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Panama's Economy

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panamajames

1/25/2018 10:45 EST

Is there a slowdown in Panama? Is this a buyers market? Although growth of the economy in general still remains above 5%, it is lower than the vigorous 10% of a few years ago. Is the cause the Martinelli on full tilt economy vs Varela in slowdown mode? New elections next year.
Varela may be hoping on the Free Trade Agreement with China to help the situation. Based on current unemployment and the growth of independent or informal work from entrepreneurs, both Expat and Locals, we see that starting in 2018, Panama has entered a phase of economic slowdown. Businessmen in the commerce sector are even talking about "recession", both in retail and in wholesale sales.

From a statement issued by the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama:

Although we expect growth of the Panamanian economy of approximately 5.4% for this year 2018, such increase continues to be supported by economic sectors linked to foreign trade, such as the Panama Canal, ports and airports.

As a representative organization of the country's private entrepreneurial effort, the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP) reiterates its concern about the problems that hamper the progress of sectors long marginalized by policies that discourage their permanence and certainly threaten their productive continuity, such as the industrial and agricultural sectors. The same is true for other slowdowns such as trade, tourism, construction and real estate, which also require new perspectives in the future.

volcan357

6/12/2018 14:03 EST

Once you become fluent in Spanish you can become part of the Panamanian community instead of the expat community if you wish. Or if you have a hobby like gardening for example you can participate in the gardening forum and talk about gardening instead of politics.

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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Panama2017

6/11/2018 21:02 EST

catpurrs, got it. You can't imagine how many times I hit delete on this forum.

catpurrs123

6/11/2018 20:08 EST

Panama2017 My message was in response to reading all the back and forth that was going on about the US government etc. You are right, it has NOTHING to do with Panamas economy. Simply stating that I didnt realize that the banter here was just more of the same that is going on in the US.It has nothing to do with all things Panama. As stated, I guess all I have to do is delete. As a newbee, ive learned a lesson.

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Living in Panama Guide

Our Guide to Living in Panama is a perfect primer for readers interested in Panama. Covers healthcare, cost of living, best places to live, residency, visas, real estate, moving tips and the pros and cons of living in Panama.

Panama Forum
Join our Panama forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Panama.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Best Places to Live in Panama

Panama is a great place to live or retire with easy residency laws, warm people and lots of expats. Whether you want to live by the beach in Bocas del Toro or need to live in Panama City for work and schools, there are many places to explore.

Healthcare in Panama

Expats have differing opinions about healthcare in Panama. Many advice against public hospitals and healthcare, but some recount good experiences. This article covers public vs private healthcare, cost of healthcare, obtaining prescription medications and much more.

Cost of Living in Panama

Expats in Panama enjoy a relatively low cost of living. However, it's important to do your research to make sure you'll actually enjoy those saving while creating a high quality of life as an expat in Panama.

Moving to Panama Guide

Do you have to buy a round trip ticket when moving to Panama? How difficult is it to bring my dog? Should I buy a home in Panama? Can I find health

Real Estate in Panama

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Panama.

Pros & Cons of Living in Panama

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Panama.

Retiring in Panama

Advice for people retiring in Panama.

Panama Visa & Residency Guide

This article covers the ins and outs of the most common tourist and residency visas that expats and global nomads obtain when moving to and living in Panama.

10 Tips for Living in Panama

Expats, global nomads and retirees are drawn to Panama's ease of residency, low taxes (Panama does not tax on worldwide income), friendly Panamanians who always put family first, inexpensive healthcare and laid back lifestyle.

Expat Health Insurance

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Expat Health Insurance

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Panama Guide
Learn what members have to say about living in Panama.

Panama Forum
Talk with other digital nomads and expats in Panama on our Panama forum - meet people, get advice and help others.

Panama Index
An index of all of our site's Panama information.

Contribute
Help others in Panama by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Healthcare & Health Insurance in Panama

Expats in Panama offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Panama.

Expat Talk about Healthcare Advice in Panama

Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Panama

Expats in Panama offer advice about healthcare in Panama.

Best Places to Live in Panama

Real Estate in Panama

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Panama.

Guide to Real Estate in Panama

Advice for people renting and buying real estate in Panama.

Pros & Cons of Living in Panama

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what digital nomads & expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Panama.

Cost of Living in Panama

5 Great Places to Retire in Central America

Central America is an increasingly popular retirement destination. Retirees love it's proximity to the United States, lower cost of living, beautiful cities, amazing beaches, healthy lifestyle and friendly people.

Panama City, Panama

Expat Health Insurance

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE

Expat Health Insurance

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE

Panama Guide
Learn what members have to say about living in Panama.

Panama Forum
Talk with other digital nomads and expats in Panama on our Panama forum - meet people, get advice and help others.

Panama Index
An index of all of our site's Panama information.

Contribute
Help others in Panama by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Healthcare & Health Insurance in Panama

Expats in Panama offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Panama.

Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Panama

Expats in Panama offer advice about healthcare in Panama.

Best Places to Live in Panama

Real Estate in Panama

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Panama.

Guide to Real Estate in Panama

Advice for people renting and buying real estate in Panama.

Pros & Cons of Living in Panama

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what digital nomads & expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Panama.

Cost of Living in Panama

Tips for Expats in Panama

Expats in Panama face unique challenges in managing their finances while living there, and that always starts with settling on the right expat financial services. Here are some basic tips from expats.living in Panama - their insights are based on their actual experiences managing their finances while living there.

International Schools in Panama

Expats with children who explore the possibility of moving to Panama first and foremost want to know what educational options are available there. Here is a great start on exploring the options in Panama City... and beyond.

Pros and Cons of Living in Panama

Expats in Panama talks about the pros and cons of living in Panama. Topics include the lower cost of living, bureaucracy, friendly people. Expats in Panama seem to agree that you'll have to come down and explore the country to find out if it's the right place for you!