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| Articles about Panama |
| Panama: Highest FDI Per GDP in Latin America | | 2008-08-09 07:38:31 | | Source: Latin Business ChronicleWhile Venezuela ranked at the bottom of our FDI-GDP comparison, Panama ranked at the top, followed by Chile. Interestingly enough, Panama and Chile are ranked at the top of the Latin Business Index from Latin Business Chronicle, while Venezuela is ranked at the bottom. The index looks at five key categories and 27 subcategories to measure the recent, current and future business environment in a country. Although Brazil and Mexico dominate foreign direct investment in Latin America, measured as a percent of their economies, they are both laggards - ranking below the average for the region. The total FDI of $105.9 billion to the region last year represented 3.1 percent of its 2007 GDP of $3.4 trillion. Foreign direct investment in Panama last year reached $1.8 billion, which was actually a decline of 29 percent from 2006. However, even the new figure produced favorable results. It represents 9.1 percent of Panama's GDP of $19.7 billion. FDI in Chile rea... | | By: Tropiland Panama Blog: Your Panama Real Estate Sou | | |
| | Ave se estrella con avion en panama | | 2008-07-17 18:09:52 | | Un avión que hoy iba de Panamá a Costa Rica tuvo que regresar porque un ave se impactó contra uno de sus motores y puso en riesgo la seguridad del vuelo, informó la panameña Autoridad de Aeronáutica Civil (AAC).
El Boeing 737/700 de la panameña Copa Airlines, con 79 pasajeros y seis tripulantes a bordo, tuvo [...]... | | By: Atronao | | |
| | Panama UFO video from 26 june,2008 | | 2008-06-29 09:05:29 | | Hi guys,this ufo sighting happend in north america which always being an hotspot about ufo activity.This Ufo sighting was captured by V SantosGonzalez.He said"I am Víctor, and until some hours ago I did not believed in OVNIS (OVNI is the same as UFO in Spanish),UFOS or any related phenomenon, my premise of life was "IF I DO NOT SEE IT, I DO NOT BELIEVE IT" but when I got home from work and looking out from my balcony in the distance I saw 5 lights, with strange movements not looking like they came from something made by the hand of man, immediately I grabbed and recorded the video. As you can see they do not correspond to a helicopter, neither to an aeroplane or something like that, this led me to think that definitely "WE ARE NOT ALONE", that there is something more out there.He also said "Now only idiots can think that we are the only beings of the universe" and i think he is he is right too.
... | | By: SKYWATCHER:VIDEO BLOG | | |
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| Panama Attracts More Foreign Property Buyers | | 2008-06-27 08:08:44 | | Source: International Property Investment Network (IPIN)Panama is becoming more and more popular with foreign property buyers, according to industry experts.Analysts at Amberlamb stated that the "world and his wife" have become aware of the investment potential in the Central American country.However, the organisation recommended that investors avoid Panama City and consider places such as the Azuero peninsula instead.Amberlamb said it is a highly accessible place which offers a number of lifestyle and financial attractions.The group commented: "It's already emerging as a tourism hotspot for city dwellers seeking the laidback vibe that Penonome really embodies."Furthermore, the region was said to offer attractive architecture, good scenery and relatively cheap real estate prices.Amberlamb added that property values are likely to "creep up" in response to growing demand, which means buyers could get a relative bargain if they enter the market early.This comes after the Foreign Property ... | | By: Tropiland Panama Blog: Your Panama Real Estate Sou | | |
| | Construction Costs in Panama Increase by 90% | | 2008-06-17 07:14:00 | | Source: La Prensa, June 14, 2008. Construction costs have risen 90 percent over the last year, affecting the low-cost housing market. Only one company in Panama, SuCasa, remains dedicated to building low-cost homes.Construction costs have risen by 90 percent in the last 12 months, significantly affecting the bottom lines and viability of many projects, but especially low-cost housing, said the Cámara Panameña de la Construcción (Capac)According to Capac, in the last year cement prices have increased by 30 percent; concrete 25 percent; aluminum 40 percent; copper 25 percent; and reinforcing steel 200 percent. A home that cost $25,000 in June of 2007 now costs around $31,250. That leaves consumers who qualified for a mortgage on the lower priced house out in the rain. And that explains why the number of mortgages granted with a value of between $15,000 and $25,000 decreased by 12 percent from 2006 to 2007.It also suggests that the Ministerio de Vivienda will not achieve its objective ... | | By: Tropiland Panama Blog: Your Panama Real Estate Sou | | |
| | Panama City: A boomtown with growing pains | | 2008-06-16 07:59:12 | | By Chris Kraul, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer, June 16, 2008The explosions that shatter the early morning quiet here are perfect metaphors for another kind of boom, the economic one transforming Panama's capital.The blasts a few miles north of the city are part of the first phase of the $5.25-billion Panama Canal expansion project. They are clearing a path for new locks that will modernize the historic waterway and, in 2014, enable bigger ships to traverse the isthmus.This country's economy grew 11% last year, in large part because of expectations of continued prosperity resulting from a bigger and busier canal. But there is more going on in Panama than just a massive public works project.Attracted by the climate, favorable tax policy and laid-back lifestyle, home buyers and investors are flocking here from Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Europe and the United States.The skyline increasingly resembles a mini-Sao Paulo, a dense forest of steel and concrete towers that includes dozens of ... | | By: Tropiland Panama Blog: Your Panama Real Estate Sou | | |
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| Viet Nam, Panama ink MoU on agricultural cooperation | | 2008-06-09 12:06:00 | | The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat and Panamanian Minister of Agricultural Development Guillermo Salazqar signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on agricultural cooperation in Hanoi on June 9.
