Author: spieper

PANAMA CITY, Panama – The Governments of Panama and Canada have launched a new technical cooperation program to strengthen Panama’s export capacity, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) targeting the Canadian market. The initiative, announced this week by Panama’s Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MICI), is being implemented under the trade cooperation chapter of the Panama-Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA).The project receives technical backing from the Government of Canada through its Trade and Development Expert Deployment Mechanism. It is designed to provide comprehensive training to public officials, business associations, academic institutions, and key export sectors with high potential, including…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino and Paraguayan President Santiago Peña Palacios committed to strengthening bilateral ties and accelerating Panama’s full integration into the Mercosur trade bloc during an official state visit on Monday. The leaders outlined a concrete plan, announcing that Panama will formally present its accession letter on December 2 in Brasilia.The strategic meetings, held at the Palacio de las Garzas, focused on leveraging Panama’s logistical platform to create new commercial gateways for Mercosur nations. President Peña pledged his country’s full support to fast-track Panama’s admission process, aiming for finalization at the next bloc summit…

PANAMA CITY, PANAMA – The Panamanian government, through the National Decentralization Authority (AND), has invested over $6.27 million in 472 water and sanitation projects between 2024 and 2025. This strategic investment is part of a national decentralization effort designed to empower municipalities to address historical infrastructure gaps in vulnerable communities using local resources.The funding, primarily derived from the Impuesto de Bienes Inmuebles (IBI), or Property Tax, allows local governments to execute priority projects identified in conjunction with their communities. This local approach is central to Panama’s strategy for achieving equitable access to safe drinking water and fulfilling its commitments under…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – President José Raúl Mulino has ordered the extraordinary expropriation of 41 properties on Margarita Island in Colón Province to facilitate state-led construction of a new port facility at the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal. The action, enacted through Executive Decree 90 on October 20, 2025, transfers all lands previously held by Panamá Colón Container Port Inc. (PCCP) to the Panamanian nation, citing urgent social interest. The decree, signed by President Mulino and Minister of the Presidency Juan Carlos Orillac, was officially published in the Government Gazette. It effectively seizes control of the long-dormant port project…

PANAMA CITY and BOCAS DEL TORO, Panama – The Ministry of Labor and Labor Development (Mitradel) has officially registered 1,655 employment contracts following the reactivation of Chiquita’s operations in Bocas del Toro province. Minister Jackeline Muñoz confirmed the figure this week, marking a significant milestone in the company’s return, which promises up to 5,000 direct jobs.The labor registration is a direct result of a memorandum of understanding signed between the administration of President José Raúl Mulino and the fruit company. This agreement facilitated Chiquita’s return to Panama and established a technical committee to oversee the fulfillment of its commitments, including…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – The San Miguelito Health Region has recorded more than 500 cases of conjunctivitis so far in 2025, a significant increase compared to previous years. Health officials confirmed the surge on Monday, attributing the spike to a potential lapse in basic biosecurity measures among the population, primarily frequent hand washing.Medical personnel across the region’s health centers are treating a steady stream of patients presenting with the highly contagious eye infection. The current caseload has raised concerns among public health experts who are now emphasizing preventative strategies to curb further transmission.Medical Experts Urge Preventative MeasuresDr. Alexander Bare, Medical…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – President José Raúl Mulino announced that the concession process for three regional airports in the provinces of Colón, Chiriquí, and Coclé is expected to be finalized before the end of this year. The president made the statement during his weekly press conference, directing relevant authorities to expedite the procedures to ensure completion by December 31.This initiative is a key part of the administration’s strategy to improve airport infrastructure and guarantee the profitability of these vital regional assets. Unlike initial proposals that considered a bundled concession, the government confirmed in February that each airport will be concessioned…

PANAMA CITY, PANAMA – Dozens of pet owners organized a protest walk through Andrés Bello Park and surrounding areas in the El Cangrejo district this week. They are demanding that local authorities finally approve a long-delayed project to expand the park’s designated dog area.The demonstration aimed to pressure the local Community Board (Junta Comunal) and the Panama Municipality to act on a pre-existing expansion plan. Organizers argue the current dog park is too small for the neighborhood’s growing pet population.Protest leaders confirmed the expansion project was formally presented to the Community Board during the previous administration. The proposal includes detailed…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – A decisive majority of Panamanian businesses now rank sustainability as their top strategic priority, signaling a fundamental shift in the nation’s corporate landscape. According to new data, 62% of companies in Panama have positioned sustainable practices at the forefront of their operations, moving beyond rhetoric to integrate purpose-driven growth into their core business models. The findings, detailed in a recent analysis by the Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP), reveal that profitability and social responsibility are increasingly viewed as complementary objectives. This evolution is driven by a new generation of companies recognizing that…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – The Institute for Training and Human Resource Development (IFARHU) will begin distributing the first payment of its 2025 Scholarships and Economic Assistance programs on October 20, 2025. The state agency announced a total investment of $14,040,615.00, which will benefit 71,584 students across central Panama.The massive disbursement targets students at the Basic, Pre-secondary, and Secondary education levels. It encompasses several key programs, including the General Competition, Distinguished Position, Educational Economic Assistance, and specialized assistance for students with disabilities. Funding is also allocated for programs aimed at the eradication of child labor, sports, and academic and cultural events.”This…