News
Incentives for niche market
Growing convention tourism today for a fruitful tomorrow
Panama just announced plans for a $200 million dollar convention center that will be built on the capital city’s waterfront, between Amador and El Chorillo. The Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) is clear that convention and meeting tourism is a smart investment for the country, given that factors like the country’s strategic location, hub airport connectivity, lack of need for a US visa while still using the US dollar, rank Panama high in this niche.
To get the ball rolling, a special promotion to use the country’s current ATLAPA Convention Center has been put in place through an agreement with Copa Airlines. The ATP is offering free use of the convention center as long as an event promoter can bring in sufficient international attendees to fly, check in and experience Panama for a meeting, conference or convention. Organizers can save over $100,000 through this promotion.
ATLAPA can handle 10,500 attendees and has an impressive theater-auditorium that holds 2,800, all located close to major hotels and bordering with Panama Bay. But it is not Panama’s only facility that currently handles international meetings and regional conventions. Panama’s Conventions & Visitor’s Bureau lists 20 other locations ideal to host large events in its planning guide, available at www.panamaconventions.com.
Construction on the new convention center, scheduled to put Panama in the big leagues of convention tourism, should begin next year and be finished in 2013. The conceptual design released recently was completed by Skidmore Owings and Merril. The new complex s in line with the government’s plan to extend the Cinta Costera to Amador, giving easy access right from the airport to the convention center, which will also include hotels. For more information go to visitpanama.com.
Cruising through the Canal
Princess cruise packages include Panama Canal in next season itineraries
A cruise ship tourist contemplates the Panama Canal while transiting aboard a Princess Cruise line ship. Activities include visiting an Indian village, shopping in Panama City and riding the Panama Canal Railway.
The luxury cruise company Princess has revealed that in its 2011-12 season they will include an extended Panama Canal passage. The line’s ‘Two-Day Canal Experience’, available on many longer sailings, combines a full transit of the Canal, including the Miraflores, Pedro Miguel and Gatun Locks, with a second day in Panama at Fuerte Amador. This extra day will give travelers time to explore Panama with excursions such as riding the Panama Canal Railway, exploring a rain forest, visiting an authentic Embera Indian village and touring Panama City.
The Coral Princess and Island Princess will feature three itineraries offering the Two-Day Canal Experience. The 14-day itinerary sails between Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles with calls at Aruba, Cartagena, and Puntarenas, Costa Rica. A 15-day option offers an additional call in Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala. And another 15-day option sails from San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale with calls at Cabo San Lucas; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Cartagena; and Aruba.
Sailings on these itineraries depart between Sept. 25, 2011, and April 27, 2012. The ships also offer longer Grand Adventures of 17, 18 and 19 days, sailing to and from Vancouver.
The Island Princess will sail on a 10-day round trip itinerary from Fort Lauderdale, which offers a partial Panama Canal transit to Gatun Lake followed by a call in Colon, plus calls in the Caribbean ports of Aruba; Cartagena; Limon, Costa Rica; and Grand Cayman or Ocho Rios. The ship offers 20 departures between Oct. 10, 2011 and April 17, 2012.
For more information visit the Princess website www.princess.com.
Expansion milestone
ACP officials inspect model of new locks
ACP Administrator/CEO Alberto Alemán Zubieta (second from left) views
the physical model of the locks with the ACP Advisory Board and Board of Directors.
Panama Canal Affairs Minister and Board Chairman Romulo Roux, ACP Advisory Board and Board of Directors members view the locks model during water flow tests.
Steadily moving forward with expansion, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has reached another milestone. On Monday last week, the Canal’s Advisory Board and Board of Directors inspected the physical model of the new set of locks in Lyon, France. Built by Compagnie National du Rhône’s (CNR) Hydraulic Laboratory, the functional model used a ship that is 12.2 meters long to perform the lock filling and emptying tests. The new locks will use side basins that reuse 60 percent of the water in every lockage of a vessel.