The MoU is a legal framework to encourage further bilateral cooperation in agriculture and related fields among scientists and agricultural research and development... | | By: Vietnam Business Finance News | | |
| | What Your Dollar is Really Worth In Panama | | 2008-05-20 18:04:32 | | By Chuck Dolce * for the Sovereign Society - Delray Beach,FL,May 20, 2008Last Saturday in Panama was the last day of the Sovereign Society's Total Wealth Symposium. Markets are closed and other than some weekend oil posturing, there's not too much in the news. So while most of the conference has been focused on making and protecting money - I haven't said much about the country of Panama itself. So if you'll indulge me... Panama is truly spectacular. If you've never been, it's a country on the move. Skyscrapers rise up from what was once a depressed Central American country. Skyscrapers are built IN the ocean. Architecturally, the juxtaposition of the new and the old creates almost a surreal effect. It's 2008 on one side and 1940 on the other. Panama is a country rebuilding itself both structurally and economically. The third largest economy in Central America, Panama specializes in service industries like banki... | | By: Tropiland Panama Blog: Your Panama Real Estate Sou | | |
| | Learn to Sail with the Panama Sailing School | | 2008-05-04 17:13:56 | | Learn to sail within the beautiful ocean of Panama. Discover your dreams and control your future. Our philosophy is to teach you skills and techniques so you can expand your growth into the art of sailing. Let us teach you to become your own captain. Sail and discover Panama! Whether you’re a first time sailor [...]... | | By: Pan 2007 | | |
| | Petaquilla versus Panama | | 2008-05-01 00:47:13 | | La minera Petaquilla ha decido ir en contra de la restricción enunciada por ANAM sobre la explotación minera de oro en Colón...Ahora no solo los ciudadanos -que no estamos ciegos ante los perjuicios que conyevan estas actividades- tenemos que preocuparnos por la permisividad gubernamental sino que las empresas pasen por encima de las regulaciones establecidas. El hecho es que los gobiernos de turno, ineficaces y corruptos escapan de cualquier tipo de penalización legal; entonces esta "debería" llegar por medio de nuestros votos. Pero ¿qué hay de las empresas? Estas harán lo que les parezca y luego pedirán perdón o pagarán alguna multa ridícula; escudadas tras la excusa de la generación de empleos, impuestos y "el desarrollo". No es dificil imaginar el triste final de esta historia: NO TIENE. Minera reta a Anam La Anam reitera que la compañía no tiene la aprobación de los estudios de impacto ambiental. ANCON pidió a las autoridades que impugnen la concesi... | | By: Avarana | | |
| | Panama: urbanismo aleatorio | | 2008-04-16 16:32:20 | | Una de las causas del caos urbano, es la forma en que el trazado de la ciudad (propuesto en su momento por Belisario Porras en la llamada la Exposición y luego Calidonia) se fue dejando de lado en la medida en que se perdió el interés en planificar su crecimiento, abandonándose en manos del libre albedrío, ese dejar hacer que tristemente nos caracteriza.Al escuchar las ponencias del Foro -Una Ciudad para Vivir- constatamos que su "distribución" lineal se debe a los límites impuestos por la antigua zona del canal y la bahía, y como sus áreas más pobladas se encuentran en sus extremos: Arraiján y San Miguelito, mientras que las principales vías alimentan un sistema cuyo objetivo es la influencia y afluencia vehicular hacia el centro de la ciudad. Los corredores no hacen más que agregar flujos adicionales, sin una comunicación directa.En ese sentido, se observa -en mi opinión- la falla principal del sistema: la concentración de las áreas productivas en un espacio saturado... | | By: Avarana | | |
| | Panama Tourism Law Requires Work | | 2008-04-04 08:30:21 | | Source: La PrensaThe new tourism law passed by the National Assembly on Feb. 27, 2008 provided a framework for defining and regulating Panama's tourism industry but left many practical matters open for debate. In fact, the rules governing 16 articles in the new law have yet to be established and must be approved within the next five months before the law goes into effect. Government officials will have the last word on the rules and regulations, but the private sector has an opportunity to voice its opinions and make proposals.According to Jaime Campuzano, president of the Cámara de Turismo de Panamá (Camtur), "We have to regulate these articles. Otherwise, their interpretation and implementation will be in limbo."Camtur is organizing committees that will make suggestions to the government. Those committees will be made up of business people representing all sectors of the tourist industry that will be affected by the new law. The private sector is particularly interested in the reg... | | By: Tropiland Panama Blog: Your Panama Real Estate Sou | | |
| | The Next Panama Real Estate Hotspots | | 2008-04-01 14:22:16 | | Source: costaricapages.comWith worries of Panama’s city condo market overheating, investors are looking to lesser-known destinations throughout the country where more affordable property prices exist. While an argument can be made for some of Panama’s established hot spots, the following is my personal list of the most current “in” and “out” investment areas.OUT: Panama City — Prices may not yet have peaked, but the glut of condos about to come on to the market has this writer wary that the upside may be shrinking…and fast. Many claim that new buyers arriving daily from places as diverse as China, Venezuela and Spain can keep this afloat, but I think there are safer bets out there. There is a silver lining: in the near-term, those who expect their pre-construction condos delivered soon will find the market for short and long-term rentals to be very appealing.Playa Coronado — While proximity (50 mins) to the city would seem like a benefit, this location suffers from sh... | | By: Tropiland Panama Blog: Your Panama Real Estate Sou | | |
| | Panama: A paradise for sport fishing | | 2008-03-22 08:49:07 | | Source: The Panama PostPanama offers an unique attractiveness in the region by being able to fish in two different oceans the same day, whether it is in the quiet but virginal Pacific, or in Atlantic’s crystal-clear waters.Luis Lopez Alfaro, a member of the Association of Sport Fishing Clubs explained that this organization is trying to organize and promote, together with the country’s tour operators, sport fishing in Panama as an added attraction that should be included in tour packages.“More than a business, what is being tried is to promote fishing as a sport, but always having as a premise conservation of the marine species,” pointed out Lopez Alfaro. Unfortunately, locations closer to Panama Bay like Taboga, Urabá and Melones are being threatened by over-fishing. This is a shame because those are the only close locations to the capital, especially since there is a project to develop tourism which will allow visitors to practice fishing in these locations,” he said. S... | | By: Tropiland Panama Blog: Your Panama Real Estate Sou | | |
