The fall in international prices has forced employers of specialty coffee to take steps to improve their competitiveness by resorting to full control of product traceability.
The fall in international prices in the coffee market is the main mitigating factor with which the industry is doing battle in Panama and Central America in general in order to remain profitable.
The construction sector is warning of loss of quality in the product, if the government approves the decree changing the rules for storage and packaging of cement.
In the coming days a decree amending regulations on cement will be published, "... without waiting for the outcome of a commission of experts," led by the National Institute of Technical Standards (Inteco).
During the first six months of 2013 companies issued $637 million in corporate debt, a slower pace than 2012, as $3.07 billion was issued in the entirety of last year.
However it is expected that in the second half of 2013 emissions will increase to $1.694 billion, which would still represent a decline of 45% compared to 2012. "The current amount of issued debt is expected to increase with $500 million by Global Bank Corporation plus $150 million in corporate bonds by Credicorp Bank and $100 million in mortgage bonds by the Banco Panameño de la Vivienda S.A." reports Prensa.com.
In March the balance of new bank loans reached $34.339 billion, which is $4.729 billion more than earned in the same period of 2012, when the total was $29.61 billion.
Figures from the Superintendency of Banks in Panama (SBP), reveal that most of the growth in lending balances is in the private sector, with $4.3329 billion, while the public sector only received $396 million.
While Costa Rica issues Eurobonds with a maturity of 30 years at 5.625%, Panama has issued theirs for 40 years at 4.40%.
The recent issuance of a global bond in the amount of $750 million with a fixed rate of 4.30% and maturity date of 2053, was described by analysts as a sign of confidence in Panama by international markets.
According to the financier Alvaro Naranjo "to be able to raise funds in the long term is good for any issuer.
The National Highway Company (ENA in Spanish) has issued certificates on the stock exchange in order to raise funds for the South Corridor for the company ICA.
Using debt bonds, with one series placed on the international market and another in the local market, the ENA was able to raise $225 million in the local market at a rate of 5.25% and $170 million in the international market at 5.75%.
Profitability drops as asset liquidity increases, but liquidity is what ensures the life of the banking business and their customers' money.
Panamanian banks have not used the extra funds that the financial incentive program (PEF) made available to them in order to stimulate lending. In addition, it must be considered that said funds are very expensive, and they have simply not been needed.
The rise in the cost of money, which was announced as an adverse consequence of the lack of liquidity on the global stage, is being felt in the country.
The rules of the game have changed. One month ago there was talk about the possible effects that Panama would feel from the financial crisis which started in the United States and expanded to Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
The Banco Financiera Comercial Hondureña S.A. (Ficohsa) and Guatemala's Banco GT Continental, together with several local banks, including Atlántida, BAC-Bamer, GTC Bank, Banco Aliado and Tower Bank, have put together a syndicated loan of 77 million dollars for Corporación Dinant.
The funds will be used for investment in plant and agro-industry. Surplus funds will be used for publicity and marketing.