“We have reached a significant phase in the Canal’s Expansion Program. We are pleased to see that Grupo Unidos por el Canal and their subcontractor, CNR, are now closer to finalizing the configuration and dimensions of the locks’ hydraulic system so that the construction stage can begin soon,” said ACP Administrator/CEO Alberto Alemán Zubieta.
The physical model of the new set of locks, designed and constructed by
Compagnie National du Rhône in Lyon, France.
Grupo Unidos por el Canal (GUPC) is the international consortium responsible for the design and construction of the new locks. They selected CNR to build the 1:30 scale physical model to perform water flow tests through its complex arrangement of culverts and valves in order to ensure that the locks will meet the minimum performance requirements set forth in the contract.
The inspection by Canal officials enabled them to visualize how the locks’ hydraulics work in terms of filling and emptying the locks’ chambers with water when raising or lowering a vessel.
| The new locks will use side basins that reuse 60 percent of the water in every lockage of a vessel. |
To date, overall expansion work is 15 percent complete - with work underway on the dredging, dry excavation and digging for the locks.
Lyon is one of the locations where contractors are performing design work for the new Canal locks. Other cities they have built models for include Chicago, Illinois and Bellevue, Washington, United States; Papendrecht, Holland; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Milan, Italy, and Panama City, Panama.
Cyclist from Canada on ‘round the world mission will cross into Panama in November
Cyclist Michael Schratter is on a mission to erase mental illness stigma.
Michael Schratter, a teacher from Vancouver, Canada embarked August 1, 2010 on his journey around the world with a mission to bring attention and awareness to the stigma surrounding mental illness. His journey, called “Ride don’t Hide” will take him to six continents, through 30 countries and across 40,000 km which he is bicycling. The trip is on behalf of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA BC)
Michael is bipolar and he experienced the stigma associated with mental illness first hand and for him his mission is of utmost importance. “If we talk about the absurdity of mental illness stigma it will begin to disappear. If we can share the common story of how mental illness affects our lives, we will see it for what it is — a variation of the human condition. To harbour mental illness stigma is to harbour a stigma against humanity” says Michael.
He will be crossing into Panama at the Paso Canoas border from Costa Rica between November 3 and 7, right in the middle of the ‘Fiestas Patrias’, Panama’s national independence celebrations. When he reaches Panama City, he will stay at the Riu Plaza Panama Hotel.
Proceeds from donations that are made during his World Tour will benefit CMHA BC and their youth and adolescent educational initiatives. Success stories about overcoming mental illness stigma can be written and read www.ridedonthide.com, where donations can be made as well. So fare Michael has raised $23,000.
The “Blood for Everyone” campaign
Expats in Panama organize campaign to donate blood
Donating blood in Hospital del Niño.
In an effort to help to fill the blood banks of the country the National Blood Program, an Expat group has joined forces with the Foundation Gotitas de Vida and Sangre (FUGSAVINI), Hospital del Niño, Hospital Santo Tomas to support the “Blood For Everyone!” Campaign, taking place from October 31 to December 31.
The main objective of the campaign is to inspire both Panamanians and Expats to unite in the effort of raising consciousness so that all residents can actively participate in voluntary blood donations, on a regular basis, no just this one time. Blood can keep only 35 days, so there is constantly a need for new donations.
The program has four methods to assure emergency and scheduled donations that include the creation of an official “Emergency blood donor call list”, whose participants will only be called in if there is an emergency need for his/her blood type, educational activities and continuity to make sure that the levels at blood banks stay high.
Prizes too!
