The creation of an independent Authority exclusively in charge of attracting investments was passed to the third debate. Bill 543 creates the Authority for the Attraction of Investments and Promotion of Exports (PROPANAMA), informed the National Assembly on March 11.

The norm creates the Authority with autonomous legal status under public law with its own patrimony, autonomy in its internal regime and autonomy in the exercise of its functions, subject to the policy and orientation of the Executive Branch with the control of the Ministry of Commerce and Industries and the supervision of the General Comptroller of the Republic.

According to the proposers of this initiative, the objective of this Authority, which originally had 18 articles, is to attract direct investment in the face of the economic crisis generated by the effects of the covid-19 pandemic.

The bill must pass the third debate to have the legislative endorsement.

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More on this topic

Foreign Investment Attraction: Creation of ProPanama

April 2021

President Laurentino Cortizo sanctioned the law that creates the National Authority for the Attraction of Investments and Promotion of Exports of Panama, an institution whose objective is to attract foreign investment to the country.

The law establishes the legal framework for the Investment Attraction and Export Promotion Agency (ProPanama) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be elevated to an Authority, to give it greater sustainability and to execute, in a strategic and channeled manner, the different public-private efforts to attract investments and support the promotion of exports, informed the Presidency.

Honduras Passes Bill to Promote Investment

May 2011

Congress passed the new law to attract more foreign investment through benefits and guarantees to businesses.

One of the most important aspects provided by law, is the "accelerated procedure for large-scale investments." When the Planning Secretary declares a project of national interest (projects involving more than $50 million worth of investment), a request is made to the National Investment Council for the implementation of an accelerated investment.

Law Promotes Foreign Investment in Honduras

May 2011

The new law aims to attract more foreign investment through benefits and guarantees to businesses.

The rules proposed by the government and currently being discussed in Congress will be presented to national and foreign companies in the Honduras “Open for Business Conference” to be held on 5 and 6 May.

Panama: Foreign Direct Investment Increases 26%

September 2010

In the first six months of this year, Foreign Direct Investment grew 26% when compared to the same period of 2009.

According to Roberto Henríquez, Commerce & Industry Ministry, foreign investors are showing the confidence they have in the country by pouring around $1.14 billion in the nation.