News
Whales on the cover of the new “Focus on Panama”
A new edition of the Focus on Panama guidebook is currently being distributed at tourist locations throughout the country. Look for your free copy today – Focus is Panama’s highest circulation publication, with between 80,000 and 100,000 copies in English and Spanish.
On the cover, a striking photograph courtesy of the MarViva Foundation shows a humpback whale jumping in Panama Bay. The cover story, “Whales, watching them in Panama” informs readers on the yearly convergence of whales from both the northern and southern hemispheres in Panama’s Pacific, where they mate and breed. There is also information on how to get involved in the conservation of these giants of the deep and how to be part of a whale watching trip.
Focus on Panama is a bi-annual publication now in its 36th year dedicated to promoting tourism and investment in Panama. This new edition contains lots of new material: a special section dedicated to the hot new surfing destination Santa Catalina, a report on a luxurious Boquete health spa and information on the return of Hilton Hotels to Panama fill out the new guidebook.
Staple sections on restaurants, real estate and tourism activities in each of the provinces are there continuing to fulfill Focus on Panama’s mission to orient tourists in Panama, all in one easy to find and easy to read guidebook.
Interested in promoting your real estate project?
The Visitor newspaper will be going abroad to 15 countries in nine upcoming weekly editions in the coming months. Themes such as investment, real estate, hotels, tourism and health in the newspper make this an exceptional opportunity to promote properties and development projects around the globe. A special discounted international advertising package is available.
Come to CAPAC Expo Habitat and talk with a representative of Focus Publications at stand #874 for details through September 19 or call 225-6638.
Metromall and Multiplaza
Shopping Guide in The Visitor
It is our pleasure to announce that we have joined forces with Grupo Roble, builders and administrators of Multiplaza Pacific Mall and Metromall in Panama City, to bring you a new section in The Visitor. Beginning next week, look for all the latest in fashion, trends and special shopping offers in the Panama Shopping Guide, every week in The Visitor!
Now into perspective: the transport hub of the Americas
Focus Publications releases the first logistics sector publication
A new annual directory and yearbook, important for cargo and shipping in Panama, has just been published by Focus Publications (Int.), S.A, the parent company of The Visitor. It is called “Hub Logístico” and is the first publication in Panama to put the growing logistics sector into perspective as a vital industry on the way to making Panama the transportation hub for the American continent.
Mr. Israel Arguedas, Administrative Editor of the new publication said: “Having identified the need for this publication we investigated the sector and found that it is even bigger than we initially supposed.”
“Hub Logístico” offers a ready reference to owners and managers of businesses, all of whom constantly use logistic services. It is patterned to some extent on the Focus group’s successful catalogue/directory “FOB Zona Libre de Colón” with the vital difference that “FOB” is directed to foreign buyers, especially those visiting Panama, whereas the “Hub Logístico” user and readership base is threefold.
Firstly it will be distributed to businesses large and small throughout Panama City and the provinces. They will have a reference to services of the logistics industry and the companies that provide them.
Secondly it will provide a forum for the logistics sector which is a large and vital part of the service economy which makes Panama prosperous. Consequently the editorial content contains reviews and reports on many of the interesting aspects of the logistics “platform”. It includes news of international repercussions of the expansion of the Panama Canal and a look at other logistics centers such as Dubai and Suez. There is a comprehensive glossary of terms which reads almost like a graduate course in the cargo handling business.
Thirdly, the copies which are distributed abroad or which find their way to foreign destinations via visitors who receive a copy in hotel business centers or from Panamanian contacts or associates, will promote Panama and its logistic hub.
A number of key personalities in the logistics field sent enthusiastic endorsements for the new publication including Ing. Leopoldo Benedetti, General Manager of the Colón Free Zone; Roberto Linares Tribaldos, Administrator of the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP); Fernando Arango Morrice, President of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Panama; Yadira Almengor, President of the Panama Cargo Agents Association (APAC); Donald Elder, President of the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM); and Gilberto Araúz Valdéz, President of the National Union of Customs Brokers (UNCAP).
In his endorsement, Ing. Leopoldo Benedetti said: “For over three decades, Focus Publications (Int.), S.A. has been involved in promoting the Colón Free Zone with its annual catalogue and directory “FOB Zona Libre de Colón”, a publication that the Administration has always distributed and used. This new directory “Hub Logístico” is a magazine directory with useful, appropriate and accurate information which all managers of businesses will want to keep close to hand.”
New U.S. Ambassador Phyllis Powers arrives eager to get to work and get to know Panama
New U.S. Ambassador Phyllis Powers made a short address upon arriving at Tocumen International Airport on Monday.
Last Monday, the new U.S. Ambassador to Panama, Phyllis M. Powers, arrived at Tocumen International Airport to a warm welcome from her embassy, the diplomatic community and the media. She made a brief statement in which she expressed her honor in serving as ambassador in Panama, a country with such a long and rich history with the United States.