Those willing to donate blood will receive an entry form to win prizes, to be drawn at the end of campaign, as well as a coupon for a free drink in Rincón Alemán – one of the major sponsors of the campaign. Donations can be made at the two following hospitals:
- Hospital Del Nino Blood Bank /FUGSAVINI located in Bella Visa, Calle 32, Edificio Atalaya, first floor, tel 227-0718, email fugsavini@gmail.com,
- Blood Bank of Hospital Santo Tomas, email bancodesangre.hst@hotmail.com
Both hospitals will be receiving donations and/or additions to the Emergency Blood Donor Call List (EBDCL) during regular Blood Clinic hours of operation (Monday through Friday of 7:00 a.m.- 3: 00pm and Saturdays of 9:00 a.m. -12pm). For more information about this campaign write to Panama-Expat at admin@expatsinpanama.com.
Eco-explorers sought to travel and write
Almanaque Azul is a non-profit organization dedicated to informing the public about destinations in the country and also promotes sustainable tourism. AlmanaqueAzul.com features articles in Spanish on coastal destination that are not necessarily all-inclusive or super luxury hotels. The web portal is now seeking volunteers who explore Panama and wish to report back with contributing stories, photos and tips.
Their efforts will support the conservation and research into the preservation of Panama.
Almanaque Azul has a new campaign looking for volonteers for Expeditions of Almanaque Azul 2011. The exploration team members will receive Almanaque Azul Training, maps and logistical support. The explorers´ mission is to travel by bus, car or boat to the places assigned and to take pictures, talk to people, walk, camp, get to know the place and return to to tell the story. The results of the expeditions will be published in Almanaque Azul on line, as well as the physical walkabout guide that the organziation is planning to publish.
All contributors must be over 18 and in Panama for the summer 2011 season, which begins in January. Individuals and groups are welcome. Inscriptions closing date is November 20. For more information visit www.almanaqueazul.org/expediciones-2011 or write to expediciones@almanaqueazul.org.
Isthmian Update
Some of the news in Panama
Martinelli in Time
The daily El Siglo reported that Time Magazine had published an article titlet “Is the President of Panama Trying on a Strongman Role?” It provides versions of Ricardo Martinelli’s rule as “an authoritarian and arbitrary one.” “Allegations of abuse of the separation of powers, labor rights and environmental standards and intolerance against the protests have led some analysts to consider that the young Panamanian democracy is receding into the past of’ strong men,’’ says the article written by journalist Tim Rogers.
Big Correra project waiting for approval
The Greater Panama Investment and Development Corp., has set a deadline of December if ire is to make a real estate investment of $84 million in La Chorrera, due to obstacles encountered in the National Environmental Authority (ANAM). Although it has the support of a technical report, the company has not received final approval of its environmental impact assessment (EIA) to begin developing a residential project of ecotourism in La Chorrera.
Drug seizure totals
A total of 58.6 tons of drugs has been seized by the police so far this year, it was reported by the Ministry of Security. Between January and so far in October, the National Police have seized 32.6 tons, while the National Air Service seized another 26 tons. The information does not include the seizures by the State Border Service. Throughout 2009, the amount seized was 54.3 tons.
Archbishop to Washinton
The Archbishop of Panama, José Domingo Ulloa, will travel early next year to Washington to participate in meetings with Latin American bishops and officials of international organizations. During the visit, Ulloa will seek to develop relations with the US pastoral group to publicize their activities.
Onion drying plant in Coclé
The Onion Growers Cooperative will transfer 1.6 hectares of land to the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) for the construction of a plant for drying onions in the district of Natá, Coclé Province, which will cost approximately one million dollars to be obtained from the Trust Fund budget approved by the institution, according to Jose Candelaria, Regional Coordinator of Agricultural Exports in Coclé.
Stock exchange figures
During the first half of this year the volume of operations of the Panama Stock Exchange (BVP), grew by 20%, reaching $968.6 million this year, representing an increase of $164.7 million over the same period of 2009. Of the total $782.5 million belong to the primary market of $126.9 million and to the secondary market $59.2 million to repurchase early redemptions, according to a report by the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Mining Code update pending
An amendment to the Mining Code to update the policy which dates back to 1960 will be proposed to the Cabinet, it was revealed by the Vice-president, Juan Carlos Varela. The initiative comes in response to the request made by the Korean president, Lee Myung-bak, and businessmen and authorities of Singapore to the Panamanian government. Both Asian countries raised the need to update the law to promote mining investment in the country.
