panama http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for panama Copyright 2008 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:58:06 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/panama Most Common Interesting Facts About Panama http://www.artwoo.com/article/most-common-interesting-facts-about-panama http://www.artwoo.com/article/most-common-interesting-facts-about-panama#comments Sat, 05 Jul 2008 17:15:18 +0000 modern maturity magazineeuropeans and native americanscurrency of panamapanama real estatepacific oceanstwo oceanspanama canal http://www.artwoo.com/article/most-common-interesting-facts-about-panama
First, the most common interesting fact about Panama is the . Aside from real estate, the Panama Canal is one of the popular things when you talk about Panama. The canal is the waterway which joins the Atlantic and . It becomes interesting because of its complex engineering structure that makes it the most difficult and largest project ever undertaken Panama. Ships from the emerge in this canal making it a conduit of most international shipping. Travel time from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea is only two hours when you pass by the Panama Canal.



The second common interesting fact about Panama is its currency. Panama uses the US Dollar for bills but the coins are called Balboa. Yet, the official national is the Balboa, which is pegged to the US Dollar.



When it comes to population, there are also interesting facts about Panama. Although it is the most industrialized country in Central America, is really affordable, and Panama has the lowest population in Central America. Its population is composed of 70% mestizo that comprises a mixture of . Panamanians speak mostly Spanish although most can relate to English.

Again, one of the common interesting facts about Panama is that the place Boquete is one of the best destinations for retirees per . In other popular magazine, the International Livings, Panama is the number one place in the world to retire. Basically, there are many real estate buyers and investors in Panama that are retirees. They enjoy the affordability and tax incentives in Panama for real estate.

Another interesting fact about Panama is that it has large number of banking and financing institutions. Because banking forms part of its main economic activity, Panama has several banking laws that protect business from foreigners. The total number of these banking laws is 40 and this includes banking privacy law and foreigner to local equality laws.

Finally, for miscellaneous observations, there are also interesting facts about Panama. Baseball is the most common sports in Panama together with boxing and soccer. If Hong Kong has the largest duty free zone, Panama has the second largest. Also, it has the second largest registrant for offshore companies second to Hong Kong.

Of course there are still many interesting facts about Panama in other aspects in the society that you can observe or read from books about Panama, but the most common are the above. You can readily pinpoint other interesting facts about Panama when they differ from the current place and culture from which you live or when the certain facts are unique only to Panama.About the Author: Laurie Cooper, of Cpanama Real Estate Corp., is an expert on Panama real estate. For more information, please visit http://www.cpanama.com.]]> Real Estate Boom in Panama http://www.artwoo.com/article/real-estate-boom-in-panama http://www.artwoo.com/article/real-estate-boom-in-panama#comments Sat, 05 Jul 2008 17:29:19 +0000 real estate boomliving and investing in panamareal estate in panamaattractive beachesprivate developerstropical climateprivate sectors http://www.artwoo.com/article/real-estate-boom-in-panama real estate boom in Panama. With stunning forest and its interesting ecosystems, , and affordable commodities, the convenient geographic location are just some of the reasons for the real estate boom in Panama. People from America, whether investors, retirees, vacation seekers, or individuals or families who wish to relocate outside the US considers Panama as the perfect place. By word of mouth or by various investment opportunities in Panama knocking at the doors of these people, real estate boom in Panama has been real in the recent years. Most developers are hoping that it will be sustainable in the coming years as demands are over its supplies.

Many areas in Panama are being developed for commercial or residential use. Competition has been so great that most developers are into spotting attractive locations, offering competitive price, and appropriate customer service for its foreign clients who wish to invest in the . Not only are the involved in the real estate boom in Panama, more importantly it's the government tax incentives on Panama that creates the greatest reason for the real estate boom in Panama. When foreigner invests in real estate, there is no tax for such property up to 5, 15 or 20 years depending on the location and the type of property. Government's contribution to real estate boom in Panama is not only related to tax. It also tries to get rid of the Noriega stigma which has been popular in Panama. Crime rates have dropped for the past several years which make worthwhile and safe. The government is more involved now with it foreign relations as well which benefit the country for further development and sustainability. This is indeed a great advantage for investors who are considering Panama.