Ambassador Powers said she was “anxious to get begin working together with authorities, the private sector, civil society and the media.” She is also looking forward to getting to know Panama, its people and its culture and told the media that her friends and family are already making plans to visit and see Panama with her.
Powers is a foreign service career woman with rank of Minister Counselor. Prior to being appointed as Ambassador to Panama, she served as the Director of the Office of Provincial Affairs in Baghdad, Iraq. Before Iraq, she served in Latin America, in Peru from 2005 to 2007 as Chief Joint Staff of Mission in Lima as well as Director of Narcotics Affairs responsible for Plan Colombia in 2005. She is from Utica, New York and entered the foreign service in 1978.
“I visited Panama briefly in 2003 and I cannot wait to see the changes that I have heard so much about; just as much the surprising development in the capital city as well as the positive changes throughout the country,” Powers said at the airport.
Proposed anti “gay bashing” law heads to Assembly
The new proposed Law Number 50, which suggests a strong penalty for those who would offend or use aggression against homosexuals and lesbians, has people talking. The fine of $5,000 or jail time of up to one year has been proposed to punish those who partake in what many first world nations have defined as “gay bashing” has brought the subject of discrimination based on sexual preference to the forefront of debates at many levels of society.
Clinical psychologist Geraldine Emiliani told the daily newspaper La Estrella Online that Panama, given its historical, religious and social past, is not ready “mentally” for same sex marriage. Attorney Ernesto Cedeño pointed out that the proposed law would be in violation of Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression. Ricardo Beteta, president of Panama’s Gay organization, (La Asociación Hombres y Mujeres Nuevos de Panamá), insisted in the same report by La Estrella that comments, jokes and humor can create an environment of discrimination.
The National Assembly is set to debate on the proposal, which has gained criticism from the Catholic Church and evangelical groups.
ExpoLogistica pass
ExpoLogistica is the first international fair dedicated to the growing logistics sector in Panama. Interested parties are encouraged to cut out this courtesy pass to enter the fair. It will be held at the ATLAPA Convention Center on Thursday, October 7 and Friday, October 8, the same dates as Panama’s first big international tourism fair, ExpoTurismo (see page 2 or 21 of the printed newspaper).
Visitors to the fair are encouraged to stop by the Focus Publications stand to pick up a copy of the Colón Free Zone directory, “FOB Zona Libre de Colón”, the newly released “Hub Logistica”, an annual that is the first publication dedicated to this growing sector and “The Bulletin”, Panama’s shipping weekly.
Metromall now offers free shuttle transport from Tocumen Airport
Travelers on layover at Tocumen International Airport now have the option to take a free shuttle to Metromall and back to the airport for their connecting flight, through a new project headed up by Grupo Roble, builders and administrators of Metromall.
According to statistics from the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP), annually 4.8 million passengers transit through Tocumen Airport and only about a million of them stay. The challenge is to attract those passengers in transit and to give them more of Panama during their short stay.
The new service, called “Free Shuttle” to Metromall leaves the airport every 30 minutes from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., enabling passengers in transit to shop and return to the airport in time to catch their connecting flight. There are two counters in the airport passenger satellites and one next to the customs exit, next to the ATP Information Center of the ATP, where passengers are registered for transfer. They also get the exclusive card for tourists, the “Panama Shopping Card” that offers thousands of discounts and benefits in more than 300 stores in the Metromall and Multiplaza Pacific shopping centers.
Isthmian Update
Some of the news in Panama
Panamanian ports lead
cargo market recovery
The statistics of the ports of Latin America have returned to the black following the growth rates in containerized cargo movement which was recorded during the first half of 2010. Panamanian ports topped the list with a 11.4% growth in all ports of Colón (Manzanillo International Terminal, Colón Container Terminal and Cristobal), while the port of Balboa reported growth of 33.6%.
Minimal living cost
slightly up
The price of the basic family food basket (Canasta Basica Familiar, or CBF) for average consumption increased from January to July this year by $3.08, compared to the same period of 2009 and was at $273.18, according to a report from the Ministry of Economy and Finance. In the period from January to July 2009, the CBF averaged a price of $270.08, while in 2008 it reached $259.22.
Taxi meter announcement
The daily Panamá America reported that the Transit and Land Transport Authority (ATTT) has a program for the installation of taxi meters in all taxi units in the country. “If we want a modern city and a better transportation system, we have to improve some things and take on extra costs,” noted the director of the ATTT, Jorge Ricardo Fabrega.
Puerto Rican company to run
new Tocumen food court
The daily El Siglo reported that International Meal Company (IMC) will be responsible for managing the food court area at Tocumen International Airport during the next 15 years, said Juan Carlos Pino, manager of Tocumen, SA. The Puerto Rican company won the bid over the Mexican Mera Corporation, another company that had submitted a bid.