Panama’s petrol consumption
Panama is the second largest petroleum consumer in Central America, according to a report of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). Guatemala is considered the largest consumer with 12.8%, followed by Panama with 3.1%, El Salvador and Nicaragua with 1.7% and 0.5%, while the consumption in Honduras and Costa Rica fell by 5.7% and 3.5% respectively.
Unsuccessful native elections
A marked abstention, protests and road closures reflected the general elections organized and supervised yesterday by the Electoral Tribunal (TE) in the Ngobe Bugle Indian region, where 740 delegates were to be elected to choose the head chief, three regional chiefs’ seven local chiefs to the general congress to be convened in 2011.
Ironing out Colombia FTA
Panama continues to seek the path that leads it to a free trade agreement with Colombia and the fifth round of negotiations for an agreement started earlier this week with that country, which will bring together producers, manufacturers and retailers to resolve outstanding issues on the agenda. Still in discussion are topics on sanitary and phytosanitary measures, market access, rules and procedures of origin and Customs administration, trade facilitation and government procurement.
Delegation in DC
A Panamanian delegation led by Deputy Economy Minister Frank De Lima, began lobbying in Washington for an agreement to exchange tax information with the US, which appears to be a change to the policy followed so far by the Government of Panama, which had opted to sign treaties to avoid double taxation.
Taiwan visit
President Ricardo Martinelli arrived late last week in Taiwan where he completed his official visit to Asia, said the Ministry of State Communications. Martinelli was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Timothy C. T. Yang. He met with his Taiwanese counterpart, Ma Ying-jeou, to discuss issues of cooperation and participation of Taiwanese companies in infrastructure projects. He also visited the Taipei Metro company.
Preventing street flooding
Changes in working hours, distribution of trucks and flood diversions are some alternatives that are being evaluated by the Transit and Land Transit Authority and Land to prevent dams being created in the streets when roadworks start in the capital. According to Jorge Ricardo Fabrega, companies running these projects should also work at night to prevent further inconvenience to citizens.
Info for tax break
The daily Panama America reported that Panama is negotiating an agreement to exchange information with the United States in exchange for a significant tax benefit. It is that those American companies that hold conferences and conventions in Panama will be allowed to deduct expenses incurred in the country from their US tax returns.
Central American Court says Panama can’t
withdraw from Parlacen
The Central American Court of Justice (CCJ) ruled last week against Panama. In its decision, the international body ruled that the Panamanian government can not withdraw unilaterally from the Central American Parliament (Parlacen). The Court further orders payment of arrears and ensuring the payment of future installments of Panama to the regional forum. The Panamanian government reported in August 2009 its withdrawal from that institution considering it ineffective. Since then it has not paid its dues. By June 30 this year, the debt was $2 million.
ANAM accused of corruption
The daily La Prensa reported that The National Environmental Authority (ANAM) is facing a second investigation for corruption following a complaint filed by businessman Manuel Barcenas. Barcenas accused ANAM officials of asking for money for the streamlining of procedures. As part of the investigation made by the Third Anti-Corruption Office, which has already found wiretapping and marked money, two officials are alleged to be involved in the allegations.
Panama on “unskilled” list
The daily La Critica reported that Panama went on another list, this time it is one of 12 countries worldwide that are classified as “difficult” sites for talent and skilled labor. Paradoxically, in Panama there is unemployment. According to the Comptroller’s Office, there are 101,103 people who are unemployed in the country, this in relation to1,591,904 individuals in the economically active population.
Panama drops on press
freedom ranking
Panama lost 26 points in the annual ranking of press freedom conducted by the international organization based in Paris, France, Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The report for the year 2010 shows clearly that from position 51 of last year, Panama is now in 81st place. This is the worst rating Panama has ever had from the international organization.
