TRUMP pushing Rubio into the fray to disrupt Chinese influence on Canal.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-04/panama-said-to-mull-canceling-port-deal-with-hong-kong-firm?embedded-checkout=true “JB”- I’m seriously realizing I have BEEN ALL OVER shit related to PANAMA waaaayyyyyyyyy before the other mass media outlets. Being here makes a difference. I’m stepping up in 2026 to try to keep EX-PATS in tune with what is happening. My issue is the EX-PATS already here ( …
MASSIVE infrastructure push on schedule for MARCH 25th bid. ( eyes on ODEBRECHT )
https://www.prensa.com/economia/nuevas-rampas-carriles-y-accesos-asi-sera-la-ampliacion-del-corredor-sur-que-licitara-ena/ Companies interested in participating in the prequalification process for the expansion of the Southern Corridor will have until March 25, between 9:00 am and 11:00 am, to submit their proposals at the offices of the National Highway Company (ENA), located on Vía Israel, ENA building, San Francisco district The …
Agriculture and ECO-tourism being expanded. # CACAO70 mi amigos y amigas.
https://www.laestrella.com.pa/economia/panama-oeste-impulsa-el-agroturismo-con-15-fincas-sostenibles-acreditada-DC20000535 Now this process serves as an engine for the districts’ economy, by consuming local inputs and promoting the conservation of the regional ecosystem Tourism in Panama reaches $5.981 billion with a growth of 7.6% until November 2025 The CAF Forum raised Panama’s hotel occupancy to 85% and confirmed its …
PANAMA looking to tighten up Ex-Pat benefits from the EU side.
https://www.laestrella.com.pa/economia/panama-sigue-en-lista-de-la-ue-la-territorialidad-es-el-punto-de-discusion-clave-CC20000354 Panama will remain on the European Union’s list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes. One of the key points of discussion is territoriality, a pillar of the Panamanian economic model that only taxes individuals on income generated within the country. On Monday, February 16, the EFE news agency , citing “diplomatic …
PNO’ers: I’m not a “complete” asshole. I have told you about CK HUTCHISON for YEARS.
https://gbm.com/media/noticia/ck-hutchison-advierte-de-acciones-legales-si-maersk-toma-el-control-de-terminales-en-panama/ Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison 0001.HK announced on Thursday that it notified Panama of a dispute under the investment protection treaty after AP Moller–Maersk MAERSKb.CO expressed its willingness to temporarily take over the management of the Balboa and Cristóbal terminals. The move comes after Panama’s Supreme Court annulled key port contracts in late January …
The long running issue from GROWING UP, rather than GROWING OUT in Development.
An examination of economic inequalities https://www.laestrella.com.pa/economia/las-trampas-del-desarrollo-FK19020544 Print, television, radio and digital media present at the end of each year a summary, among other things, of economic performance and expectations for the year that has just begun. Authorities, business representatives, and independent analysts highlight how, from their perspective, the economy will …
Government openly addressing the need for a liveable working wage in Panama.
On November 15, 2025, the National Government established the National Minimum Wage Commission , a tripartite body responsible for analyzing economic conditions and recommending new rates that will apply from January 2026. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/economia/salario-minimo-panama-instala-mesa-de-dialogo-trabajadores-piden-900-mensuales-CL17588192#google_vignette The process is coordinated by the Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development (Mitradel) , as established in Executive Decree No. 12 of November 13, 2025. The working group …
Government finds $7.1 Million to improve this Diplomatic Villa,,,,but BOCAS AIRPORT is a F—–G embarassment!!
https://www.prensa.com/unidad-investigativa/la-presidencia-destina-71-millones-para-ampliar-y-restaurar-la-villa-diplomatica/ “JB”- I have spent a great deal of time pre-occupied with BDT for,,,,,well it seems like “forever” now. I already know that the Government exhibits a DGAF attitude when it comes to Law Enforcement, Utility Monitoring, Rackateering, Bribery, etc and so on……YET in spite of all of this. It …
Livestock infection is affecting the supply chain in LATAM region.
