Panama Investor Blog

Panama aims to become Regional Leader with the 8th "Expo-Logistica" Fair

Panama will have in October the eighth Logistics Expo fair "with the challenge to position this business logistics platform as the most important for excellence in the regional market" 

For the eighth consecutive year, the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP) and the National Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation (SENACYT), presented from 22 to 24 of October next Expo Logistics Panama.

Based on the experience of previous years, President of the Organizing Committee for Expo Logistics Panama 2014, Adolfo Noriega said that by July the show is sold by 80% and promises to be a 20% larger if compared to 2013.

This year, the participation of a large number of national and international companies in the area of ​​technology exhibitors, software, temporary agents, airlines, cargo and equipment logistics management companies, and others are expected.

In addition, the exhibition is aimed at users of logistics, which are virtually all companies; for example, importers, supermarkets and department stores; said a statement from the CCIAP.

Noriega said another of the expectations are, more buyers, more business contacts and increase the number of visitors that occur year after year - appointment on the main logistics fair in Panama, which has positioned itself as one of the three most important in the region.

For his part, President of the CCIAP, José Luis Ford, said that since 2007, together with the SENACYT develop this fair to support the national strategy of the logistics industry, "thus contributing to unleashing the potential of this sector, which contributes about 20% of the national gross domestic product. "

The fair will feature a showroom of about 254 modules, which will host the Convention Center Atlapa national and international exhibitors with products and services oriented to the area of ​​logistics and multimodal transport from Argentina, Colombia services, Costa Rica, Ecuador, United States, Spain, Mexico, Peru, Taiwan, Uruguay and Panama, among others.

One of the main attractions of this fair is that it is focused on training and refresher courses for professionals in the logistics sector and multimodal transport.

This year the fair will feature a lecture and a workshop organized jointly with the Development Bank of Latin America-CAF, at the Atlapa Convention Center which will be held on 23 and 24th of October at the Forum Theatre.

In the mentioned cycle there will be about 20 exhibitors from Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, the U.S., France, Mexico, Switzerland and Panama that will present the latest trends in logistics. Exhibitors from the likes of Felipe Manchon, president of the Spanish consultancy Strategy Planning Implementation Management (SPIM SL) and Rafael Farromeque, Senior Logistics Specialist CAF, address issues on the profile of Latin America Logistics and Competitive Priority Projects and Logistics Systems in Latin America, respectively.

Similarly, issues such as the challenges and proposal for a World Class Logistics in Latin America, business logistics competitiveness, logistics talent for the development of the "Hub" in Panama, advances in the Latin American Development logistics system and logistics parks will be discussed, among others.

In this edition conducting a Micro Business Roundtable, to be held on October 23 at the Portobelo Hall Convention Center Atlapa be incorporated.

This Micro Business Roundtable, is dating 30 pre-programmed, where business managers from different areas of the logistics industry can meet your needs for imports, exports, transportation, warehousing, customs services, technology, inventory management minutes and shipping, among others.

This year's exhibition is sponsored by DHL Global Forwarding, Copa Airlines, CAF Development Bank of Latin America and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Panama.

 

 

The Legacy of Sam Taliaferro - by: The Global Observer 18/02/2011

One of my earliest influences in moving to Panama over 6 years ago passed away much too soon yesterday morning. Sam Taliaferro, probably the most renown American developer and entrepreneur in Panama has lost his two year battle with cancer.

I only met Sam briefly a couple of times in my early years in Panama, but having observed his community in the mountains of Boquete, Chiriqui, Panama and reading his blogs these past years has helped me immensely in measuring my expectations of living and investing in Panama. We cross linked our blogs and exchanged occasional messages and references. I hope his family will leave his blog up for a long time as a reference point for new people interested in understanding what it means to live "offshore"...and in Panama specifically. Perhaps someone can even pick up where Sam left off...though those would be hard shoes to fill.

Like me, Sam was tremendously influenced by the philosophy of "objectivism" as revealed in the writings of Ayn Rand. He was a productive and "freedom loving" man who lived and breathed as he believed. Strong, resourceful, influential and ever optimistic are just a few of the adjectives I observed in him and his writings...even from a distance.

I can only hope to carry forward the truth along with others of Sam's message and "CAN DO" spirit in life. The "instructions" of Sam's example to me were:

Think positive, but be realistic. While Sam loved Panama and his creation of community in Boquete, he was also realistic about the challenges and "downsides" that living in a Latin third world country affords. He was not afraid to speak out about the problems and inconsistencies encountered here in government and culture.

Prosper but give back. It is impressive all that Sam accomplished in a relatively short life. While I'm sure he enjoyed the financial success, I didn't read him as "all about the money". I think he took more pride in "leadership" and helping others discover and act on profitable and productive living habits.

Sam demonstrated the power of promotion and positive energy. He understood and faced the challenges of living freely and without constraint in this complicated world...and he tirelessly promoted and accomplished his vision of providing an "oasis in the desert" from unbalanced taxation and government interference in man's pursuit of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness".