| | Panama's Economy In Good Shape | | 2008-03-03 07:06:03 | | From: Miami Herald International Edition, Saturday, 01 March 2008Panama is expected to continue to receive a strong flow of foreign investment in the coming years, and its economy should continue to grow.That was one of the conclusions reached at a conference Friday, February 29th titled "Panama and the Global Economy," organized by the Americas Society and the Council of the Americas. One of the most important issues discussed at the meeting was the financing for the Panama Canal expansion.Experts said that the bonds issued for the expansion could be rated higher than those issued by the Panamanian government to finance the public debt."Panama's bond rating does not set a ceiling for the rating that could be given to the Panama Canal," said Roberto Arevalo, associate director of Standard & Poor's. Panama is expected to continue to receive a strong flow of foreign investment in the coming years, and its economy should continue to grow.That was one of the conclusions ... | | By: Tropiland Panama Blog: Your Panama Real Estate Sou | | |
| | Foreigners In Panama Spend $162.5 Million On Mortgages | | 2008-02-23 08:49:58 | | Form Miami Herald Panama Edition, Friday, 22 February 2008The number of mortgages granted to foreigners is galloping ahead. According to statistics from the the Cámara Panameña de la Construcción (Capac), foreigners took out 850 mortages in the first six months of 2007, 32 percent more than during the same period in 2006. Although these figures don’t give a complete picture of home buying by foreigners in Panama (many paid in full for the properties they acquired), they do suggest the impact they are having on the real estate market.Those 850 mortgages represent only 6.8 percent of the total, but if you look at their dollar amount, they add up to around $162.5 million, which represents 31.4 percent of the total monetary value, said Michael Fernández, Capac's economic director.For more info on this subject and many more, visit TropilandPanama
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| | | Reforestation Visa In Panama: Buyer Beware | | 2008-02-15 09:01:00 | | Source: Grey & Co., PanamaReforestation investments in Panama for permanent residency in Panama, citizenship in Panama and as an investment opportunity in Panama have been highly touted by many websites in Panama and internationally. Many consider that the US$40,000.00 investment has a money-back guarantee, and sell it as a future gold-mine. We would, however, advise caution and consideration to be applied when you are studying where to invest your funds and how to obtain residency under a reforestation program in Panama. One of the pitfalls of the Panama reforestation investment is that there are many reforestation programs offered in Panama, which have already been structured by other investors or promoters (usually foreigners). The biggest pitfall to beware of is the "guaranteed returns" which are offered on the investments. Although teak reforestation may be lucrative, often the figures quoted are highly exaggerated, failing to take into account the usual culling... | | By: Tropiland Panama Blog: Your Panama Real Estate Sou | | |
| | | Panama's Health Tourism Boom | | 2008-01-03 06:57:41 | | A new kind of tourism is sweeping into Panama, but these visitors are not just coming for sun and fun. Offering first-rate health care at cut-rate prices, Panama is attracting the latest kind of traveler: the medical tourist. Medical tourism is a rapidly growing, multi-billion dollar worldwide industry. Countries like India and Thailand have long been attracting patients from developed countries looking to escape the high prices and long waits at home, providing high-quality health care at a fraction of the price. Panama is one of the latest countries to emerge on the health tourism scene, offering US-trained doctors, state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment, plus a distinct advantage --- proximity to North America. With as many as 45 million Americans uninsured, and Canadians waiting up to two years for critical procedures, many are looking south for alternatives. “The demand is very strong, and we haven’t even begun to scratch the surface,” says Rudy Rupak, president of Planet Hospital, a medical tourism agency researching qualified doctors and hospitals in countries around the world to perform procedures for clients who cannot afford, or wait, in their home countries. His company recently added Panama to its list of destinations, thanks to the newly-opened Punta Pacifica hospital, an affiliate of the prestigious US hospital, John Hopkins Medicine International. “We look for doctors who are educated in the USA, or other excellent institutions abroad such as in Canada, the UK or Europe,” explains Mr Rupak, “as well as peer review, publications over the years in their area of specialization, and patient interviews.” “I see Panama as a strategic place, with a good location, just a five or six hour flight from the US. But the main factors are quality of doctors and the presence of a US hospital,” he says. Add to that a beautiful setting for recovery, personalized care, short wait times and price tags 40% to 70% less than those in the US --... | | By: Tropiland Panama Blog: Your Panama Real Estate Sou | | |
| | Panama and Bacterial Fruit Rot disease | | 2007-12-31 00:20:00 | | Panama Disease (Fusarium Wilt)External symptoms:Characteristic yellowing of the lower or outer leaf blades which develops as a vbivid band along the margin and subsequently spreads inwards the midrib. The leaves undergo rapid wilting and within a day or two, the petiole buckles and the leaf hangs down between the pseudostem and lamina until only the topmost or innermost leaf remains.Internal symptoms:When a panama diseased rhizome is cut transversely, the vascular strands will be be seen as yellow, red or brownish dots and streaks. In advanced infections, the diseases vascular strands of the rhizome are more numerous and deeply -stained, dark red and reddish brown colors eventually becoming purple and black.Other symptoms and characteristics:1) common in Latundan and Lacatan varieties2) Race 4 is very destructive to Cavendish and Williams3) Presence of the disease is determined through the external and internal symptoms4) Takes about two months from the rootlet infection to infection5) Young plants, first signs of the disease are the yellowing of the unfurled leaf and eventually dies of.6) Oher plants, leaves turn yellow and leaf lamina drops downward even when soil moisture is adequate.7) In some banana growing areas there are two cloned groups of cultivars which differ in symptoms.a) Yellowing strain or "Inoraratum" is characterized by the intense yellowing of erect leaves. Observed in Costa Rica, Pananma, Columbia and Ecuador.b) "Odoradum" infected plants do not become yellow but suffer from collapse of the petiole. Cut stems smell strongly.8) Most reliable diagnostic symptoms are internal9) Base of the infected plant vertically cut reveal numerous brown, violet and black discolorations running in all directions through the corm and upwards into the leaf bases and petioles.10) Vascular bundles are stained.11) Pseudostem somtimes split upwards.12) Disease is soil borne.Control:1) Race 1 is what we have and not destructive2) Eradication and burning to ashes of inf... | | By: Banana Industry Tour | | |
| | Wyndham Hotels and Resorts Opens First Hotel in Panama | | 2007-12-06 12:24:00 | | The Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brand will fly its first flag in Panama with the conversion of the five-star, 301-room Veneto Hotel & Casino in Panama City to The Veneto, A Wyndham® Grand Hotel.Peter Strebel, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts president, said the introduction of the Wyndham brand in Panama is part of the brand's strategy to pursue flagship Wyndham hotel properties in key international and gateway cities.