Aside from ' hard work and government support there are also other reasons for the real estate boom in Panama. Buying real estate in Panama becomes easy as it is easy to sell. Since most properties appreciate easily in Panama, investors can readily sell their properties in few months time at higher amount than its purchase price. Real estate investment in such case proves to be profitable. As if this isn't enough, another reason for real estate boom in Panama doing business in Panama is profitable. Despite the low cost of living, Panama has the largest expenditure consumption compared to its neighboring countries in Central America. Because people in Panama real spend for something, businesses also boom in the country. With such opportunity waiting for investors, the result is the real estate boom in Panama.

As the real estate boom in Panama continues in the current years, many foreigners have flocked into the country. The economy has been developing as it focuses on service industries such as tourism, trade, banking and commerce. Indeed, as there is real estate boom in Panama, the country is expected to develop more in the coming years.About the Author: Laurie Cooper, of Cpanama Real Estate Corp., is an expert on Panama real estate. For more information, please visit http://www.cpanama.com.]]> Benefits of Panama Anonymous Corporations http://www.artwoo.com/article/benefits-of-panama-anonymous-corporations http://www.artwoo.com/article/benefits-of-panama-anonymous-corporations#comments Thu, 03 Jul 2008 21:43:18 +0000 singular purposeprivate interestlegal entitytax returnspanamacorporationsassets http://www.artwoo.com/article/benefits-of-panama-anonymous-corporations Panama is the government's provision on law for protection this entity has been created by the law 32 of 1927. Aside from the assets under the foundation which allows the natural owner to control his assets under the name of the foundation, Panama also provides law on Panama Anonymous Corporation. In fact, Panama is the only country in the world who allows such anonymous existence of corporation for the of operating through the use of actual shares of stocks instead of actual name of the natural owner. With the Panama Anonymous Corporation, the state does not generally know the owner behind the corporation aside from the fact the persons involved in the corporation have the shares.

There are various advantages for establishing Panama Anonymous . One is that the natural owner will have full control of the assets of the corporations that the state or the other persons involved may not know of. The attorneys may know who the owners of the corporation are but they would not know to whom did the owner transfers the shares to. The certificate of stocks of the corporation needs not to have names of the owners or the bearer. What is carries is the number of the certificate. Second advantage is that the corporation is not subject to taxes and does not necessarily have files in Panama. The certificate of stocks are not also limited to be in Panama but can also be carried abroad.

The Panama Anonymous Corporations can still function as a in Panama. However, it does not require registry in the Public Office in Panama because the owners and the members of the corporation are not necessarily recorded and can even be transferred easily. What the corporation needs to do is to contact an attorney that will legalize the operation by identifying the members and the directors. However, among the names and directors, the attorney cannot identify who is the real owner of the Panama anonymous corporation.

As a legal entity, the Panama anonymous corporation can own a property from locations that it chose worldwide. If the corporation wishes to sell, it just has to transfer the corporation's share together with bills signed by the directors of the corporation stating the sale made. Aside from properties, the Panama anonymous corporation can also acquire other assets like cars, equipments, jewelry, and can even own bank account, all without revealing the real names of the natural owners. This way, there is high protection of assets under the anonymous name. But the transactions can be monitored by the attorneys. The required signatories should bear a name which the attorneys will know but will not be revealed if it the natural owner of the corporation. In essence, the Panama anonymous corporation is controlled by the anonymous owner. But the transactions and operations can be assisted by attorneys who ensure that the transactions are legal and valid. A strong communication of the nominated person of the corporation and the attorney is required to make the operation of the corporation possible.About the Author: Laurie Cooper, of Cpanama Real Estate Corp., is an expert on Panama real estate. For more information, please visit http://www.cpanama.com.]]> Facts About Living in Panama http://www.artwoo.com/article/facts-about-living-in-panama http://www.artwoo.com/article/facts-about-living-in-panama#comments Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:01:23 +0000 west pacific oceanthird world countrypatron sainttax incentivescaribbean seadeveloping technologiesisthmus http://www.artwoo.com/article/facts-about-living-in-panama isthmus in Central America, a geographical location that connects south and North America. It is surrounded by both beaches and mountains, since Panama is in the borders of Colombia in the south east, Costa Rica in the North West, Pacific Ocean in the south and in the north. This location makes Panama feasible for trade, tourism, and commerce that involve people from North America, Central America, and South America. Also, it is in this reason why Panama is composed of diverse population. However, Panamans are mostly mestizo and Spanish speaking, although most Panamans knows how to speak English.

