Panama: After Houses Come Shopping MallsTuesday, August 30, 2016 The number of square meters of shopping centers and malls under construction amounts to 538,000, most of which is concentrated in the east of the capital and surrounding areas. Restaurants, pharmacies, supermarkets, banks and other premises predominate in the shopping centers and malls that are being built mainly on the outskirts of the city, where the supply of residential property is increasing, leading to a need for complementary commercial services. Alternative Energy Growing in PanamaTuesday, September 20, 2016 5MW of capacity is the new total of the joint generation of the 86 solar projects that are registered with the National Secretariat of Energy. Tax incentives included in Law 37 of 2013 and Law 38, as amended this year, are encouraging the development of renewable energy projects such as solar or wind plants in different areas in Panama. Teatime in PanamaMonday, January 12, 2015 Keeping pace with economic growth and growing consumer sophistication, Panamanians are developing a taste for tea, which is generating business opportunities. From January to July 2014, 218,000 kilos of tea were imported valued at more than $1 million. Of this total, fermented black tea was the most imported, followed by green tea. More than 65 varieties on offer in this emerging market in Panama were imported from China, Sri Lanka, India, Japan and South Africa. New Flight Caracas - Panama CityWednesday, January 28, 2015 An announcement has been made that the Venezuelan airline Conviasa will be operating a new route between the two cities every day except Saturdays, starting from February 5. The Venezuelan Consortium Aircraft Industries and Air Services (Conviasa) unveiled its new air frequency to Panama, which will operate every day except Saturdays, departing from Caracas in the morning and arriving at Panama around 9:30 am Panama: Prices and Financing for Cosmetic SurgeryWednesday, March 4, 2015 While in Colombia the average price of a rhinoplasty is $2100 in Panama and Costa Rica the average price is $3000. For patients in Canada and the United States undergoing this type of surgery, Panama represents up to 30% savings, but its competitors Colombia and Costa Rica offer up to 60% savings in the costs of these cosmetic procedures. But the local market is not far behind as increased demand has also been reported, especially in liposuction, breast implants, buttock implants and surgical rejuvenation. 2015 Business Mecca: Panama OesteTuesday, March 10, 2015 Banks, supermarkets, shopping centers and residential development projects characterize the growth of a province with half a million consumers. There are approximately 500,000 inhabitants who are demanding more services, especially in areas such as health, restaurants, shops and banks, which although present in the province need to be expanded on in order to meet consumer needs which are growing fast in Panama Oeste. Panama: Construction Sector vs. BureaucracyTuesday, March 17, 2015 The most dynamic sector of the Panamanian economy is hamstrung by bureaucrats: before starting the construction of a dwelling, 95 procedures must be carried out in 19 state institutions. Industry representatives argue that the procedures for approval of plans and building permits are slow and cumbersome, because some state institutions still perform these processes manually without digital tools to streamline them. Panama: Market for 10,000 New HomesTuesday, March 17, 2015 The areas where most of the developments planned by the National Housing Promoters are located are Panama City, San Miguelito, Arraiján and La Chorrera. The investment is around $1 billion for the construction of about 9,607 houses and apartments in different price ranges, ranging from $30,000 to $50,000. In 2014 7.721 homes were sold for a total of $827 million. Panama: Modernized Tourism Plan UrgedWednesday, February 11, 2015 In order to achieve maximum growth potential and position themselves as a major destination in the region, it is imperative to update the Master Plan for Tourism, developed in 2007. In the view of tourism enterprises, some of the factors that need to be strengthened are related to the creation of a plan to boost tourism products, work with indigenous regions to boost tourism in these areas, update sector priorities and above all to create the concept of clusters, "... conglomerates which form a more integrated tourist circuit." Consumption in Central America: Some Rise and Others FallWednesday, March 25, 2015 In 2014 the volume of household consumption increased by 16% in Nicaragua, 7% in El Salvador, 5% in Panama and 6% in Guatemala, while in Costa Rica and Honduras it fell by 1% and 5%, respectively. Panama stands out because of the rapid growth of its economy in recent years, which is currently visible in the consumption of its inhabitants, which in 2014 grew by 5% in turnover. Cable TV Market in PanamaTuesday, January 13, 2015 More choice and diversity in programming characterize a market where, of the 15 licenses granted, eight are in operation three are 'Preparing for Entry' and four have stopped operating. According to statistics from the National Institute of Statistics and Census of the Comptroller General of the Republic, there are currently 919,000 TV users, of which 46% watch cable TV, ie there are 423,000 households with cable TV service. Panama: Construction Choked by Red TapeTuesday, July 7, 2015 The 60 steps needed to start a project and the slow pace of approvals is exasperating the sector, which fears a decline in foreign investment if the situation does not change. According to entrepreneurs, reviewing and approving a building plan takes six institutions between five and nine months, while approving an environmental impact study can take up to twelve months. More Agricultural Loans in PanamaTuesday, June 30, 2015 Despite the decline in the sector, the balance of agricultural loans is growing and April 2015 amounted to $1,448 million, with BNP, Global Bank and Multibank granting the most loans. Figures for April 2015 show that the National Bank of Panama (BNP) has a balance of agricultural loans of $445 million, Global Bank with $300 million, Multibank with $162 million and Banistmo $110 . Panama: Insurance Policies for Agriculture Are Not ProfitableTuesday, May 19, 2015 Producers are complaining about a lack of adequate policies for the industry, but since it is an insurance category that requires a large volume of production in order to be profitable, insurers do not see the business as very attractive. In the view of entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector, the State, through the Agricultural Insurance Institute (ISA), should take on the role of insurer for the sector's activities, replacing private companies, which do not see any attraction in the business of issuing such specialized policies as those required in agriculture. Extraordinary Capital Gains in Casco AntiguoTuesday, April 12, 2016 The value per square meter in the Panamanian colonial settlement has almost doubled in the last 10 years. The restoration of the 'Casco Antiguo' (Old Town) of Panama, which has received investment and economic boom in the city has made property prices soar. According to a report published by Martesfinanciero.com, there are about 900 buildings and houses in the area. |
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