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| | Panama a la venta, donde esta y como esta | | 2007-12-04 10:31:22 | | Esta semana, El diario La Prensa reportó como los intrépidos inversionístas de la planta de clinker en Rodman han logrado circunavegar los escollos legales, la oposición de los grupos ambientalístas y vecinales, estudios de impacto y el sentido común, para lograr que la Junta Directiva de la ACP les permita construir su soñado proyecto.El asunto me recordó un "sonado" artículo, "El Imperio Panameño" de Cesar Monje para el diario La Nación de Costa Rica. En resumen, enuncia trilladas expresiones como "tambor batiente", "quién dijo miedo" y la "Singapur de Latinoamérica" para alabar la facilidad con la que país se tasajea al gusto de los inversionistas.Pero, ¿dónde están los beneficios? Cegado por los dólares, yenes y euros que parecen llover sobre el istmo, no dedica ni un párrafo a los costos sociales y ecológicos de tales Megafumadas. Hacer trueque con nuestros tesoros para obtener la apariencia de país desarrollado demuestra la ignorancia y juega-vivo de quienes deberían velar por los intereses del pueblo, planificando, mitigando o inclusive rechazando los proyectos que -dada la experiencia en otras latitudes- nos pueden perjudicar.El artículo finaliza lamentando la falta de celeridad con la que el gobierno tico ha tratado el tema de la remodelación de su aeropuerto internacional.Unos días después leí que tanto Costa Rica como Nueva Zelanda aspiran a reducir al máximo posible las emisiones de carbón antes del 2030 (carbon neutrality), al favorecer la generación de energía renovable, la preservación y ampliación de las áreas boscosas. Casi esta de más decir que tal objetivo es realmente visionario y un triste contraste con nuestro cada vez más gris Panamá.Es claro que todos deseamos mejores días para nuestro país, pero es hartamente evidente que muy poco de los millones que generan estos Dubaisismos llega a la mayoría pobre o miserable, alivia los males colectivos, como el transporte, el alza de la canasta básica, la falta d... | | By: Avarana | | |
| | The Facts: Panama Is Booming | | 2007-12-02 07:47:50 | | Source: Joachim Bamrud - The Latin Business Chronicle (Nov 26,2007)Brazil and Mexico may be getting most of the foreign investor attention in Latin America these days and Chile continues to be seen as the region's free-market champion, but Panama isn't doing so badly, either.In the past few months, Panama has topped several key regional rankings. In addition to being named the most globalized country in Latin America last week by Latin Business Chronicle, Panama recently was ranked the best country for exporting and importing containerized goods in Latin America by the World Bank, the fastest-growing tourism market in Latin America by the World Tourism Organization and last, but not least, the fastest-growing economy in Latin America by the International Monetary Fund and the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). That comes in addition to being ranked third in Latin America (after Chile and Mexico) when it comes to competitiveness, according to the latest annual index from the World Economic Forum released this month. And Panama can also boast of having Latin America's largest number of international bank offices, the world's largest shipping registry and the second-larges free trade zone in the world after Hong Kong. Now, it may also become a major regional energy hub. Spain-based Tecnicas Reunidas and Singapore-based Jurong Consultants are planning to create a $40 billion oil refinery, petrochemical production facility and liquified natural gas import terminal aimed at serving the U.S. and Asian markets, Reuters reported last week. That comes on top of U.S.-based oil giant Occiental’s plans to build a $8 billion refineryFor more info on this subject and many more, visit TropilandPanama
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| | Banking In Panama : An Overview | | 2007-11-04 07:24:36 | | Source: panama-travel-bureau.com The Republic of Panama continues to introduce legislation that will enhance its image as an international financial services centre or, to use the usual nomenclature, offshore finance centre. Legislation covering Private Foundations (an alternative to trusts) and Captive Insurance (first such legislation in Latin America) have been promulgated. Panama's comprehensive banking law provides the last building block in a structure of services that makes Panama South America’s all-round offshore finance centre. Panama introduced a comprehensive banking law (which covers local trust companies as well) in February, 1999, replacing one that had been in place since 1970. The National Banking Commission that previously issued licenses has been replaced by a Superintendency which comprises a Board of 5 Directors and a Superintendent. In addition to increased investigative powers, the new law has tightened general controls and regulations and brought the country’s supervision more in line with the regulatory standards found in the European and American banking centres. The new law uses the guidelines of the Basle Committee on Banking Supervision. The Superintendent oversees the soundness and efficiency of the banking system and endeavours to strengthen it as part of the continuing development of Panama not only as a regional, but as an international, banking centre. The Board of Directors of the Superintendency function as a policy committee and are responsible for the establishment and implementation of the general policies of the Superintendency. A bank must have a minimum of US$10 million in capital and the Superintendent, whose office is independent of central government, has wide powers of examination and investigation, but that authority is subject at all times to strict compliance with the country’s firm rules of confidentiality. Heavy criminal and civil sanctions can be imposed on bankers as well as the Superintendent for wrongful... | | By: Tropiland Panama Blog: Your Panama Real Estate Sou | | |
| | Panama FDI grows 19 percent in first-half 2007 | | 2007-09-20 08:40:45 | | Source:Reuters Investing News, Wed Sep 19,2007PANAMA CITY, Sept 19 (Reuters) - Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Panama grew 19.4 percent in the first six months of this year compared to the same period in 2006 to $598 million, the government said on Wednesday. The banking sector and the Colon Free Trade Zone, one of the world's biggest import-export parks, were the two biggest earners, attracting $137.8 million and $180.8 million respectively, the Comptroller General's office said. Foreign direct investment is one of the principal drivers of Panama's booming economy, which according to the U.N. Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) will have the highest growth rate in the region this year. Panama is expected to post 8.5 percent growth this year, buoyed by a $5.25 billion expansion of the Panama canal, a growing real estate market and continued growth in the banking sector, the U.N. says.The data speaks volumes.See how you can benefit from this economic boom.For more info on this subject and many more, visit TropilandPanama
