Year In Review

What A Year

Still in damage-control mode following the Panama Papers and Waked scandals, and wondering how the growing reality of trade protectionism could play out, Panama's government is keen to remind the world of its status as a reliable gateway to the Americas.

Review

A Huge Foot in Both Worlds

Although Panama's place in the sun is all but guaranteed by the extension of the canal, the isthmus nation will still have to toe a fine line in assuaging the world over the transparency of its financial dealings.Happily, it seems to be making significant progress.

Inside Perspective

HE Juan Carlos Varela, President , Panama

HE Juan Carlos Varela, President of Panama, on the country's commitment to fighting graft, working with the international community, and the tangible results of anti-corruption measures.

Interview

Saint Malo de Alvarado, Vice President, Republic and Minister of Foreign Affairs

TBY talks to Isabel de Saint Malo de Alvarado, Vice President of the Republic and Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the historic significance of the Summit of the Americas and initiatives to boost Panama's competitiveness.

Interview

HE Álvaro Alemán Healy, Minister, Presidency

TBY talks to HE Álvaro Alemán Healy, Minister of the Presidency, on smart diplomacy, hitting infrastructural targets, and increasing transparency.

Focus: UK investors in Panama

British Interests

Panama remains an attractive destination for UK investment, from pharmaceuticals to logistics.

Guest Speaker

The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister , Jamaica

TBY talks to The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, on the potential to boost cooperation between the Caribbean and South America, learning from the success story of the Panama Canal, and further areas of growth.

Review

Repairing the Brand

While some metrics give encouraging signs of future performance, Panama is recoiling from the turmoil of leaked endemic irregularity that has overshadowed its pluses, and sparked public outcry on its streets.

Interview

Alcibíades Vásquez Velásquez, Minister, Social Development (MIDES)

TBY talks to Alcibíades Vásquez Velásquez, Minister of Social Development (MIDES), on ambitious welfare programs, eradicating illiteracy, and crafting development policies with socio-cultural needs in mind.

Interview

Miguel Ángel Esbrí, National Secretary, Competitiveness & Logistics Secretariat

TBY talks to Miguel Ángel Esbrí, National Secretary of the Competitiveness & Logistics Secretariat, on becoming the best place to do business in Latin America, growing GDP by 50%, and boosting Panama's nascent tech sector.

Interview

Alberto A. Alemán A., Director, PROINVEX

TBY talks to Alberto A. Alemán A., Director of PROINVEX, on the transformation from services to innovation, meeting the needs of an evolving global economy, and honing what makes Panama tick as a unique part of the global commercial food chain.

Interview

Jorge García Icaza, President of the Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture , Panama

TBY talks to Jorge García Icaza, President of the Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture of Panama, on eliminating bureaucracy, boosting trans-continental and value-adding shipping, and smartening the public sector.

Interview

Samantha Whay, Chairman, British Chamber of Commerce in Panama

TBY talks to Samantha Whay, Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce in Panama, on building viable transnational networks and improving labor regulations to everyone's benefit.

Interview

Massimo Zannier, President , COINLA

TBY talks to Massimo Zannier, President of COINLA, on the ideal conditions for a free trade zone, harnessing Panama's comparative advantages, and maximizing its exposure to the Pacific.

Focus: ORANGE ECONOMY

Knowledge and Power

Given the growing importance of the knowledge and information sectors, new proposals, regulations, and activities are being promoted to provide a boost to the Panamanian orange economy.

Column

Gina Montiel, General Manager, BID

TBY talks to Gina Montiel, General Manager, BID, on the sector.

Forum

Women in Power

Women have made major ceremonial and individual gains in Panamanian life, but progress must be much more deep-seated for the country to do all its citizens justice.

Interview

Hamad Buamim, CEO & President, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry

TBY talks to Hamad Buamim, CEO & President of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on the chamber's most recent trip to Latin America and room for growth between Panama and Dubai.

Forum

Why Panama?

Though transparency remains an issue for maximizing Panama's potential as a world-class business, finance, commercial, and transport hub, most indicators are pointing in the right direction.

Review

Renewed & Improved

Panama's government incentivizes and awards green initiatives, pursuing a policy that protects the environment and promotes sustainable economic growth.