More than anything, Sam demonstrated the "power of one" to make a difference in this life. I don't know if he was a religious man or not, but he definitely believed in himself and his vision...and it appears he fought to the very end for that vision and the kind of world HE wanted to live in.

 
The final lesson as usual is that no matter how successful or rich we are, ones health is the greatest blessing one can have. None of us know what day or hour we may face life's final curtain. To that end, none of us should waste a day or an hour in pursuing that which we want to accomplish. I have a feeling Sam didn't waste much time nor suffer fools easily.

May we all be inspired by the legacy of Sam Taliaferro.

 

TownCenter Costa del Este - the new project of “Empresas Bern”

Empresas Bern unveiled its new exclusive project TownCenter Costa del Este, which has generated more than 800 direct jobs and 500 indirect jobs during construction.

This mall, which is located off the Old Street in the exclusive area of Costa del Este, offers 158 stores prestigious brands for the whole family. Also, be established as the ideal starting point for different activities meeting, as it will have a variety of restaurants, cinemas and entertainment areas that will contribute to the welfare and culture of the area.

TownCenter East Coast will have 22,000 m2 of office space and 6,000 m2 of offices, providing a unique environment and experience in Panama. The project began construction in the summer of 2014, with a projection for delivery in September 2017 .

Mr. Herman Bern of Empresas Bern, said that "The TownCenter will be the most important commercial, corporate, medical and cultural center of Costa del Este. With more than 2,500 parking spaces, more than 80,000 square meters of shops, restaurants, offices, theaters and doctors' offices, public areas and large covered outdoor auditoriums. "

Empresas Bern is a group of leading companies in the industry of residential, commercial and hospitality projects with over 130 built and delivered projects since its inception in 1978, offering innovative concepts that anticipate the needs and desires of demanding and exclusive corporations first order.  

 

Panama Property Market Boosted By Major Infrastructure Projects

Spurred by major government infrastructure projects , and by a continuing investment and tourism boom, residential property prices rose as much as 10% in 2013.

The Price of Modernization in Panama

Currently, Panama has approx – 420,000 indigenous – who live in protected areas.

These areas are approximately 30% of the total territory of Panama, where 12% of the population have their own rules, principles and values.

Here is a video about the construction site of Barro Blanco, a hydroelectric dam in the Chiriqui Province of Panama. The dam has been the subject of significant controversy for years, as the construction project threatens the local population of the Ngäbe-Buglé, an indigenous tribe of Panama. According the Ngäbe, the dam will displace thousands of local inhabitants and impacts thousands more who rely on the river for potable water and fishing.

 

There is a “conflict” in process – a conflict of basic human needs in Panama.

SHELTER - WATER – FOOD – ENERGY and SECURITY are areas in which Panama must improve and develop to become the supposed “dragon” of the Americas.

 The Price of modernization in Panama is the continuous threat towards biodiversity.

A possible “threat” in the future may be the population growth of the indigenous – permaculture and bio-technology must be taught to grow organic food - as it is a must if they wish to conserve their protected areas in a sustainable manner considering how fast they are growing.

BIZ FIT Panama 2014 - Brings Together Latin American Companies

Translation From LaPrensa PANAMA CITY.. About 120 Latin American companies will participate between October 21^st and 23^rd  in the sixth edition of this fair focused on innovation, technology and business BIZ FIT Panama, which seeks to position the Central American country as a center of innovative trade of the Americas.

 The meeting, to be held in the Convention Center Atlapa, in Panama City, will involve experts in decision-making and business leadership, specialists and suppliers of technology solutions for business.

The fair is organized by the Panamanian Chamber of Information Technology, Innovation and Telecommunications (CAPATEC), the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP) and the City of Knowledge.

The show organizers said in a statement that, so far it is confirmed the participation of companies and specialists from Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Peru. The CCIAP CAPATEC were combined to create the BIZ FIT Panama in order to promote the Central American country "as a destination for foreign investment in information, technology and communications," said José Luis Ford, president of the CCIAP.

"We are confident that the technology sector will be enhanced in the coming years because we have an enviable strategic position, which helps us to enhance the competitive development of this sector in other markets," said Ford.

 

He added that this exhibition seeks to offer exhibitors and visitors a variety of activities that promote the exchange of knowledge and the creation of contacts and business opportunities.

President of the Board of CAPATEC, Roberto Melo, said "This partnership is a unique opportunity to project the country as the hub for Innovation and Information Technology and Communications in which Panama has been developing. "

"BIZ FIT PANAMA 2014 gives us a new opportunity to highlight the many attributes of the country as an attractive location for investment, trade and distribution of technologies in the region," said Melo.

The President of the Organizing Committee BIZ FIT PANAMA 2014, Marco Salas said the contribution of "knowledge and technology and business trends and innovative practices for the entrepreneurs and business executives to incorporate them into their organizations with the aim of increasing productivity. "

The first Iberoamerican Innovation Forum will be held here - consisting of experts and leaders in the region to discuss and exchange knowledge for the development of Panama as "the hub of innovation in the Americas, the statement from the organizers.