... | | By: Tropiland Panama Blog: Your Panama Real Estate Sou | | |
| | How to be a Smart Panama Investor | | 2007-09-19 22:22:24 | | Here are 8 great attributes to any smart Panama investor. Coming to know a lot of these folks, and with many of them as personal friends, it can be helpful to look at the commonalities of those who truly succeed in the Panama real estate market, to delineate them from everyone else.Buying real estate in Panama can be frustrating, there's no doubt about it,and everyone, whether they're a smart investor or not, thinks they want something "special". In reality though, with more and more competition in the market, that "special" deal is getting harder and harder to find. Investment pportunities that are "special" most often are not on the market for long because they sell so quickly. Sometimes they're sold through a broker but more often than not, they're sold direct (from seller to buyer): the listing not even making an appearance on the public market.The Panama real estate market today is commonly referred to (by me) as the Wild Wild West. It's an era where modern day gunfighters, outlaws, and desperados prey on the weak. It's an era where things like romance,misfortune, and legends have a way of making dreams (and sometimes breakingthem). But to the smart Panama investor, there are ways to differentiate between the real and the far-fetched; between a good investment and a bad one.1. Smart Panama investors know the importance of patience. They are not in any hurry to make an investment. While this doesn't mean they procrastinate or, delay the buying process, it does mean that when the ideal investment happens arise, they are able to jump on it like a real estate puma.Sometimes this means buying a last minute flight. Sometimes it means canceling a last minute birthday party.2. Smart Panama investors know how to smell out a deal. Much like bargain shopping, they know that in such a ground-level real estate market, an amazing deal does indeed exist! They seek investments not in the mainstream flow, but rather off the public radar. Oftentimes, these back road deal... | | By: Tropiland Panama Blog: Your Panama Real Estate Sou | | |
| | Panama Canal Expansion Under Way! | | 2007-09-19 22:09:27 | | Source: Panama First AlertBOOM! That's the sound that signaled to the world that the Panama Canal expansion mega-project has begun . The day: Monday, September 3, 2007—the 30th anniversary of the signing of the U.S.-Panama treaty better known as the Torrijos-Carter treaty. Panama President Martin Torrijos "pressed the button," causing a powerful explosion to rip apart Cerro Paraiso (Paradise Hill), where excavation for the $5.25 billion expansion has already begun.Learn more on the Panama Canal Expansion ProjectSome 30,000 people were present for the symbolic act, including VIPs such as Colombia President Alvaro Uribe; El Salvador President Antonio Saca; Nicaragua President Daniel Ortega; and Honduras President Manuel Zelaya. A guest of honor, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter arrived on Torrijos' presidential plane. Carter co-signed the Torrijos-Carter treaty (along with Martin Torrijos' father and then-dictator of Panama, Omar Torrijos) in which the U.S. agreed to hand over the Canal in 1999.Panama is growing and with it grow the investment and retirement opportunities. Let us show you how you can profit today in one of the most rewarding and exciting international real estate markets anywhere. TropilandPanama: Discover Your Paradise. Congratulations and good luck Panama on your newest venture!For more info on this subject and many more, visit TropilandPanama
... | | By: Tropiland Panama Blog: Your Panama Real Estate Sou | | |
| | Panama Builds on its Economic Boom | | 2007-09-19 22:08:53 | | Source: PanamaGuide.comA $10bn project outside the capital is the latest sign of US and Canadian hunger to invest in residential property developments. President Martín Torrijos of Panama last month unveiled what could become one of the biggest investment projects in the country's history, with a value of up to $10bn. The creation of an urban centre the size of central London on the outskirts of Panama City is the latest sign of an economic boom that has invited comparisons between Panama and bigger international business centres, such as Dubai.A specially created government agency will provide residents with streamlined regulation and there will be tax incentives for selected industries. London & Regional, the UK-based company that will develop the site, said the project, on the former Howard US air force base, would reinforce Panama's attractions as a centre of international business. Ian Livingstone, of London & Regional, said it would combine industrial, retail and residential properties and its value could be worth up to $10bnMr Torrijos's administration, which took office in 2004, is poised to award the first contract for breaking ground in an ambitious $5.25bn plan to expand the canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and is one of the world's most important waterways.Panama took full control of the canal in 1999 and the investment in three new locks and physical widening will facilitate the passage of huge cargo ships, known as post-Panamax vessels.International and local companies are pouring billions of dollars into Panamanian residential property developments, in large part to capitalise on the peak of interest shown by US and Canadian retired people and second-home buyers. In addition, deals worth $14.5bn have been agreed recently to build two oil refineries and the US Congress is expected to approve a trade agreement soon between the two countries.Mr Torrijos said recently that the refineries, canal expansion and trade pact are th... | | By: Tropiland Panama Blog: Your Panama Real Estate Sou | | |