Interview

Roberto Forte Taylor, Director, Panama Green Building Council (PGBC)

TBY talks to Roberto Forte Taylor, Director of the Panama Green Building Council (PGBC), on how to multiply green construction projects, developing a comprehensive eco-protocol, and how to bring a new green Panama into existence.

Focus: SUSTAINABILITY

Thinking of the future

Sustainability is a buzz word to many, but in Panama it is taken very seriously, with both the public and private sectors leading the charge as a number of initiatives and programs have been set up to promote green living.

Interview

Teresa Moll de Alba de Alfaro, Executive Director, Sumarse

TBY talks to Teresa Moll de Alba de Alfaro, Executive Director of Sumarse, on the importance of good governance, aligning business practices with values, and how to achieve sustainable development goals.

Forum

Green Energy

The government is playing a critical—and necessary—role in crafting smart policies and incentive-driving regulations to ensure that renewable energy resources become a far more dominant player in Panama.

B2B

Water

Though an uphill battle to make sustainability as important as profit, the long, hard fight has already begun in the water-treatment industry.

B2B

Renewables

Despite being a transport hub surrounded by carbon-rich economies, Panamanian firms are beginning to embrace renewables in a way that is good for business and the environment alike.

Interview

Pierluigi Borgogna, Director, Thesan

TBY talks to Pierluigi Borgogna, Director of Thesan, on maximizing the entire value chain, why Panama is a long-term commitment, and how to bring 24/7 renewable energy to the whole country.

Review: Banking

Where the Market is King

Panama's regimented banks continue to play a vital role in credit intermediation between savers and investors. Meanwhile, going forward, more equitable banking penetration could spur the growth of local SMEs.

Interview

Dulcidio de la Guardia, Minister, Economy and Finance

TBY talks to Dulcidio de la Guardia, Minister of Economy and Finance, on increasing transparency, meeting the highest international standards, and supporting the government's commitment to accountability and citizen participation.

Forum

Banks

Panamanian banks must meet the competing demands of remaining nimble, expansive, and in tune with the era's greater calls for transparency.

Focus: Transparency

Clear as glass

Panama has committed itself to adopting globally accepted standards and renewing its image as a safe and transparent financial hub.

Interview

Ariel E. Barnett V, General Manager, PMS Panamerican Merchants Services

TBY talks to Ariel E. Barnett V., General Manager of PMS Panamerican Merchants Services, on e-commerce, new projects, and possible areas of expansion.

B2B

Payment Solutions

Innovative payment solutions are catching on quickly in Panama, and companies are successfully reaching more and more of the population.

Review: Capital Markets

Trading on Transparency

The BVP is the flagship of Panama's capital markets, which have themselves arisen with the rigors of regulation from the nation's unenviable past.

Interview

Olga Cantillo, Vice President & General Manager, Bolsa de Valores de Panamá (BVP)

TBY talks to Olga Cantillo, Vice President & General Manager of Bolsa de Valores de Panamá (BVP), on trends in the sector, improving transparency in the country, and promoting synergies.

B2B

Solutions for Investors

Panama is becoming a hub for investment in the region, and these companies are ahead of the game.

B2B

Insurance

While the country is used to high rates of growth in the insurance market, recent slowdowns in growth mean companies are getting creative.

Review: Insurance

At a Premium

This year auto insurance was again the largest insurance line of the industry, with total premiums rising by 6.1% to USD283 million, representing 20% of the total industry.

Review

Running on Renewables

As Panama seeks to transform its energy matrix, renewables are becoming an ever greater piece of the puzzle, allowing the country to become a leader in clean energy in Central America.

Column

Miguel Bolinaga, President , AES Panama

TBY talks to Miguel Bolinaga, President, AES Panama, on the sector.

Interview

Victor Carlos Urrutia, Secretary of the National Secretariat , Energy

TBY talks to Victor Carlos Urrutia, Secretary of the National Secretariat of Energy, on the country's long-term energy plan, investment, and promoting renewables.

Focus: National Energy Plan

35 years ahead

The energy plan is an ambitious strategy to achieve energy savings, distribute generation plants equitably, and promote transparency and fair competition within the sector.