Police law criticized
Members of civil society groups have called on the deputies to remove some articles from the draft law to reform the Organic Law of the National Police Force. These are articles which state that a member of the security forces can not be detained in cases of crimes involving the use of force. According to the organizations including the Citizens Alliance for Justice, the Center for Family Studies and Training, Consumer Ethics and the Foundation for the Development of Civic Freedom, “it is a setback for human rights and puts all citizens in danger.”
State payroll up
The daily Panama America reported that from January to August this year the Government increased the State payroll by $15,898,000, reveals the latest report by the Comptroller, Gioconda de Bianchini. According to the document, in January 2010 the total amount was of $134,243,000 and by August it amounted to $150,132,000.
Cultural definition
suggested
Panama has not developed a policy of cultural tourism, an aspect which in some way complements the country’s reputation as a tourist destination. Jordi Tresserras of the Tourism Faculty at the University of Barcelona, Spain, explained that Panama is a “rough diamond” and must be positioned because the regional competition is strong.
Working with South Korea
Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli and his South Korean counterpart, Lee Myung-bak, agreed yesterday in Seoul, to increase cooperation in infrastructure and natural resources during a visit that focused on the presentation of the Panama Canal expansion. Lee and Martinelli transmitted the hope that both countries will cooperate in the development of natural resource projects, as well as plans for Panama to improve its infrastructure, in which South Korean companies will participate.
Martinelli on Bolivarian Games issue
President Ricardo Martinelli called for the resignation of sports leaders Miguel Vanegas and Miguel Sanchiz, after their dispute was the main reason used by the Bolivarian Sports Organization to deny Panama the hosting of the 2013 Bolivarian Games. “For shame, all league presidents should leave office. We must change and improve what is happening in Panamanian sports,” said Martinelli in a press release, which also indicated they will take strong action against those who caused this damage to the country.
Panamanians perceive
economic stability
The country’s economy is as it was 12 months ago; believe 36% of Panamanians surveyed by the polling firm Unimer. The survey has a margin of error of 2.8%, was and commissioned by La Prensa, interviewing face to face 1,207 citizens aged between 18 and 75, which was carried out from October 7 to 11 this year across the country, except in Darien and Indian regions.
Competitiveness forum
The Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE) and the National Competitiveness Center last week opened the V National Competitiveness Forum involving the President of the Corporación Andina de Fomento (CAF), Luis E. García. At the forum, which ended Tuesday, discussed will be the challenges of Panama in competitiveness. Garcia said, while inaugurating the event, that the CAF expected the country’s economy to grow close to 7% in 2010.
Canadian FTA approved
The full National Assembly last week approved a free trade agreement (FTA) between Panama and Canada. The chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Noriel Salerno, said that with this treaty exports to Canada will increase by $600 million. He said the Panamanian producers of melon, watermelon, mango, bananas and shrimp, among others, will be the main beneficiaries.
GDP growth figures at 6%
The daily Panama America reported that good news has arrived in Panama with the confirmation of a positive performance analysts believe the economy will have in 2010, in which gross domestic product (GDP) stood at 6.0% and 6.3% in 2011, revealed BBVA Research in their country situation report. This development is based on pillars such as the strengthening of private demand, the expansion of public investment, particularly with the work on the Panama Canal expansion.
Food producers at fair in France
Over nine Panamanian companies engaged in food preparation took part last month in the SIAL Food Fair in France. The activity is considered one of the most important events of this nature which is attended regularly by over 185 countries and 101 exhibiting countries.
Consumer protection
cases slow in courts
The daily El Siglo reported that the Authority for Consumer Protection and Competition (ACODECO) has sued about 82 companies in the courts for alleged monopolistic practices. However, the lack of personnel in the courts, the excess of cases and the constant appeals made by defendants, make the process long and difficult. Some records are up to 10 years old without being resolved.