| | Panama Insurance Market In Need Of Re-Structuring | | 2007-09-19 22:08:19 | | Source:Panama Visitor On-LinePanama’s insurance market is currently facing the need for restructuring in the face of an upsurge in the economy, the influx of foreigners who have a different attitude to insurance than Panamanians and changes within Panama itself where people are beginning to demand higher indemnities for damages. Irving Ureña, vice-president of the company Internacional de Seguros at the opening of seminar of the National College of Insurance Brokers said "Five years ago it would not have occurred to anyone to file a suit for a million dollars in damages. Now we are seeing it happen. He cited two recent examples; the bus fire in which 18 people died and the oil-spill of Petroterminal de Panama in the Lagoon of Chiriqui Grande. He added that another important factor is the influx of foreign residents who are buying insurance policies worth millions of dollars because that is the sort of coverage they need in the countries they come from, where people are often sued for astronomic sums. According to Jaqueline de Diaz, president of Conlaprose, Panamanian insurance companies will have to increase their indemnity budgets in order to pay possible future claims.Insurance in Panama is privatized, many international companies operate here. American Life Insurance is one well known company. Aseguradora Mundial is another large company. Health insurance is available from the government for the public health care system. The normal premium is about $50 per month but you must go to the national hospitals for any treatment.Need info on Insurance Legislation In Panama?For more info on this subject and many more, visit TropilandPanama
... | | By: Tropiland Panama Blog: Your Panama Real Estate Sou | | |
| | Elargissement du Canal de Panama | | 2007-09-04 21:28:00 | | Les premiers coups de pioche ont été donné hier.Ils devraient permettre d'ouvrir une troisième voie d'eau au fameux Canal, faisant ainsi passer la capacité maximale des navires l'empruntant de 5 000 à 12 000 conteneurs à l'horizon 2014 !!D'un coût de 5,25 milliards de dollars, cet investissement devrait être rapidement amorti...On le souhaite en tout cas pour les panaméens, 80 % de leur PIB étant issu des activités du canal.Chaque année, les 14 000 bateaux qui empruntent le canal (transportant ainsi plus de 203 millions de tonnes de cargaison) représentent 5% du trafic maritime mondial.N'oublions tout de même pas les quelques 27 500 ouvriers qui périrent pendant la construction des deux premuières voies d'eau...(et bien sûr le lien Google Earth dans la Box...)Lu dans Direct Soir daté du 4 septembre 2007========================================4 Septembre 476 : Chute de l'Empire romain en Occident (occupation de Rome par le chef germain Odoacre)4 Septembre 925 : Athels... | | By: On apprend tous les jours | | |
| | New Panama Condos | | 2007-08-29 22:44:14 | | Is the party in Panama over?
Panama’s developers hoped to lure U.S. retirees with cheap prices. Then came speculators, 380 tower projects representing more than 40,000 condos, rising prices and the possibility of a bust.
PANAMA CITY, Panama — Cement prices have doubled, and it’s hard to get a truck to come to your building site. The [...]... | | By: New Home Community Blog | | |
| | Land Possession Rights In Panama: Are They A True Investment Opportunity? | | 2007-08-17 09:44:32 | | It is a well known and documented fact that Panama real estate prices have risen significantly (and in some cases prohibitively) in the last year or so. This is more the case for beach front properties in Panama or properties that are now in the "second stage" of development; "First Stage" being the initial investor rush that bought bare land and have since then subdivided or developed housing projects.The days of buying beach front land in Panama for cents per meter are now long gone. In the case of the Azuero peninsula, titled beach front properties less than three hectares in surface and less than ten dollars per square meter are almost as rare as alligators in Boquette.So the question a lot of potential buyers of real estate in Panama asking is: "Can I still get in the Panama real estate boom and benefit? Is there a true investment opportunity in Panama real estate? Will buying land in Panama give me a solid return on investment?" There is a growing number of Panamanian real estate agents and real estate investors in Panama that claim that Rights of Possession (Derecho Posesorio) ma be the only true promising frontier in Panama real estate.There is some reluctance and reservation regarding Possession Rights in Panama stemming of numerous horror stories of foreigners buying Possession Rights land only to find out shortly after that they could not title it or that they did not really buy nothing more than a flimsy paper from a local municipality that bares not legal (or other type) validity. Further more, the Panamanian real estate law regarding Rights of Possession is foggy at best with a lot of room for interpretation and loopholes that add more confusion and misunderstandings. Not to mention the Panamanian natural tendency of "Juega Vivo" or I-am-smarter-than-you-and-will-try-and-trick-you-in-an-way-I-can.Having said that, there is a part of Panamanian Realtors and land investors (and also individuals like retirees) that believe that, if handled properly, Poss... | | By: Tropiland Panama Blog: Your Panama Real Estate Sou | | |
| | MSN On Retiring In Panama: "Best Place For Retirees" | | 2007-08-08 14:21:09 | | Source: MSN Money, Aug 7, 2007Panama is one of the best places in the world for retirees today, combining a low cost of living, near-perfect weather and one of the world's best discount programs for retirees, with up to 50% off everything from public transport to movies, mortgage rates, doctor's visits, electricity, restaurants and airfares.When you compare Panama with its neighbors, you'll see that it has more amenities than traditional retirement spots such as Mexico and Costa Rica, with lower costs and crime rates. In Panama, you'll encounter less red tape and less interference from local authorities.To encourage long-term foreign investment, Panama requires no special authorizations, permits or prior registration for foreign investors. The Investment Stability Law, passed in 1998, protects foreign investors from any change in tax, customs, municipal and labor rules for a period of 10 years after an investment is registered. Major companies doing business in Panama include Federal Express, DHL, Sears, Price Costco, BellSouth, Kansas City Southern Railways, Continental and American Airlines, Warranty Company of the Americas and Hutchison Whampoa. Plus, you'll find just about every American franchise you can imagine on the streets of Panama City.And there are other incentives for foreigners to spend time here, invest here … or retire here. Read More... or visit MSN Money.For more info on this subject and many more, visit TropilandPanama
... | | By: Tropiland Panama Blog: Your Panama Real Estate Sou | | |
