The workers of the Panama Customs Precincts and the Colon Free Zone have suspended work since December 6th and could extend the strike for at least one more day.
The strike carried out by officials of the National Customs Authority (ANA) began on December 6th, claiming the payment of a Christmas bonus, salary adjustments and the permanence of temporary workers.
Of the 70,000 social housing units that the government plans to build over five years, 20,000 will be developed via a public-private scheme, where the state donates the land and construction companies carry out the works.
The investment of $95 million will be made through two flagship programs: 'Techos de Esperanza', with $80 million and 'Fondo Solidario de Vivienda' (FSV), with $15 million.
The government has approved for 2015 a tender for the construction of a sewage network and water treatment plant, roads and housing projects in various cities in the province.
From a statement issued by the Government of the Republic of Panama:
During the session of the Cabinet Council held in the District of Mariato province of Veraguas, the President of the Republic, Juan Carlos Varela Rodríguez announced an agenda of projects that the government will develop in this province, to ensure the population has access to drinking water, basic sanitation and safe neighborhoods with decent housing, recreational areas and paved roads.
In 2013, the dairy sector is expected to keep the same pace of growth it has reported since in the year 2000.
Industry representatives indicated that for this year they expect an increase in the collection of milk by processing plants and cooperatives.
Laprensa.com.ni consulted Centrolac’s executive director, Alfredo Lacayo who said "that one of the company's plans is to increase collection by between 8 and 12 percent.
Domestic milk consumption is growing at 3.9% annually, while exports in 2010 reached $74 million, compared to $49 million sold abroad in 2008.
The country ranks third in Latin America in per capita consumption with 199 liters per year, according to the Chamber of National Milk Producers (NCPC in Spanish).
Luis Villegas, manager of the National Milk Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), said "We are operating in a globalized scenario in which the country must participate in the foreign market. We can not expect to continue to grow only within the Costa Rican market since consumption is very high and increasing production will not generate greater demand", reported Elfinancierocr.com
Guatemalan corn growers expect the harvest for the period 2011-2012 to be the best in the last 20 years.
The expected production for this crop, beginning in August 2011 and ending in January 2012, is 30 million quintals according to Jorge Gonzalez, manager of the Agricultural Cooperative Pipiltlán in Asuncion Mita, Jutiapa.
"The 10% increase in rain this year is expected to improve grain plantations.