From a statement issued by the mayoral office in Panama:

Representatives from the different sectors involved in construction and the district mayor of Panama, Jose Blandon gathered together in order to establish mechanisms that optimize the formalities o be carried out at a single window and strengthening the oversight capacity of the Municipality of Panama.

One of the points agreed upon was to review agreement 116, which deals with the regulation of construction activities, with the aim of simplifying the process of approval of plans and building permits in strict accordance with what the law says.

More on this topic

El Salvador: Construction Stagnates

November 2016

Excessive bureaucracy, which is holding up the execution of new construction projects, generating uncertainty among investors, is added to a delicate fiscal situation.

Estimates are that 110 construction projects have been left "stagnant" this year  because of the slow pace of analyzing and awarding building permits, leaving $600 million not being executed, according to the president of the Salvadoran Chamber of Construction (Casalco), Angel Diaz.

El Salvador: Lack of Political Will to Revive Construction

May 2015

The government has yet to make operational the law streamlining procedures for construction approved in late 2013, delaying the start of projects totaling more than $700 million.

Although it seems hard to believe, a law which was approved more than a year ago can not be implemented due to the lack of "real will to make the necessary changes." Meanwhile, construction projects estimated at about $700 million can not advance, having been drowned in excessive state bureaucracy.

Bureaucracy in the Municipality of Panama

February 2015

Construction companies say there are projects worth $630 million affected by delays in processing permits in Panama City, one of the areas of greatest investment.

The Mayor of Panama recognizes the problem and argues that delays in granting building permits are due to a restructuring which is being carried out on the system.

Costa Rica Seeks to Cut Red Tape

June 2010

The government urged all public institutions to present a plan before the end of the year to eliminate unnecessary procedures and paperwork.

The guideline states that they must also present a project to improve regulations before the Economy Ministry.

“According to the document, all regulations issued by any ministry, and related to permits for productive activities (both goods and services), will be reviewed beforehand”, reported Nacion.com.