| | The Boston Globe, Panama On The Rise: Construction, global interest booming, eclipsing long-range worries. | | 2007-08-08 14:13:45 | | Thank You Indira A.R. Lakshmanan for this great article.PANAMA CITY -- Long a freewheeling shipping hub and offshore banking center for the Americas, Panama is enjoying a building boom on a scale unmatched since the construction of its famous canal 92 years ago.The country is luring investors and expatriates worldwide, with interest further boosted by the recent approval of a $5.2 billion plan that will double the canal's capacity.A real estate frenzy fueled by easy credit from Panamanian banks, government incentives, and a saturated US housing market for retirees has attracted speculators and prospective residents from California to Dubai. They are snapping up preconstruction bay-front apartments, highland villas, and the latest luxury development from Donald Trump -- a $220 million residential, office, and hotel complex called Trump Ocean Club, with towers shaped like a yacht sail. Two rival Spanish projects are vying to build the tallest skyscraper in Latin America at about 100 stories.Construction moguls and estate agents say Panama City is a sure bet for investors, offering discount prices for quality of life and healthcare rivaling the United States', more than 100 international banks, tax breaks, and stunning Atlantic and Pacific coastlines.But urban planners and long time residents warn that overbuilding could ultimately strain the country's roads, water supply, and other infrastructure to the breaking point with devastating consequences.Almost no one seems to be heeding those alarms.Cranes, building sites, glitzy sales offices, and real estate package tours aimed at foreigners are everywhere, from Avenida Balboa in downtown Panama City to suburban Punta del Este. Laundered drug money from neighboring Colombia built some of the early mirrored high-rises in the 1980s, but today's buyers include fixed-income senior citizens from the United States searching for a less expensive place to retire as well as billionaires from Monaco and Cannes.David Btesh, a pa... | | By: Tropiland Panama Blog: Your Panama Real Estate Sou | | |
| | US Consulate On Buying Land In Panama (Panama News, Vol.10, No.14) | | 2007-08-08 14:08:33 | | The following is general information on purchasing real estate in Panama. It is not to be construed as legal advice. The different categories of Panama real esate make it imperative to engage professionals for more detailed information. Panama real estate laws on the mainland can be quite different than Panama real estate laws on islands, coastal areas, and areas near national borders.Generally, there are two very different ways to buy real estate in Panama: 1) the purchase of titled property, and 2) the purchase of rights of possession (derecho posesorio). Titled land in Panama, and the process of buying this, is similar in concept to that in the US, and land and deeds are duly recorded with the Public Registry (Registro Público). "Rights of possession" is an entirely different process, a kind of squatter's or concession rights. For rights of possession on the mainland, it might be possible to convert this later to a titled property; on islands and coastal and border areas, it is much more difficult if not impossible. Many areas in and around Bocas del Toro, including beachfront and island properties, are government property, and cannot be owned, although there are very limited and complicated exceptions. One should not buy "non-adjudicable" lands (áreas inadjudicables) unless the purchase is from the Government of Panama. Ultimately, there is only one way to acquire property in Panama to the fullest extent of the law: buy titled land in Panama. Rights of possession is not titled land.TITLED PROPERTIESPanama has a reliable Public Registry system, and this office maintains a record of all titled properties throughout most of Panama. Information regarding titled properties in Panama is readily available through the Public Registry, and is a fairly routine process to undertake through due diligence on a lot or property (finca). Your attorney can issue you in writing an abstract title of the land, along with any and all liens, mortgages, covenants, encumbrances, map... | | By: Tropiland Panama Blog: Your Panama Real Estate Sou | | |
| | Panama National Land Management Program (PRONAT) | | 2007-08-08 14:06:18 | | Source: dgMarket.comPanamanian National Land Management Program (PRONAT).The program's objective is to promote land tenure security in order to facilitate access to credit and Panamanian land investment aimed at economic growth, thereby facilitating rural poverty alleviation in Panama. The PRONAT has identified the rural, peri-urban and urban areas of the Provinces of Herrera, Los Santos, Veraguas, Cocle and Colon as the areas where the project would be implemented. To achieve the project's objective, it would be necessary to address the following issues: (a) security of tenure; (b) access to land; (c) high land market transaction costs, and (d) the provision of supplementary services (technical assistance, education, financial services, conflict resolution and the like). The proposed program would expand PRONATs geographic coverage, and strengthen the institutional and technical capability of the entities responsible for land titling and administration in Panama.The program would have three components: (i) Modernization of National and Provincial Land Administration Services; (ii) Land Regularization Services; and (iii) Land Market Support Activities. The first component would provide the legal and institutional framework for the implementation of PRONAT initiative. Specific sub-components include: a) the design and implementation of a modern land registry and cadastre system; b) institutional strengthening at the national level of the entities responsible for land regularization and tenure security; c) strengthening and expanding access to regional and local land administration services; and d) the project implementation structure. The second component would provide the necessary support to execute the technical and legal fieldwork required to carry out the massive land regularization process within the project areas. Regularization services include legal cadastre, titling or certification, registry of properties and conflict resolution. This component... | | By: Tropiland Panama Blog: Your Panama Real Estate Sou | | |
| | Term of Tourist Visa In Panama Reduced to 30 Days | | 2007-08-08 14:04:49 | | The recent "tourism" visa changes in Panama have stirred-up a lot of reactions (both negative and positive) from foreigners and Panamanian alike. The following article fully represents the views of this blog regarding this matter and is presented in its entirety for viewing and research needs:By Lic. Alvaro AguilarLaw 15 of 2007, entered into force upon its publication on May 25, 2007, which reduces the duration of Panamanian Tourist Visas from 90 days, with a 90 day extension (originally in force since 1995), to 30 days with a 60 day extension. While European Union Schengen Treaty citizens are exempt from a Panamanian visa requirement to enter and US citizens are sold a $5 "tourism card" as reciprocity visa upon entry, all foreigners are subject to this 30 day limit. The Immigration website has a list of the current visa requirements by country. The Law was submitted as Bill 292 of 2007 "whereby measures are enacted for the protection of citizen safety" by Olga Golcher, Minister of Government, in April 3, 2007. The Bill had measures to counter the rising power of juvenile gangs, and buried into the text was a new definition of Panamanian Tourist Visas:Artículo 36. El numeral 1 del artículo 1 del Decreto Ley 16 de 1960 queda así:Artículo 1. Los extranjeros que ingresen al territorio nacional serán clasificados comoturistas, transeúntes, viajeros en tránsito, viajeros en tránsito directo, visitantestemporales e inmigrantes:1. Son turistas los que llegan con fines exclusivos de recreo u observación por unlapso de treinta días, prorrogable hasta por sesenta días.Over-zealousness at all levelsObviously, nobody foresaw the effect this will have on Panamanian residential tourism, since it takes more than 30 days to have a feel for the country, look at Panamanian Real Estate, purchase a home or propert in Panama, and THEN decide to apply for a residence visa in Panama. The April 18 "Technical Report" made by legislative staffer Agapito González Gómez says tha... | | By: Tropiland Panama Blog: Your Panama Real Estate Sou | | |
