Author: spieper

PANAMA CITY, Panama – The Land Transit and Transport Authority (ATTT), in collaboration with Sertracen Panama, has officially launched a newly designed physical driver’s license featuring an advanced QR code for instant verification. The initiative, announced this week, marks a significant step in Panama’s efforts to modernize its identification documents and enhance road security by integrating international-standard anti-fraud technology. The updated license incorporates sophisticated security features designed to provide greater confidence for both drivers and traffic authorities. The central innovation is a scannable QR code that allows for the immediate authentication of the document, significantly reducing the potential for forgery.…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – The University of Panama has officially launched the SIREDES project, a comprehensive digital system designed to automate and streamline the issuance and management of academic diplomas. The initiative, presented by the Directorate of Information and Communication Technologies (DITIC), aims to significantly reduce administrative processing times and enhance service for the university community.The project involved the development and implementation of several complementary systems to guarantee its optimal operation. Officials detailed that the new platform integrates services that were previously managed separately, creating a unified and automated process for students and administrators.A Unified Digital Ecosystem for Academic DocumentsDuring…

Panama City, Panama – The Panama Metro is preparing to begin static testing with the new monorail trains for its highly anticipated Line 3, following the arrival of all 26 trainsets. Carlos Cedeño, Director of Projects for the Panama Metro, announced the project’s progress during a recent Cabinet Council session, revealing the elevated section is now 81% complete.The initial phase of Line 3, an elevated monorail stretching from Panamá Pacífico to Ciudad del Futuro, is nearing a critical milestone. The project, which currently employs approximately 3,900 direct workers, represents a major infrastructure investment for the communities of West Panama. The…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – The life and legacy of renowned Panamanian artist Julio Zachrisson, whose work resides in major international collections, is the subject of a new documentary titled “El Brujo.” The film aims to celebrate the creator who revolutionized printmaking and became a symbol of artistic resilience. Zachrisson’s work forms part of prestigious worldwide collections, including the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) in Panama. The artist was known for his insightful and often ironic perspective on art’s role in society. “Art is useless,…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – The Panama Metro authority has announced a partial, month-long closure of the Pan-American Highway in the Arraiján area to facilitate ongoing construction for the Metro Line 3 project. The closures will affect both lanes of the highway from the access ramp to Roberto F. Chiari Road to Calle 2000, beginning Thursday, October 30, and lasting for four weeks.The scheduled closures will be in effect nightly from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. The work is concentrated in the area of the future Arraiján Station, a key component of the expanding metro system. This traffic disruption is a…

PANAMA CITY, PANAMA – The Mayor’s Office of Panama has completed a major public lighting upgrade on the historic 5 de Mayo Bridge. This infrastructure project, announced on October 30, 2025, aims to significantly improve safety and security for the thousands of pedestrians and motorists who use the bridge daily.The initiative is part of a broader municipal strategy focused on citizen well-being and urban improvement. By installing modern, efficient lighting systems, the city government seeks to create a safer and more welcoming public space, particularly during nighttime hours. The enhanced illumination is expected to deter crime and reduce accident risks.Official…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – The Panamanian government has established a comprehensive new cargo inspection program designed to strengthen national security and combat international crime. The initiative, approved by the Cabinet Council on Tuesday, October 28, will be led by the National Customs Authority (ANA) in coordination with other government entities.The program, formally decreed as the “Program for Interinstitutional Coordination and Intergovernmental Assistance for Cargo Verification in the Territory of the Republic of Panama,” centralizes inspection efforts for all containerized goods entering, transiting, or leaving the country. The move aims to address a range of security threats, including organized crime, terrorism,…

PANAMA CITY, PANAMA – The Blood Bank at the City of Health (Ciudad de la Salud) is confronting a critical challenge in maintaining adequate blood supplies to meet the high demand from surgeries, hematoncological treatments, transplants, pediatric care, and medical emergencies. The institution has issued an urgent appeal to the public for voluntary, altruistic donations to ensure therapeutic support for hospitals nationwide.Health officials confirmed the supply shortage this week, emphasizing that the current blood inventory is insufficient to cover the complex medical needs of Panama’s primary healthcare complex. The situation threatens to impact scheduled surgical procedures and emergency response capabilities…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – The National Assembly of Deputies has approved the 2026 General State Budget, a $34.9 billion fiscal plan that includes an $11.2 billion investment program. The legislative body passed Bill 293 in its third and final debate, marking a critical step in the nation’s fiscal planning.The approved budget represents a significant increase of $4.18 billion compared to the modified 2025 budget. According to official statements, this increase is driven by unavoidable state obligations, including public debt payments, interest, and extraordinary contributions to the Social Security Fund (CSS). The final amount was modified after the Assembly’s Budget Committee…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – Despite a challenging macroeconomic environment and shrinking global margins, Latin American banks have maintained their position as some of the world’s most profitable financial institutions, with Panama emerging as a regional standout. The Global Banking Annual Review 2025 from McKinsey & Company reveals that Latin American banks generated $36 billion in net profits during 2024, achieving an average Return on Tangible Equity (RoTE) of 16% – significantly outperforming the global average of approximately 10%.This exceptional performance comes amid decreasing liquidity and normalizing profit margins worldwide. Panama distinguished itself among regional leaders with a RoTE of 17.1%,…