Because of diverse population, the culture has also been diverse but while living in Panama, you will observe common festivities and events in its towns and villages for celebration of its . The most popular festival in Panama is Carnaval which has been considered as the second best festivities in the world next to Brazil.

Although Panama is considered a , its development in the recent years has made living in Panama more comfortable and safe. It has rising infrastructures that make living in Panama modern. It has high skyline buildings and in telephone and internet access. Cost of living continues to be low despite the progress that why living in Panama is just convenient both for expats, retirees, and immigrants. Aside from low cost of living, living in Panama also means a safe place to stay as crime rates are also low. Except for other part in the city and in Colon, living in Panama is actually safe compared to other industrialized countries in the US.

Living in Panama is very easy. Properties in Panama are affordable and have . When you buy properties in Panama, you have options to buy properties in beach front, within Oceanside view and within city or suburbs. Every where, Panama has developing buildings and construction for residential and commercial use. You can enjoy high returns of business investment in Panama because of low price of properties and affordable prices of consumer goods. In fact, Panama has the largest consumption among other countries in Central America.

Aside from business opportunities awaiting you when you consider living in Panama, there are lots of activities that you can do in this country. If you are into adventurous hobbies, you can choose to go for the mountains or on the beach. With mountain ranges in Panama, you can actually do mountain climbing, camping, and do bird watching. If you want to go to the beach, you can do surfing, scuba diving, sailing, and fishing on any parts of its coastlines.






Finally, living in Panama means living in a tropical climate. When you live in the Caribbean side, you will experience more humidity and rainfalls than when you live in the Pacific side. Although there are earthquakes that previously occurred in the country, it is safe against hurricane as the country is considered to be located outside hurricane belt.Laurie Cooper, of Cpanama Real Estate Corp., is an expert on Panama real estate. For more information, please visit www.cpanama.com.]]> Panama's Diverse Ecosystem http://www.artwoo.com/article/panamas-diverse-ecosystem http://www.artwoo.com/article/panamas-diverse-ecosystem#comments Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:01:23 +0000 animals in the rainforestcoral reefsmountain climbersadventure seekersmountain forestsnatural landscapesmangrove trees http://www.artwoo.com/article/panamas-diverse-ecosystem natural landscapes and ecosystems: rainforests, , , beaches, and wetlands with . Panama's diverse ecosystem is one of the popular attraction and interesting things about Panama. Because of its strategic location as isthmus, a nation that connects the South and North America, it becomes a good place for animals to migrate and plants to grow well.

Panama is in Central America and borders the Pacific Ocean to the south and the Caribbean to the north. With this formation, Panama's diverse ecosystem includes that of water life. In fact, one of the interesting activities in Panama is snorkeling and scuba diving. Its beaches offer such equipment as truly, you can enjoy watching the life beneath Panama's waters. Another thing that is legal and enjoyable in Panama waters is fishing. One example of interesting animals in the waters of Panama is sea turtles which usually lay eggs on the shore.

While Panama's north and south is surrounded by water, its North West and south east area borders Costa Rica and Colombia respectively. With such surroundings, Panama has mountain ranges and hills that form the continental divide. Panama's highest peak is the Volcan Baru in Chiriqui where most tend to take their adventures. The rainforest of Darien also forms part of the mountain border. With such features, Panama's diverse ecosystem also includes the wildlife in the rainforest and jungles. Some find different with lists ranging from endangered species to those dominant ones. This includes anteaters, armadillo and sloth's which are on the part of South America and dear, tapirs and jaguars from North America. Most popular ecosystem that you find in Panama's diverse ecosystem is birds. In fact, bird watching is one of the interesting tourist activates In Panama. Birds from south and North America migrate into the isthmus. Panama has many preserve ecosystems which you see in the National Parks and Marine Ecology Center. Panama's diverse ecosystem includes 900 species of birds, 1500 tree species and above 7000 vascular plants.

