More Filters
There were 280 results found for:

All Regions and All Sectors

Analysis

Global impact: Analysing the far-reaching effects of the expansion
OBG
plus

The completion of the Panama Canal’s new locks will have broad effects on global commerce as new economies of scale will impact both the bulk commodity and container shipping industries. Latin American producers of coal, copper, liquefied natural gas, soybeans and other commodities, Asian manufacturers, US farmers, and many more all stand to benefit from the completion of the canal’s expansion. In…

Analysis

Going digital: A range of e-government initiatives are under way
OBG
plus

Driven by ambitions to reduce bureaucracy, promote social inclusion and bridge the digital divide, the Panamanian administration has been overseeing various e-government initiatives since 2009. This started with the establishment of the National Authority for Government Innovation (Autoridad Nacional para la Innovacion Gubernamental, AIG), in October 2009, as the dedicated e-government agency in charge…

Analysis

Magnetic appeal: Strong legal and free trade zone frameworks shore up investment growth
OBG
plus

Surging economic growth, a rapidly improving infrastructure network and having one of the world’s main trade routes have allowed the country to transform itself into a popular destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) over the course of the past decade. Simultaneously, the presence of an attractive regulatory framework providing numerous incentives, as well as a strong free trade zone system,…

Analysis

Enticing developments: A review of the fiscal incentives used to promote tourism investment
OBG
plus

Coupled with a supportive investment incentive framework, Panama’s innate strengths in the tourism industry have made it a natural destination for investment, both foreign and domestic. While in recent years much of that investment has been channelled into Panama City and its growing cadastre of three-, four- and five-star hotels, funds are now beginning to flow away from the capital into developing…

Analysis

Paying the toll: A new toll system will accompany the completion of a third set of locks
OBG
plus

Since the country took over administration of the Panama Canal in 1999, the canal has been an important source of revenue for the government, as Panama’s more business-like model has ensured a steadier stream of profits and revenues over the years. As a result, the government has increased tolls on several occasions and has worked to improve client satisfaction and profitability, according to the…

Analysis

A mature market: Prime office rentals see healthy growth in the capital
OBG
plus

Already a recognisable symbol of prosperity along the Panama City skyline, office buildings continue to play a central role in the country’s real estate sector. Although demand has increased for office space, general trends indicate that rental prices remain relatively steady, contained largely by the many square metres slated to become available within the next couple of years. Demand Much demand…

Analysis

Renewable vows: Regulatory reforms are encouraging the rise of sustainable sources
OBG
plus

The stated ambitions to diversify Panama’s energy matrix have resulted in a range of regulatory reforms to encourage investment in renewables, and ground has been broken on the first projects in wind- and solar-driven generation facilities. After a decade of feasibility studies in cooperation with international development organisations such as the Global Environment Facility and the UN Development…

Analysis

Untapped abundance: Sector operators are beginning to create new ecotourism offerings
OBG
plus

Although Panama is only slightly larger than Ireland, it is home to an abundance of biodiversity that has helped support the nascent ecotourism industry. Indeed, ranked 118th globally in terms of geographic area, Panama punched well above its weight in the World Economic Forum’s “Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2013”, ranking 11th in overall natural resources, 18th in terms of the number…

Analysis

Laying the foundations: Public works keep industry potential high
OBG
plus

While several of the most significant infrastructure projects draw to a close, concerns have arisen over an eventual decline in construction activity. However, deficits still remain among highways, roads, logistics operations and purely private sector ventures, providing a long list of work for the near to medium term. According to the Panamanian Chamber of Construction (Cámara Panameña de la Construcción,…

Analysis

Tax man: New authority eyes improved transparency and a more efficient tax code
OBG
plus

Heavy government spending on new social programmes and overhauling the infrastructure network has amplified the importance of increasing public sector revenue, income and in particular tax collections. However, administrative strategy has focused on maintaining or even lowering tax rates across the board while simultaneously closing loopholes and preventing tax evasion. The government’s tax administration…