EDITION
HOT SELLER THIS WEEK
- Panama's 2027 national budget, sanctioned on 2 November, includes more than B/.12 billion in public investment. Training providers and consultants can explore opportunities in project management, public-sector training and technical capacity development.
- On 4 November, the Panama Canal outlined progress on an estimated US$8.5 billion expansion programme, including two proposed container terminals and a planned LPG pipeline. ESG advisers and environmental specialists can explore impact assessments, sustainable logistics and energy-transition services.
- On 2 November, Panama sanctioned its 2027 national budget worth B/.35.11 billion, with more than B/.12 billion allocated to public investment. Financial advisers and project-finance firms can support contractors with budgeting, financing and investment planning.
- On 2 November, Panama's Cabinet authorised a B/.16.22 million contract for project management, interface coordination and technical assistance for Metro Line 3. Engineering consultants and infrastructure specialists can explore related public-project opportunities.
- The 2027 national budget sanctioned on 2 November includes substantial public investment and social-service allocations. Medical equipment suppliers, hospital contractors and healthcare consultants can explore future public procurement and service opportunities.
- The authorised Metro Line 3 technical-assistance contract and major public investment programme create demand for engineering, project management and specialist technical skills. Recruitment agencies and HR consultants can support workforce sourcing and professional training.
- On 4 November, the Panama Canal reported progress toward shortlisting bidders for two proposed container terminals, with an estimated investment of US$2.6 billion. Industrial equipment manufacturers, steel suppliers and logistics companies can prepare for future supply contracts.
- The Panama Canal expects to shortlist prequalified bidders by the end of 2026 for proposed terminals at Corozal and Telfers. Port developers, construction contractors and engineering suppliers can explore participation in the projects, with concessions targeted around mid-2027.
- On 2 November, the Cabinet authorised a US$3,887,350 contract with Hogan Lovells Cadwalader US LLP for representation in an international investment arbitration. Legal firms and compliance advisers can explore arbitration, commercial dispute and cross-border regulatory services.
- The Panama Canal's proposed US$2.6 billion container-terminal projects are progressing toward a formal bidding stage, with concessions expected around mid-2027. Investment banks and corporate finance advisers can support consortium formation, project financing and investment assessments.
- On 6 November, the Ministry of Commerce and Industries reported that its domestic commerce directorate had handled more than 15,000 procedures during 2026, including 426 resolutions. Research firms can support market-entry studies, regulatory analysis and business intelligence.
- On 3 November, Panama and Spain signed a General Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation to strengthen bilateral relations. PR agencies, business-event organisers and marketing firms can develop trade-promotion campaigns and commercial networking initiatives.
- On 2 November, the Cabinet approved a B/.15.77 million trust for rehabilitation and maintenance of Avenida Randolph in Colón, an important route serving port and logistics facilities. Construction firms, materials suppliers and engineering consultants can explore related development opportunities.
- The Panama Canal's proposed terminal and logistics expansion programme is attracting attention from major international shipping operators. Startups and investors can explore opportunities in port technology, logistics software, supply-chain automation and maritime services.
- On 2 November, the Cabinet authorised B/.16.22 million for project management, interface coordination and technical assistance for Metro Line 3. Software providers and engineering technology firms can explore project-monitoring, digital design and infrastructure-management solutions.
- The Panama Canal's proposed US$2.6 billion container-terminal projects and wider logistics expansion advanced toward bidder shortlisting on 4 November. Port-service providers, hospitality businesses and travel operators can explore future opportunities linked to maritime activity and business travel.
Sector stories & insights.
On 4 November, the OECD's Latin American Economic Outlook 2026 highlighted Panama's priorities in technical education, digital skills, advanced manufacturing and workforce development.
Training providers and consultants can explore opportunities in logistics, AI, engineering and professional skills programmes.
Panama's national emergency measures for El Niño include up to B/.80 million in exceptional procurement for prevention, mitigation and response to climate-related impacts.
Environmental consultants, water-treatment suppliers and renewable-energy companies can explore resilience and sustainability projects.
On 7 November, business reporting highlighted US$792.4 million in foreign direct investment during the first half of 2026, compared with net disinvestment of US$141.8 million a year earlier.
Investment advisers and financial institutions can support market entry, corporate structuring and cross-border investment planning.
On 2 November, President José Raúl Mulino sanctioned the 2027 national budget of B/.35,111.75 million, including more than B/.12 billion in public investment.
Government contractors, consultants and suppliers can explore opportunities in public infrastructure, services and procurement programmes.
On 2 November, reporting highlighted a planned US$10 million investment to repair earthquake damage and equip Sergio Núñez Hospital in Ocú.
Medical equipment suppliers, hospital contractors and healthcare consultants can explore rehabilitation, equipment and service opportunities.
On 2 November, the government outlined a three-month employment programme for around 1,200 young people to support reconstruction of earthquake-damaged homes in four provinces.
Recruitment agencies, training providers and HR consultants can support workforce placement, safety training and project staffing.
On 30 October, the Ministry of Commerce and Industries reported exportable products worth more than B/.1.157 billion through September 2026, an increase of 17.2% year-on-year.
Manufacturers, exporters and logistics suppliers can explore opportunities in seafood, agricultural products, pharmaceuticals and value-added production.
On 4 November, Reuters reported that the Panama Canal expects to shortlist prequalified bidders by year-end for two proposed container terminals at Corozal and Telfers, representing approximately US$2.6 billion in planned investment.
Construction firms, port-equipment suppliers and engineering consultants can prepare for future tender and partnership opportunities.
Panama Approves US$3.88 Million International Arbitration Legal Contract
On 2 November, the Cabinet authorised a US$3,887,350 contract with Hogan Lovells Cadwalader US LLP to represent Panama in an investment arbitration involving Panama Ports Company.
International law firms and compliance advisers can explore arbitration, dispute-resolution and regulatory-support opportunities.
On 5 November, Panama and the European Investment Bank formalised the establishment of its regional office, supporting projects across Central America and Mexico.
Corporate finance advisers and investment firms can explore financing partnerships in transport, energy, water and regional infrastructure.
Figures reported by the Ministry of Commerce and Industries show exportable products exceeded B/.1.157 billion through September 2026, with value-added exports from special regimes increasing 43.8%.
Market research firms can provide export intelligence, sector analysis and demand forecasts for businesses targeting regional markets.
On 3 November, Panama and Spain signed a new General Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, strengthening bilateral relations and creating a framework for wider cooperation.
PR agencies, business-event organisers and communications consultants can support trade promotion, international events and cross-border business engagement.
On 2 November, the government reported progress on reconstruction plans for families affected by the October earthquake, with an initial target of 2,700 homes.
Developers, construction contractors, architects and building-material suppliers can explore housing rehabilitation and reconstruction opportunities.
The OECD's 4 November economic outlook highlighted Panama's priorities in innovation, fintech, digital services and advanced technology as part of its investment strategy.
Startups, accelerators and investors can explore partnerships in financial technology, logistics innovation and digital business services.
On 2 November, the government announced that Caja de Ahorros would extend its Punch social digital wallet for payments connected to earthquake reconstruction.
Fintech providers, payment-platform developers and cybersecurity firms can explore digital-payment integration and public-service technology opportunities.
On 5 November, the Tourism Authority reported a 4% increase in hotel reservations in Panama City following the October earthquake, while recovery in interior and beach destinations remained slower.
Hotels, travel operators and destination-management companies can pursue marketing, accommodation and tourism-recovery partnerships.