Column

Guillaume Bidan, President & CEO Central America and the Caribbean, General Electric

TBY talks to Guillaume Bidan President & CEO Central America and the Caribbean, General Electric, on the energy sector.

B2B

Best-Kept Secret

TBY talks to Nicanor Rivera, General Manager, Sucursal Panamá de ABB SA, and Blas González R., Cluster Manager Central America & Caribbean, ABB SA.

B2B

Solutions

With a competitive and centrally located market, Panama offers the greatest opportunities in the region for these companies.

Review: Industry

Strategic Realignment

Although Panama's economy is heavily dominated by services, with the share of service sectors accounting for about 80% of GDP, the country is finally taking concrete steps to diversify the economy.

Column

Juan Bulnes, President , APEX

TBY talks to Juan Bulnes, President, APEX, on the sector.

Focus: INDUSTRIAL AND LOGISTICS PARKS

Industrial Strength

To manage the increase in cargo passing through the expanded canal, Panama has to boost its logistic performance with more warehouses, solutions, and industrial parks.

Vox Populi

Panama as a regional hub

It is not just Panama's ideal location that is making the country a regional hub—its resources and human capital are attracting a variety of companies.

B2B

Cement

With a construction sector that shows no sign of slowing down, Panama offers a prime market for cement manufactures.

Review: Mining

Have a Dig

Panama's mining sector has traditionally not had the economic impact that its shipping, banking, and tourism industries have had, but that may be beginning to change.

Interview

Todd Clewett, Country Manager, First Quantum Minerals

TBY talks to Todd Clewett, Country Manager of First Quantum Minerals, on the impact of the company's new mine, infrastructure requirements, and becoming a mining center of excellence.

Column

Iván Saldaña Varela, General Manager, Cervecerías Baru Panama-Heineken

TBY talks to Iván Saldaña Varela General Manager, Cervecerías Baru Panama-Heineken on the sector.

Interview

Michael A. Morales, President , Sindicato de Industriales de Panamá (SIP)

TBY talks to Michael A. Morales, President of Sindicato de Industriales de Panamá (SIP), on opportunities in logistics, the association's key objectives, and upcoming priorities.

Review

Connecting the Future

As Panama's economy continues to expand at an impressive rate, IT and telecoms are a major driver of growth, sparking innovation and activity across the country.

Interview

Dr. Jorge A. Motta, National Secretary of Science, Technology and Innovation, SENACYT

TBY talks to Dr. Jorge A. Motta, National Secretary of Science, Technology and Innovation, and Victor Sanchez Urrutia, Director of Business Innovation at SENACYT.

Interview

Eli Faskha, General Manager, Soluciones Seguras & President of the Panamanian Chamber of Technology (CAPATEC)

TBY talks to Eli Faskha, General Manager of Soluciones Seguras & President of the Panamanian Chamber of Technology (CAPATEC), on his strategy to expand regionally and areas of opportunity.

Interview

Peter A. Diaz , CEO, Maxia LatAm

TBY talks to Peter A. Diaz A., CEO, and Adriano Del Valle D., COO, of Maxia LatAm.

Focus: Panama Digital Hub

Center of Innovation

Panama has taken concrete steps to strengthen and boost its ICT sector, cementing its reputation as being a hub in more ways than one.

Forum

IT

Though Panama is a regional leader in IT, there are segments and regions throughout the country that remain undeveloped or have yet to be penetrated.

Interview

Elsa De Sucre, General Manager, Canon Panama

TBY talks to Elsa De Sucre, General Manager of Canon Panama, on milestones, the printer business, and e-commerce.

B2B

Connectivity

With great competition within the market, companies have identified their strengths and know how to find real opportunities.

Review: Transport

Even Flow

A recent expansion to the Panama Canal should allow it to remain a central part of the global shipping industry, and Panama's government is investing heavily in the supporting infrastructure needed to keep logistical chains flowing smoothly.

Column

Jean-Michel Morvan, Project Director, Panama Metro-Alstom Transport

TBY talks to Jean-Michel Morvan, Project Director, Panama Metro-Alstom Transport on the sector.