As Panama's diverse ecosystem became one of the attractions of Panama, the country has established ecosystem services that balance the nation's economy to the ecosystem that exists in Panama. Ecosystem services do not only look into the animal and plant life in Panama but also the people that live on it. It looks on the issued on climate change, erosion, industry activities, and preservation of culture. This issues change the ecosystem in Panama and the ecosystem services monitor how much Panama can be affected. As degradation of ecosystem is expected to be irreversible in economically progressing nation such as Panama, ecosystem services can only look into how much it affects the people in Panama in relation to economic development. Ecosystem services is very critical issue since most of the economic activities of Panama depends on it such as tourism, the Canal, agriculture, industry and many others.About the Author: Laurie Cooper, of Cpanama Real Estate Corp., is an expert on Panama real estate. For more information, please visit http://www.cpanama.com.]]> Panama Real Estate Opportunities: Something For Everyone http://www.artwoo.com/article/panama-real-estate-opportunities-something-for-everyone http://www.artwoo.com/article/panama-real-estate-opportunities-something-for-everyone#comments Thu, 05 Oct 2006 22:27:09 +0000 panama real estatepanama cityreal estate for salereal estate listingsliving spacereal estate marketpopular http://www.artwoo.com/article/panama-real-estate-opportunities-something-for-everyone
When it comes to relocating, no matter where you wish to relocate to, you need to find a place to live. When relocating, most individuals choose to buy, instead of rent. If you are serious about relocating to Panama, you are advised to thoroughly examine the and everything that it has to offer. With this examination, you will likely find that just about any type of home or property can be purchased in Panama. Essentially, this means that whatever you are looking for, there is a good chance that you will be able to find it.

When it comes to for sale, you will find that one of the most types of includes listing for condos. In Panama, especially in larger cities, such as , you will find a number of condominiums. These condominiums allow you to purchase a inside of them. This living space can be as small as a few rooms, or as large as a few floors, the choice is yours to make. As previously mentioned Panama condos are popular in larger cities. If you are planning on working in Panama or enjoying many of the popular vacation destination hotspots, you will enjoy the central location of many Panama condos.

In addition to Panama condos, you will also find traditional homes. These homes are not to be confused with vacation rentals, which are completely different things. Panama homes are similar to homes located anywhere else in the world; they are homes in which someone tends to reside in all year long. With the popularity of Panama retirement, the sale of these homes has skyrocketed in recent years. In fact, Panama retirement is rapidly increasing in popularity, so much that new home construction projects have started to develop.

Panama land is also just as popular as condos or homes. In fact, Panama properties are often considered "hot sellers." The land available for sale in Panama tends to vary. There is land that is available for sale in country areas, as well as popular vacation destinations. Despite the difference in locations, Panama is a beautiful place to live; therefore, no matter where your Panama land is located, there is a good chance that you will have an absolutely remarkable view.

Although, as previously mentioned, a large number of individuals travel to Panama after they have retired, a large number of other individuals are just looking for new opportunities in beautiful places of the world. If this is the case, you may not only be looking to find a home, condo, or land, but you may also be looking for commercial opportunities. In Panama, you will find a large number of these opportunities. At any given time, you should be able to find numerous Panama real estate listings that include commercial buildings or commercials spaces. As Panama continues to increase in popularity, as a place to live, as well as a place to vacation, you will find that many businesses have an unlimited amount of potential to succeed in this area.

Once you have decided that you would enjoy a move to Panama, and you know which type of Panama property you would like to purchase, you will need to make another decision. That decision involves the purchase of that property. Your first thought may be to contact a local Panama real estate agent. While this is ideal, you have another alternative. If you have never been to Panama before, you are advised against relying solely on the recommendations of others, including real estate agents. Instead, you will want to see and feel Panama for yourself. You can easily do this with Panama Real Estate, also commonly known as New World Real Estate.

New Real Estate is not only known as a real estate company, but they are also, in a way, known as a travel agency. With New World Real Estate, the focus is not just placed on properties, but on Panama as a whole. With guided real estate and investment tours, you can not only experience Panama and everything that it has to offer, but you can also mix a little bit of pleasure with it. One of the most common reasons why Panama is such an amazing place to live is because of its beauty. For that reason, it is only fair that you get to experience that beauty at all times, even when shopping for your next real estate purchase. Find detailed information on panama real estate on our website. http://www.panamarealestatepros.com are becoming the hot commodity in the real estate market today. Own your piece of paradise! ]]> Panama Real Estate Investment Tips http://www.artwoo.com/article/panama-real-estate-investment-tips http://www.artwoo.com/article/panama-real-estate-investment-tips#comments Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:50:17 +0000 real estate investment tipspanama real estatebusiness panamaeuropean tastesreal estate investmentamerican capitalismreal estate broker http://www.artwoo.com/article/panama-real-estate-investment-tips American capitalism, and combined with make for equally unique Panama tips.