https://www.laestrella.com.pa/economia/alerta-regional-por-expansion-del-barrenador-panama-concentra-la-produccion-y-mexico-construye-nueva-planta-DF15673550 The cattle screwworm outbreak is affecting all of Central America and Mexico, with Panama as the epicenter of sterile insect production to curb the plague. The United States confirms its first human case in more than 50 years. The regional health crisis caused by the cattle screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) …
Better compliance over “illegal fishing” keeps PANAMA on EU list until “2026”
https://www.laestrella.com.pa/economia/panama-debera-esperar-hasta-2026-para-eliminar-la-tarjeta-amarilla-de-la-ue-EF15673755 While this process is being carried out, ARAP is seeking to acquire fishing traceability software so that national fishing has the certification of legality to be accepted by the EU, as well as the appointment of more human resources. It will not be until early 2026 that Panama will …
ISN’T this NEWS??? PANAMA has problem with Electrical Authority oversight!!! #RFBpowermafia
Not too quick on the uptake LA Estrella……….has been issue for YEARS. Check out BDT. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/juan-urriola-el-usuario-final-en-el-mercado-electrico-panameno-esta-en-un-total-estado-de-indefension-CF15673881 The former Energy Secretary speaks exclusively after his resignation about the changes that need to be made at ASEP and questions multi-million dollar contracts. Former Energy Secretary Juan Manuel Urriola resigned from his …
BANANA Giant “CHIQUITA” showing renewed confidence in region after Labor unrest.
https://newsroompanama.com/2025/08/31/more-confidence-in-panama-is-the-reason-that-chiquita-is-returning/ The announcement came as a welcome change to banana growers in Bocas del Toro: the multinational Chiquita will return to production in Panama, raising hopes for economic recovery and more jobs. “We are excited about the agreement reached with Chiquita to return to production in Panama,” said Juan Alberto Arias, …
PNO has been keeping eye on this CHINA/US power struggle within PANAMA
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/31/panama-canal-port-lawsuit-us-china Panama’s comptroller general has lodged two cases with the country’s supreme court against the owners of two ports at the centre of a geopolitical struggle between the US and China, in a move likely to be seen as a victory for Donald Trump in his attempt to rid the …
FUTURE TELLER: Check in on this story in 4 Years to find out what SCUMBAGS got “greased” for the Bid!
“JB”- just take solace that you don’t see ODEBRECHT mentioned here. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/economia/tren-panama-david-los-paises-que-compiten-por-financiar-el-megaproyecto-HD15167909 Through several international tours, the government has sought out more than four countries that have openly expressed interest in financing this project. The latest to enter the fray is Japan, through its Mizuho Bank. The Panama-David train project …
Forget DRUGS people……Harvest some GD Coffee!!!!
https://newsroompanama.com/2025/08/07/30000-per-kilo-is-the-price-for-panamanian-geisha-coffee-from-boquete-breaking-a-record/ Panamanian Geisha coffee once again sets a record sale price at The Best of Panama international electronic auction. This time it was the washed Geisha coffee, grown at Hacienda La Esmeralda in Boquete, Chiriquí, that set a record, selling for $30.204 per kilo. The Best of Panama global auction, which …
US keen to see CHINESE influence decreased in Canal Zone.
Regarding the trade promotion agreement between Panama and the United States, Cabrera revealed that the review committee meetings will begin in October. The United States ambassador to Panama, Kevin Cabrera , reiterated that his country is excited that Panama Ports Company (PPC) , a subsidiary of CK Hutchison, will no longer be operating …
Canal revenue shows ROBUST first half gains for 2025
https://newsroompanama.com/2025/08/05/in-the-first-half-of-the-year-2025-panama-canal-toll-revenues-are-up-by-33/ Toll revenues on the Panama Canal increased 33.2% in the first half of the year. This achievement is due to the increase in the transit of vessels, mainly deep-draft vessels, during this period. Vessel traffic increased by 25.7%, with 6,855 vessels crossing the interoceanic waterway in the first half of the year, of which …
“REAL” developers doing some “REAL” developing down in BDT. Miracles do happen.
“JB”– Those goddamn “pirates” at it again. Just bringing business and jobs to BDT that’s all. And I hear they do background checks to not employ MURDERERS. Soggy Bottom Bar & Grill is a new establishment on Isla Bastimentos, Bocas del Toro, Panama, opened in July 2025. Located on Wizard …
Ex-Pat making a dent in the Cacao market. SECOND story I am aware of the same.
https://newsroompanama.com/2025/08/03/part-1-from-silicon-valley-to-the-jungles-of-chiriqui/ In 2011, Lyn Bishop left behind the fast-paced tech world of Silicon Valley in search of something more grounded. What she found was an overgrown, abandoned pasture near La Concepción, Chiriquí. She jokes that the razor grass was so dense she had to “swim” through it. But beneath …
Who doesn’t love a good cup of “Joe”….* NOT the lying PRICK,…….but COFFEE.