Interview

Roberto Roy, Minister, Canal Affairs and Metro

TBY talks to Roberto Roy, Minister of Canal Affairs and Metro, on the different phases of the project, encouraging the use of public transport, and the effect of the Tocumen Airport expansion.

Focus: PANAMA METRO

High-speed Expansion

To keep up with growing ridership figures, concurrent new metro lines are being constructed in Panama City and beyond.

Interview

Hugo H. Guiraud V, President , MAPIEX

TBY talks to Hugo H. Guiraud V., President of MAPIEX, on its VIP services, ensuring international safety standards, and growing its operations.

B2B

Transport Apps

Providing better alternatives for companies and consumers, dedicated apps promise to revolutionize services moving forward.

Interview

Luis Garuz Berenguer, Business Development Manager, Quality Freight Corp.

TBY talks to Luis Garuz Berenguer, Business Development Manager of Quality Freight Corp., on the benefits of being based in Costa del Este, the impact of the expanded canal, and the company's competitive advantages.

Forum

Logistics

With a saturated logistics market in Panama, companies are pulling out all the stops to stay ahead.

Review: Maritime

Sea Sure

Panama's port infrastructure has long been a strength, and new investment aimed at increasing efficiency through technological innovation should reap long-term rewards.

Column

Rommel Troetsch, President , Cámara Marítima de Panamá

TBY talks to Rommel Troetsch, President, Cámara Marítima de Panamá, on the sector.

Interview

Jorge Barakat Pitty, Minister, Maritime Affairs of the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP)

TBY talks to Jorge Barakat Pitty, Minister of Maritime Affairs of the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), on facilitating maritime trade in the country, the importance of developing human resources, and its collaboration with the Port of Hamburg.

Interview

Miguel A. Lohse Muñoz, Operations Manager , Intercoastal Marine Inc. (IMI)

TBY talks to Miguel A. Lohse Muñoz, Operations Manager of Intercoastal Marine Inc. (IMI), on the new development opportunities in the country, developing business in the energy segment, and regional growth potential.

Interview

Paul Wallace, Executive President , Panama Ports Company (PPC), Hutchinson Ports

TBY talks to Paul Wallace, Executive President of Panama Ports Company (PPC), Hutchinson Ports, on the consequences of canal expansion, adding value in logistics, and future priorities for the company.

Interview

Juan Carlos Croston, Vice President Marketing & Corporate Affairs , Manzanillo International Terminal-Panama (MIT-Panama)

TBY talks to Juan Carlos Croston, Vice President Marketing & Corporate Affairs of Manzanillo International Terminal-Panama (MIT-Panama), on creating capacity when volumes are down, its CSR initiatives in Colón, and future goals.

Vox Populi

Nordic Players

Panama has plenty to offer global companies in terms of opportunities, a skilled workforce, and wide reach.

Review: Construction

Beyond the Horizon

Panama's developers and contractors continue to lead the economy, contributing to nearly one-third of the nation's GDP. Now is the time for smoother regulations and innovative design.

Column

Leo van Druenen, Area Director Americas, BAM International

TBY talks to Leo van Druenen, Area Director Americas, BAM International, on the sector.

Interview

Mario Etchelecu, Minister, Housing

TBY talks to Mario Etchelecu, Minister of Housing, on its myriad responsibilities in real estate development, upcoming projects, and its targets for the year.

Interview

José Ramón Icaza, General Manager, MAR AZUL

TBY talks to José Ramón Icaza, General Manager of MAR AZUL, on his perspectives of the real estate market, staying ahead of the competition, and areas of opportunity.

Focus: The New Causeway

Vital Link

With a fresh makeover and upcoming projects in the area, the new Amador Causeway is a key part of Panama's maritime development strategy.

B2B

Architects

Architectural firms have an opportunity today to touch thousands of lives with their projects in Panama City.

Interview

Luisa E. Montiel de Cuadros, Managing Partner, Spatium Group

TBY talks to Luisa E. Montiel de Cuadros, Managing Partner of Spatium Group, on its regional expansion plans, maintaining a leading position in the market, and upcoming opportunities.

Forum

Developers

With a rapidly changing market and stiff competition, developers have had to adjust to market demands and focus on their core strengths.

