority (Autoridad Marítima de Panamá or AMP) has formally denied a maritime concession request for a key area on the Amador Causeway. This move highlights the critical importance of inter-institutional compliance, particularly with the Panama Canal’s operational requirements, for any development project. The rejected proposal, submitted by the company Perico Island Maritimal Service, S.A., sought rights to a 4,727.21 m² marine and land access area adjacent to the National Aeronaval Service base on Perico Island.The Core Reason for the Concession DenialThe primary reason for…