 

 

 

MEF blames "World Economic Crisis" for $2.7 Billion loss in Panama Canal Operations between 2014 - 2019

The Ministry of Economy and Finance foresees a loss of approx. 2.7 Billion Dollars due to the World Economic Crisis and delay of the expansion between 2014 and 2019.

According to studies presented by the MEF last April in regards to the period between 2014 and 2019 the Panama Canal will represent approx 7,2 Billion Dollars income to the Nation – This is being compared to the what the Authority of the Panama Canal (ACP) in 2006 presented for the expansion of the canal saying it would represent approx 10 Billion Dollars for this same period.

According to the chronogram agreed in the construction and design contract of the third set of locks, the expansion should have started operations in October 2014, but because of delays it will be operative beginnings of 2016.

With this known, the government of Juan Carlos Varela will not be receiving $653.8 million which were planned to have for 2015 and another $765 millions less in 2016. Amounting to $1.4 Billion loss, because of the "World Economic Crisis" and delays of expansion detween 2015 and 2016. No more than $400 million loss each year between  2017 - 2019 expected. 

 

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Coffee - "The Best of Panama 2014" hits average price per pound $34.61

Chiriqui: Valley of the Moon is where the best coffee of Panama is produced, thanks to its biodiversity and fertile earth located at the skirts of the Volcan Baru.

Panama Prensa –  A total of 46 batches of the best Panamanian coffee will be offered in the second electronic auction "the best of Panama" on August 26th with a base of $ 4 per pound price, confirmed today the Specialty Coffee Association of Panama.

The Association noted that the contest for the batches obtained XVIII last international coffee cupping Panama over 85 points corresponding to 14 lots of washes Geishas, ​​Geishas Natural 7, 7 and 18 Traditional Traditional Natural Washed be included.

 

The traditional coffee varieties include Bourbon, Typica, Pacamara, Caturra and Catuai added the Association.

Plinio Ruiz, President of the Association, explained that this second auction this year is to expand the sales channel, using the electronic auction to the future Panama place all production of specialty coffee processing in demanding international markets.

"The Best of Panama 2014" achieved the best average price of $ 34.61 per pound and producers are now ready for a second auction where they hope to get very good prices.

This week the second electronic auction aimed and international buyers have begun to compete for enrollment each batch of coffee for auction.

Want to invest in coffee? Let us know, and we will help you find available land for the production of high quality products.

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More companies bail on U.S. for lower taxes... How about Panama?

In the past 10 years, 47 companies have relocated overseas for lower tax rates. That compares to only 29 in the previous 20 years.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

More companies than ever are abandoning the U.S. for nations with lower taxes.

A new analysis found 47 companies have relocated to home bases overseas to take advantage of lower rates in the past 10 years through a merger process known as inversion.

To qualify for the lower taxes, a company must do more than simply set up shop overseas and change its address. It must first merge with a company in the lower-tax country and then either do at least a quarter of its business overseas or give the owners of the foreign company at least one-fifth ownership of the newly merged company.

Only 29 companies used the inversion process during the previous two decades, according to the Congressional Research Service analysis.

Lawmakers and regulators have tightened the requirements over the years after high-profile companies like Fruit of the Loom, Seagate and Tyco shifted some or all of their business to places like the Cayman Islands and Bermuda.

Inversion can yield significant tax savings. One of the most recent deals, for example, shifts medical device giant Medtronic (MDT) from Minneapolis to Ireland, where it acquired rival Covidien. Ireland's corporate tax rate of 12.5% is significantly lower than the top U.S. rate of 35%. Pfizer (PFE) recently pursued a similar deal with its British pharmaceutical rival AstraZeneca (AZN). 

Let us know if you are Interested in Panama!

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Is Panama experiencing a commericial property bubble?

How can Americans be united if so many have no Investment in its Success?

After an exhaustive new Pew Research poll , an alarming 44% of the respondents say they often didn’t  feel proud to be American. Only 28% still believe that the US is the greatest nation on earth.

How can Americans be united if so many have no investment in its success?

Citing Gibbon’s Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire “The average age of the world’s great civilizations has been 200 years.” – This year the United States celebrates its 238th year of independence.

Part of any solution is to identify and reassert those things in our history that produced what was at one time the most prosperous and freest nation on earth. (Talking about the united States – not Panama)

Going down to Central America - Panama has the ability to become completely independent and free, if the proper message of urgency is transmitted to those who have the power and creativity to create productive projects that sustain economic growth and basic human needs locally produced if possible – until we are able to tap into more “futuristic” sources of energy we must invest in the latest technology available to produce high quality food available and access to drinking water for everyone.

We can right the wrong turns. We can raise up new leaders who understand our history and the meaning of freedom and liberty, those that will exalt the principles of the Declaration of 1776.

 Panama will be the most advanced country in Central America when it comes to self-sustainability through science and technology.

Putting the Panamanian basic human needs as a high priority in governmental plans is what will differentiate the country that unites not only both oceans, but also unites the North and South hemispheres of America together – making Panama the hub for many human interests.

Organic Food production – Water safety – clean energy – and GREAT infrastructure = is what Panama will be ALL ABOUT these next few years.