| | Panama's GDP growth best in Latin America | | 2007-08-08 14:03:03 | | Panama's economy will have the best performance of any country in Latin America this and next year, the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) forecasts.Panama's GDP should grow by 8.5 percent this year and another 7.5 percent next year, ECLAC says in a new forecast released today. That's better than any other country in Latin America and also confirms earlier forecasts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicting Panama as Latin America's star economy in 2007 and 2008. Read full article here.For more info on this subject and many more, visit TropilandPanama
... | | By: Tropiland Panama Blog: Your Panama Real Estate Sou | | |
| | Panama Ratifies US Trade Deal | | 2007-08-08 14:01:41 | | Source: tax-news.comLast week, Panama's legislature ratified the free trade agreement with the United States which had been signed by the two governments late in June. The Panamanian congress voted 58 to 3 in favour of the agreement. The United States and Panama launched negotiations on a free trade agreement in April 2004, and the final agreement incorporated amendments derived from a negotiation between the Bush Administration and Congressional leadership. Nonetheless, US Congressional approval is not a done deal. Governmental signing of the agreement took place two days before the expiration of President Bush's authority for "fast track" trade promotion at the end of June, meaning that the Congress must approve or reject the agreement without making changes. No vote is currently scheduled. The United States had a goods trade surplus with Panama of $2.3 billion in 2006, and is Panama’s largest trading partner. Total goods trade between the United States and Panama was $3.1 billion in 2006. Panama is a growing market for US products; US goods exports to Panama increased 25% from 2005 to 2006. Samuel Lewis, Panama’s vice-president, urged the US Congress to push ahead with ratification of the agreement. ”The agreement does not threaten US jobs,” Mr Lewis told the Financial Times. “It will only mean growth for both Panama and the US.” Panama has been experiencing rapid growth in recent years, which will probably continue due to the canal enlargement program. However, it is not a member of the Central American Free Trade Agreement (Cafta), which the US signed with Central American countries and the Dominican Republic in 2004, and which has been ratified by all member countries other than Costa Rica. Mr Lewis said he was not confident that US legislators would ratify the agreement. “If the debate were just about Panama I’m sure it would be ratified very quickly but unfortunately trade di... | | By: Tropiland Panama Blog: Your Panama Real Estate Sou | | |
| | Panama Property Checklist | | 2007-06-02 13:10:37 | | So you’ve found your dream property in Panama and you need to know what steps you need to take to ensure that it is going to be transferred safely and securely in your name (or the name of the legal entity of your choice). We have compilled a list of our top-ten prerequisite checks that will guide you through any real estate transaction in Panama: 1. Title check: If the property is titled (have an “escritura” registered with the Public Registry (Registro Publico), having the title checked is a very simple process. Simply request the "Finca" (lot) number, and have this investigated at the Public Registry. This will show any encumbrances (mortgages or liens) on the property, as well as show the ownership history. It is also useful to confirm the registered surface area of the property, and that the person who is selling the property is the actual owner.2. Rights of Possession - You cannot "purchase" rights of possession. But you can have them transferred to you. It is particularly important that you check the history of "ownership", and inquire regarding any disputes. Also, have the rights of possession registered with the local Municipal Government. The contract of the transfer should be done via notary. You particularly need to make sure that this owner hasn't already transferred his "ownership" to other people before you.3. Talk to the neighbours - Tell people you're looking at property in the neighbourhood and ask how they like it and if they know anything about the property or problems in the area. Are there any boundary disputes with the current owner? Are there any issues (availability of electricity, water, cable, internet connections) which you should be aware of? We recommend that you talk to other foreigners that have bought in the area. They probably have jumped through all the hoops and could give you valuable insight.4. Surveys or Subdivision Maps of the Property - Get a survey if property inspection shows boundary issues may be involved (e.g. fe... | | By: Tropiland Panama Blog: Your Panama Real Estate Sou | | |
| | Panama Launches in Europe | | 2007-05-30 22:00:00 | | The US and Canada have had access to the new Panama platform for some time and now advertisers in Europe are able to use the new version, just launched this week.There have been many comments on the new system on both the positive and negative side of things, but hopefully most of the initial issues that plagued US users have been corrected in time for this launch.When it first launched in North America, Panama caused chaos for some advertisers when the transition saw ad campaigns completely shuffled about. Some key phrases were lost, where others were moved into different groups and some groups disappeared entirely. While not everyone had issues with the account switch, there was plenty to be said in the forums regarding the changeover. (see "Yahoo Panama Pros and Cons, and Part 2")Hopefully Europe will see a smoother transition into the new system with the correction of some of the known bugs. Currently, Google has approximately 70-80% market share for search in Europe.... | | By: The SEO Blog | | |
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