The parsimony of the Varela administration in decision making and implementation of relevant projects is affecting the competitiveness of the Panamanian economy.
Representatives from the Chamber of Commerce of Panama argue that "... We've come from a state where everything was fast to one that is slow, leading to a conflict not only in terms of perception, but also the numbers that are reflected, "that is to say, the results.
Claims have been made that the time it takes to undertake the procedures needed to start up a business stated in the Doing Business report are much longer in reality.
With the aim of improving competitiveness, private sector representatives have asked the Panamanian government to cut the amount of red tape, as some of the processes can take up to a year. This discourages foreign investment and above all increases costs for industry.
Panama is looking for a private partner to invest $600 million in the construction of the hydroelectric station Changuinola II.
"... Over the next few days, the government will put out to tender a contract for a private company to take over the construction of the hydroelectric station Changuinola II (Chan II), which is currently in the hands of state electricity company Edesa."
The cancellation of licenses for hydroelectric projects in the Ngäbe Bugle region will lead to complex law suits against the State of Panama.
Leaders of the National Council of Private Enterprise (CONEP), from Panama, have expressed opposition to the suspension of construction projects for hydroelectric plants, as insisted on by Ngäbe-Bugle Indians.