Countries around the region will succumb to the global financial crisis, but Panama will be one of
the fastest-growing economies in Latin America this year, thanks in part to the $5.2 billion
expansion of the Panama Canal and a solid banking center.  In article published by the Latin
Business Chronicle said that the canal expansion together with other investment projects planned
by the government in other types of infrastructure should sustain growth, although exports to US
and Europe are declining.
According to the Chronicle the prognosis is impressive bearing in mind that Panama is the
country in Latin America that depends most of global trade, which is expected to see steep falls
this year.  
The blog pointed out that even Panama´s blue chip companies such as Copa airlines are
expected to do well this year despite what appears to be a grim outlook for travel and tourism
worldwide.
Citibank expects Copa to boost its net income this year despite a 6.3 fall in revenues.
                                                                                                              Apr. 14, 2009

The National Secretariat of Energy presented their national energy plan for the 2009-2023 period,
which includes an investment in the energy sector just shy of $2.33 billion.
The plan contemplates investing $1.16 billion in power generation plants, $158 million in
transmission, $581.8 million in distribution, $203.5 million in interconnections, and $222.7 million
in bio-fuels.  
The 17 power generation projects already in the pipeline are slated to begin operating between
2009 and 2012, which would expand the capacity of the system by 1.024 megawatts.
At present, the system has a generating capacity of approximately 1,500 megawatts, while the
record demand of the 700,000 energy consumers across the country, recorded just las Monday,
reached 1,091 megawatts.                                                        Apr. 27, 2009



The Cabinet passed a decree last month reducing the borrowing capacity of the country´s retirees
from 75% to a maximum of 50% of their net salary.

Not only does this new regulation mean that retired people will have less buying power, they will
have less flexibility in transferring banks, since many live on fixed incomes.

Vice President of Banca de Personas at Global Bank, contends that the lowering of the debt  
ceiling will inevitably impact competition between banks since fewer clients will be taking out
loans.

Former banker Luis Moreno, however, looked favorably on the government´s decision.  "With
tighter reins on debt, retired people will now have a greater buying power and the banks may feel
more confident being in tune with the new policies."                       May 19, 2009                                  
                                                                       


Canadian real estate associations are preparing drafts to do business with Panama.

The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Panama and Canada is progressing well according
to a group of Panamanian businessmen, who went to Toronto, Canada to promote investment
opportunities that Panama offers as a Business Hub of the Americas, with a potential market of
900 million consumers.

The visit was particularly important for the real estate sector, that is promoting Panama as the
ideal place to have a second home, to retire or as an investment, especially now that the world is
in crisis.

After several meetings between the Panama Real Estate Agents Association (Acobir), Toronto
Real Estate Board, the Ontario Real Estate Association and Trade & Investment Services
Alliance Network it was agreed to prepare drafts for future agreements whose goals will be to
open opportunities for real estate agents in both countries, bearing in mind the advancements
made towards the approval of the FTA between Panama and Canada.
                                                                                                            May 27, 2009



A new tourism project has been slated for Playa Corona, in the district of San Carlos, that will cost
an estimated $14 million according to its promoters.  
The project, titled the Condo Hotel Ibiza Playa Corona, will start construction either late this year of
early 2010.  It is slated to occupy an area of 500,000 square meters and compete with other real
estate projects in places such as Coronado, Rio Mar & Farallón.
The work is being carried out by the promoter Proyectos Playa, in conjunction with Rent ability &
Investment (R&I) International & a Spanish investment group, Urbanizaciones Rhiconsa.
The project calls for the construction of a tower of 12 floors with apartments of one to three
bedrooms.  An initial price for these units starts at just over $84,000, but that amount could
increase if there is enough demand.
The project also calls for the construction of a beach club, restaurant & conference facilities.
Eynar González, director of marketing & advertising for R&d, said that the work will benefit
residents of the area re. employment.
Ït´s good that more projects are coming to the area," said Nicole Angel, director of marketing for
Nikki Beach Playa Blanca Resort.  "It will eventually become a world-known destinction, much like
Cancún."                                                                                   June 1, 2009



In the 2009 Institutional quality Index ICI, Panama ranked fourth in Latin America but its position
among the 192 countries assessed was much lower, ranging in at number 68.  

The regional countries that ranked ahead of Panama were Chile (24), Uruguay (52) & Costa Rica
(60).

The ICI is a compilation of eight global indexes which rank countries on a variety of issues, such
as business & economic growth, social development & Public safety.  It is commissioned by the
Liberty Foundation, which funds it to provide Panama´s civic leaders with guidance on the
direction of the country.

According to the ICI, Panama scored well in the areas of competitiveness, economic freedom &
ease of doing business & commerce.  But it was weak in areas such as corruption, press
freedom, quality of education & social equality.

In terms of economic growth, Barreiro, the foundation´s director, said the progress in this area has
been "indisputable,"  but the lack of progress in other areas has offset those gains.

To improve its standing, Panama mus promote competition through decentralization,
deregulation, greater accountability & transparency, Barreiro said.
                                                                                                          June 6, 2009


In the first five months of the year, the demand for housing on rent in Panama City fell 18%,
according to statistics by the Association of Panama Realtors (API).