Border clash victim
announced
to be FARC leader
The daily El Siglo reported that one of the three guerrillas of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) who were killed in January, after clashing with the State Border Service (SENAFRONT) near the river Tuira in Darien, was “Commander René”. He was one of the leaders of the 57th Front of the Colombian guerrilla movement. This was announced by Auxiliary Prosecutor, Angel Calderon, who added that the identification of this man was achieved after a series of measures taken between the two countries.
Anti-explosive robot for
presidential security
The Ministry of the Presidency earmarked for the next fiscal year, $3.5 million to strengthen the security of president Richard Martinelli. In accordance with the budget of this ministry, to which the daily El Panamá America reported having access, it provides for the purchase of a robot with its own anti explosive vehicle to transport tools, uniforms and other furnishings required in his tasks.
Grim Social Security outlook
The daily La Prensa reported that the director of the Social Security Fund (CSS), Guillermo Sáez-Llorens, announced the completion of a new actuarial study which strictly reflects the financial realities of the institution, specifically the Disability, Old Age and Death Program (IVM). Despite reforms to the CSS legislation made in 2005 with the intention of improving its financial situation, it did not overcome the specter of bankruptcy of the system. Last year the IVM showed a deficit of $64 million and, according to projections of the institution, for 2018 it foresees a hole in the finances of some $400 million.
National farmers concerned
with import displacement
On August 30, after publication in the Official Gazette, Cabinet Decree No. 27 went into effect which sets a 10% import tariff on nine horticultural products, including lettuce, whole tomato, broccoli, cabbage, carrots and beets. The measure has alerted farmers in Chiriquí, fearing that their production is being displaced by foreign products.
Colombian and Panamanian
authorities on FTA in Bogota
The daily La Critica reported that the negotiating teams of Colombia and Panama, opened yesterday in Bogotá a new round of negotiations on the draft Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that has continued since early this year, with the emphasis now on eleven cases pending. The Colombian Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Tourism in Bogota said that the working sessions, are to be hosted at a hotel north of the city. The two countries seek a “balanced negotiation” in market access, sanitation, telecommunications, investments and on intellectual property.
Up on the Competitiveness Index
Panama moved up six points in the Global Competitiveness Index 2010-2011, going from position 59 to 53 after improving infrastructure investment, development of the financial system and the technological sector. At the top of the ranking of Latin American countries is Chile at level 30.
Taiwan visit
The Taiwanese Foreign Minister, Yang Chin-tien, made an official visit to Panama for a meeting with Vice-president and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Juan Carlos Varela to “review the issues of mutual interest,” said Varela in a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Taiwanese Foreign Minister will also hold a meeting with President Ricardo Martinelli. Panama and Taiwan have nine existing agreements, including those on trade and cooperation.
Businessmen report feeling
effects of tax hike to 7%
Over 50% of businessmen said they have felt the effect in commercial activities since the Transfer Tax on Goods, Furniture & Services (ITBMS value added tax) was increased from 5% to 7%. This is shown in a Business Survey conducted by the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP) on 196 of its member companies held between July 26 and August 31, 2010.
Tourism from Canada
and Ecuador
Canada and Ecuador are becoming major sources of tourists to Panama. From January to June, the arrival of visitors from these countries rose 48% in combination. To tap this interest in Panama, Ecuador travel agency Travel Dream increased from 48 to 63 the flights to the country through the economy Airline Icarus.
2011 budget adjustment
The nation’s budget for next year will be adjusted, it was reported yesterday by the Minister of Economy and Finance, Alberto Vallarino. The total amount will not change from $13,009 million, “but he will move items between institutions. Budget hearings ended yesterday in the National Assembly. The Ministry of Public Works and the Metro might be the entities that see dwindling resources.
Pro USA-Panama TPC
Businessmen from Atlanta and Panama argued in Panama City in favor of the US-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement (TPC), pending ratification in the US Congress. A memorandum of understanding was signed by the first vice-president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Panama, Federico Humbert, and the Vice-president of the Atlanta Metro Logistics Chamber, Bob Pertierra.
More work permits issued
The daily Panamá America reported that up until August 2010 there were 6,478 work permits issued to foreigners in Panama, which means an increase of 1,074 in relation to the same period in 2009, according to the Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development (MITRADEL). Meanwhile, processed applications total 8,020, up 1,863 compared with 6,157 reported last year.
Petrol prices up
Fuel prices increased last Saturday and will remain through September 18, according to the National Secretariat of Energy. Gasoline of 95 octane rose by $0.05 to $3.03 a gallon, while a gallon of 91 octane gasoline costs $2.88, following a rise of $0.03.
Tax free Metro construction
The Secretariat of the Metro and the contractor may perform construction work tax free over the years of work. This is according to a government proposal to allow the exemption of at least $50 million. The figure was confirmed by the Deputy Finance Minister Dulcidio De la Guardia, who explained that the benefit goes to contractors, subcontractors and the Secretariat of the Metro.