“Luxury Coffee”….Go figure. Well I guess if you pay $12 USD for a goddamn STARBUCKS back home, why not???? This just helps my buddy at CACAO 70. Make that paper. The eighth edition of La Cosecha toured the most prominent coffee farms in the production of coffee, …
Bocas and PANAMA’s dependence on the magical “Banana” has caused quite the shitstorm.
https://www.prensa.com/politica/fincas-vacias-y-sin-respuestas-en-bocas-del-toro-el-regreso-amargo-de-mil-trabajadores-bananeros/ About 1,000 banana workers attempted to return this week to five farms operated by Ilara Holdings , a concessionaire of the Chiquita banana company in Bocas del Toro , following a court ruling that declared their nearly two-month strike illegal. The government is negotiating with Chiquita to reactivate 20% of its operations …
JFC…..I was a “fan”, but this MF’er is losing his appeal with me. STFU
https://newsroompanama.com/2025/07/16/we-cannot-and-should-not-lose-a-banana-plantation-job-in-bocas-del-toro-says-martinelli/ According to the president of Realizando Metas, a banana plantation job in Bocas del Toro cannot and should not be lost. “It’s not just thousands of jobs, but the image projected after what happened with the copper mines, disputed ports, etc., combined with the gross manipulation of justice and …
FOREIGN MINISTER already making the rounds on social circuit as PANAMA passes “velvet rope”.
Let the “dog and pony” show begin. PANAMA makes it to the VIP Room. The foreign minister emphasized that removing the country from the list was one of the current Panamanian government’s priorities “from day one.” Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha celebrated Panama’s removal from the European Union (EU) money …
Despite robust numbers, most PANAMANIANS not feeling benefit of economic growth.
https://www.laestrella.com.pa/economia/hacer-economia-como-si-la-gente-importara-la-cara-de-la-inequidad-en-panama-AF14229889 Panama’s economic growth is not reflected in the quality of life of most of its citizens. While macroeconomic figures are used as a political argument, social indicators show growing inequality, unemployment, and social discontent. Some time ago, I was speaking with the former president of the Colon Free Trade …
Cacao season kick starts in Bocas. Look soon for “CACAO 70”.
“JB”- A buddy of mine has started to cultivate his own Cacao processing out of Bocas del Toro, as Cacao demand increases worldwide. It will be distributed via “MI BELLA IMPORTS”. I wish his group the best as I am aware he is sitting on a mountain of Cacao down …
New “pariah” Martinelli sounds like “sour grapes” for Mulino unshackled with new EU status.
People are going “all in” and betting hard on Panama with removal from “Gray List”. And IMHO, sounds like RM is a bit “frosty” in thinking of all the money he could have made if this was the case when he was in charge. Hey “Rico”, you and your family …
PANAMA to host important meeting about sustainable fishing operations.
https://newsroompanama.com/2025/07/11/the-meeting-of-the-inter-american-tropical-tuna-commission-will-be-hosted-again-by-panama/ From September 1 to 5, 2025, Panama will host the meeting of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) for the second consecutive year. This international meeting will bring together representatives from 20 countries, more than a dozen non-governmental organizations, 250 in-person observers, and another 200 participants connected virtually, with the aim …
Massive layoffs disrupt labor in BDT from “Chiquita” situation.
https://newsroompanama.com/2025/07/11/after-massive-layoffs-in-bocas-panamas-president-mulino-pushes-for-chiquitas-return/ Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino pledged on Wednesday to do everything possible to convince U.S. banana giant Chiquita Brands to resume operations in the country, after the company shut down during a strike and protests that caused it millions in losses. Chiquita ceased operations and laid off about 7,000 workers at …
BAC steps up to be the biggest PANAMANIAN bank on the world stage.
https://newsroompanama.com/2025/07/04/panama-bac-completes-the-largest-financing-transaction-in-its-history/ BAC International Bank, Inc. (BAC) successfully closed a USD 500 million international syndicated financing, making it the largest financing of its kind in the history of a Panamanian banking institution. The transaction, led by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA (“JPMorgan”), and Wells Fargo, significantly exceeded the …
Where are the “GOOGLE” companies in PANAMA? Who likes working where??
Workers, recruiters, and citizens contributed their opinions to the Merco ranking update. Merco Talento Panama presented the results of the second edition of its ranking of Panamanian companies that attract talent, the majority of which are from the financial and banking sectors. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/economia/conozca-las-empresas-panamenas-donde-todos-quieren-trabajar-PC13999305 Banco General repeats for the second consecutive year …