Review: Health

The Key is Patients

Healthcare spending in both the public and private arenas had increased as the population grows and more expatriates choose Panama as a place to retire.

Column

Vilma Moreno de Arias, Executive Director, Centro Médico Paitilla (CMP)

TBY talks to Vilma Moreno de Arias, Executive Director, Centro Médico Paitilla (CMP), on the sector.

Column

Monica Shaw, Cluster Head - Panama, Honduras, South Caribbean, GSK

TBY talks to Monica Shaw, Cluster Head - Panama, Honduras, South Caribbean, GSK, on the sector.

Interview

Lizbeth Campillo H., President , CONALAC

TBY talks to Lizbeth Campillo H., President of CONALAC, on the importance of investing in training a new generation of staff who can help the population take better care of themselves.

Interview

Wendy Berrío, General Manager, Centro Médico del Caribe

TBY talks to Wendy Berrío, General Manager of Centro Médico del Caribe, on the healthcare needs and how the private sector is investing to put itself ahead of the pack.

Interview

Stefan Bellinghausen, Regional Director, LATAM at Acino

TBY talks to Stefan Bellinghausen, Regional Director LATAM at Acino, on the range of opportunities for those wanting to take advantage of the logistical as well as those wanting to enter the local market.

Focus: PHARMACEUTICAL MARKET IN PANAMA

Better living through chemistry

Panama has emerged as a strategic hub for pharmaceutical companies to expand and consolidate their operations in Central America, with greater investments in infrastructure and R&D in the works.

Review: Education

Progress Report

Panama's education sector is prepped for massive improvements in 2017, with government initiatives and private-sector customization raising local standards to an international level.

Interview

Marcela Paredes de Vásquez, Minister, Education

TBY talks to Marcela Paredes de Vásquez, Minister of Education, on the importance of monitoring and benchmarking the education sector, language exchange partnerships, and creating a new generation of Panamanians qualified to power growth.

Forum

Universities

Panamanian universities are determined to raise standards across the board.

Focus: ITSE

Technical Advancement

Panama's first technical and professional schools will be pivotal to the development of soft skills to address the talent shortage in key sectors.

B2B

English Schools

Education comes in many models, but these outward looking English institutions offer the benefit of a more internationally recognized platform that is attracting students.

Forum

Research & Development

Many sectors are in need of more research, which is where these institutions are working hard to provide the private sector with all the information it needs.

Review

MICE City

Panama is synonymous with its tourism industry, and growth projections for the coming years suggest the sector is set to contribute more to GDP.

Interview

Jennifer Champsaur,, Deputy Director , Tourism Authority of Panama (ATP)

TBY talks to Jennifer Champsaur, Deputy Director of the Tourism Authority of Panama (ATP), on the importance of MICE tourism, opportunities within niche sectors, and the expansion of infrastructure to support further growth.

Focus: MICE Tourism

Meet Me in Panama

With the opening of Amador Convention Center, along with several new marketing initiatives, Panama seeks to be the leading meetings and conventions destination in the Americas.

Column

Javier Montilla Q., Managing Director, CONGREX PANAMA

TBY talks to Javier Montilla Q., Managing Director, CONGREX PANAMA, on the sector.

Photo Essay: Las Perlas Archipelago

Island Paradises

No longer just for the rich and famous, the Pearl Islands off the coast of Panama City are renowned for their clear waters and pristine beaches.

Forum

Retail

The customer is not only always right, but they are diverse, with a wide range of needs and demands that these retailers are keen to cater to.

Review: DOING BUSINESS

BUSINESS AS USUAL

After establishing itself as a key hub for business and investment, Panama is laying the groundwork for greater growth with the expansion of the Panama Canal.

Review: Legal

ALL THE DETAILS

Alvaro Aguilar-Alfu of Lombardi Aguilar Group runs down all the main legal issues to consider when looking to invest in Panama.

Interview

Alvaro J. Aguilar-Alfu, Partner, Lombardi Aguilar Group

TBY talks to Alvaro J. Aguilar-Alfu, Partner at Lombardi Aguilar Group, on the growing demand for legal advice from international players coming from around the globe to Panama.