Due to the recent strike in the construction sector, the entity has reduced projections of economic growth for this year from 5.6% to 4.6%.
However, recovery from the impact of the strike and the entry into operation of a large copper mine will lead to an upward revision of around one percentage point in the growth projection of 5.8% for 2019.
Forecasts are for lower economic growth this year, driven by a weakening of the terms of trade and more restrictive financial conditions, caused by the high fiscal deficit.
From a press release issued by the IMF:
I. Recent Developments
1. Both output and growth are at potential, while inflation has reemerged and is rising moderately.
It is expected that economic growth will increase slightly to 5.1% in 2017, and about 5.5% in the medium term, supported by the expanded Canal and developing investment projects.
From a press release issued by the IMF:
Panama’s economy is expected to remain among the most dynamic in the region. The economic outlook is favorable, albeit set against the backdrop of heightened external uncertainty.
The IMF noted the positive evolution of all the country's economic indicators, and the drastic fall in poverty, with an increase of 33% in per capita consumption.
From a press release issued by the IMF:
On January 28, 2016, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation1 with Nicaragua.
Economic developments in 2015 have been broadly positive.
Increased borrowing costs, a disincentive to foreign investment and distrust of economic performance, are part of the expected scenario if public debt growth is not controlled.
Prensalibre.com reports that "... The draft budget for 2015 presented by the Ministry of Finance, amounting to $9.250 million (Q71 thousand 840.8 million), contemplates taking on new debt of about $2 billion (Q15 billion), of which $1.6 billion (Q12 thousand 334 million) came from bonds and loans. "
Leading Nicaraguan entrepreneurs continue to support the model of economic negotiation with the government.
"Everyone here is free to move, the press is free to speak and I think from that point of view we are living in an open society," said the businessman Carlos Pellas, president of Grupo Pellas.
Entrepreneurs like Carlos Pellas and Piero Coen agree that the "understanding with the Government has brought economic growth."