Added to the fall in occupancy rates, statistics from the Economic Affairs Directive of the
Chamber of Commerce show that the price per squared meter in Balboa Avenue has fallen from
$3,000 to $2,500, & in San Francisco from $1.900 to $1,600.  

For the real estate analyst Jose Boyd, the decline in occupancy rates in Panama City is a
"momentary phenomenon".  "Recovery signs will return by the end of the year, when world
economies end up recovering,"  said Boyd.

"The real estate market is changing.  Three years ago the main tenants were people coming from
the United States, Canada & Spain.  Today investors come mainly from Venezuela, Ecuador,
Costa Rica, & Colombia," claimed the analyst.                 June 12, 2009



Panama will transform the ancient Howard air base, in a big airport to attract European tourists
who think about how to know the Latin-American destinations, & for its necessary more direct
flights.

The Panamanian Tourism Authority (ATP) manager, Salomón Sharmah, confirmed it, after this
country received the certification of the Main Plan of Sustainable Tourism 2007-2020, which
applies in the public & particular investment.  The certification in recognition of the World
Organization of Tourism (OMT), to the best tourist programs in diverse countries, having in mind
environmental & safety protocols.

Shamah emphasized that currently 52% of the tourism that takes Panama as a destination come
from Latin America, 36% from North America & 9% from Asian & Europe.
                                                                                                          August 2009



SEATTLE  Boeing recently completed a critical design review for Required Navigation
Performance procedures (RNP) at Panama´s Tocumen International Airport & Howard Airport.  
The critical design review, assesses the "fly-ability" of procedures & ensures compatibility with
airlines crew procedures.

Boeing, will provide RNP procedures under contract with Panama´s Civil Aviation Authority
(ACC).  Boeing & Jeppesen worked closely with AAC & Copa Airlines to incorporate their
requirements into the final RNP procedures.  These procedures will support flights into the
Panamanian airports for any airline.                                                    August 21, 2009



Grupo Los Pueblos has already begun laying the groundwork on what will indisputably be
Panama´s premiere luxury residence in the decade to come.

The first step in the creation of Ocean Reef Islands has already been taken, a small man-made
islet in the bay.  It can be seen from many points in the city, most notably from the southern most
point of the Punta Pacifica neighborhood, where road access will be provided. There will be two
islands, with fantastic South Florida-style mansions set on large home sites.  Almost all of the
island residences will be waterfront, with a few select low rise condominium units available in the
center of the islands.                               
                                                                                                        September 18, 2009



Panama will have a population of 3 million 504 thousand 483 persons in the year 2010, with a
hythm   of growth of 2 percent per year, in accordance with estimations that the Controller´s office
of the Republic did.
The census is the inventory of all present inhabitants in the territory, including jurisdictional waters.
                                                                                                        October  2009


350,000 companies are registered
Panama has become the leading country in Latin America for opening a business according to
how easy it is to register a company in a country.
With law 5 of January 11, 2007, the office of PanamaEmprende was created, under the
administration of MITI, & the Notice of Operation representation was established, which is the only
required process for the initiation of a commercial activity in the Republic of Panama.                       
                                                                                              November  2009


Panama will have a population of 3 million 504 thousand 483 persons in the year 2010, with a
hythm   of growth of 2 percent per year, in accordance with estimations that the Controller´s office
of the Republic did.
The census is the inventory of all present inhabitants in the territory, including jurisdictional waters.
                                                                                                        October  2009



350,000 companies are registered
Panama has become the leading country in Latin America for opening a business according to
how easy it is to register a company in a country.
With law 5 of January 11, 2007, the office of PanamaEmprende was created, under the
administration of MITI, & the Notice of Operation representation was established, which is the only
required process for the initiation of a commercial activity in the Republic of Panama.                       
                                                                                              November  2009




Punta Pacifica is one of the newest urban development, with luxurious towers with view to the
Pacific Ocean, boasts of having the highest skyscrapers of Latin America.  It is already mentioned
in the streets that Panama is a small Miami.  Multiplaza Pacific Shopping Malls in the area is also
provided with irresistible offers.  For those who sigh for a computer, camera or a pair of brand
name shoes, you can access to Albrook Mall for the bargains.  

The Avenida Balboa, where the sun rises through the Pacific Ocean, opened some months ago a
coastal beltway to improve the traffic flow in the area, offers green areas for outdoor activities,  
cycle path & pedestrian path plus lookouts.

The city also show a selection of elegant neighborhoods.  Costa del Este, with an indelible step
trace of the Americans for this area, stands out for its gardens, parks & residences.

Apart from all these, Panama Canal is still the principal attraction, plus the natural reservations
with the biggest biological diversity & natives who still preserve their craft & culture.
a   reliable service you can trust
Blog
Do you know?
panama.signature4u
@hotmail.com
507.6980-3288
507.6675-0250
laurosalind
@yahoo.com
507.265.7020
or  message
Skype
Panama  Signature
Realty
Panama   Signature   Realty  
Ph.  (507)6675-0250
(507)6980-3288
(507)265-7020 or message                                                      Copyright  2008  Panama  Signature  Realty
skype   Panama Signature Realty                                             All rights reserved
alt.    
laurosalind@yahoo.com
panama.signature4u@hotmail.com

P.O. Box 0833-00069, Panama City, Panama




Traducir textos
en  Español