The most important of investment tips is to start looking for a reliable attorney in Panama. Ask for referrals, if necessary. When you have your attorney, ask him to refer you to a reliable , banker, or any professional you might need. In Panama, personal relationships and trust is valued, and as such, you will be often referred to equally reliable and trusted people, and as such, positive personal attention is necessary, be generous with your time and resources, particularly if you are a foreigner in Panama. The concept of positive payback is as strong as revenge in Latin America, and it applies even in business.

Now that you have adjusted to the cultural nuances in business, Panama real estate investment tips include visiting Panama and the location of your projected investment. Do not just buy through the Web; there is just too much hype about property development in Panama and the proliferation of Panama websites that requires the exercise of good judgment and extra caution on the part of investors. Also, be wary of investments that promise easy and quick money, especially in Panama real estate. Property investments are long-term in nature, and thus cannot be expected to generate ample profits in the short-term, at least not in the next 5 years. Also, beware of companies selling real estate at preconstruction prices; they are using these sales as basis for their bank loans. As to real property, Panama real estate investment tips such as not dealing in land with Possession Rights is helpful.

These are land with no legal title -- it is cheaper but fraught with risks, most especially, the risk of completely losing money. Furthermore, take out a Title Insurance on any Panamanian property, which can protect you against any defects in the title and registration of your projected property investment. You can never be too careful about legalities in Panama, which is where your reliable attorney comes in. Moreover, getting a mortgage is difficult in Panama (there are numerous documentary requirements plus an exhaustive interview). So if you have plans of using your investment for chattel, think twice about doing so.

Panama real estate investment tips are basically the same as for the rest of the investing world. These tips would include focusing on investment cost, focusing on higher profits and return of investment, acquiring knowledge of the companies in the market (and their financial history) that you might invest in, going into diversification of investments, reinvesting profits, and probably most importantly, knowing when to sell and divest. With a good understanding of Panamanian culture, an American aggressive capitalism, European manners, and a few Panama real estate investment tips, one might well succeed in Panama's investment markets.Laurie Cooper, of Cpanama Real Estate Corp., is an expert on Panama real estate. For more information, please visit www.cpanama.com.]]> Panama Real Estate Shopping: How You Can Mix Business With Pleasure http://www.artwoo.com/article/panama-real-estate-shopping-how-you-can-mix-business-with-pleasure http://www.artwoo.com/article/panama-real-estate-shopping-how-you-can-mix-business-with-pleasure#comments Tue, 28 Nov 2006 14:27:17 +0000 panama real estatereal estate in panamapanama travelproperty in panamareal estate agentsreal estate marketreal estate companies http://www.artwoo.com/article/panama-real-estate-shopping-how-you-can-mix-business-with-pleasure property in Panama, whether that property be a home, a condo, a piece of land, or a business.

Perhaps, one of the easiest ways that you can go about familiarizing yourself with Panama is by using the internet. Online, you will find a large amount of valuable information. This information may have a focus on , the economy, tourism, the employment outlook, as well as the local school systems. As nice as it is to research Panama online, there is only so much that you can learn and see from the comfort of your own home. For that reason, you may be interested in scheduling a visit.

When it comes to scheduling a visit to Panama, there are many individuals who make a mistake. There are some individuals who place too much of a focus on a vacation, instead of examining the Panama . However, there are also many individuals who place so much of a focus on the Panama real estate market that they forget to have fun. You are urged not to be one of those individuals. If properly done, you should not only be able to examine the , but you should also be able to enjoy yourself as well. You can easily do this with professional assistance.

Professional assistance; if you are wondering what type of professional assistance you should be seeking, you are not alone. Many individuals automatically think of while others think of travel agents. While they are both ideal for a trip to Panama, you shouldn't have to choose one or the other; you should be able to choose both. Unfortunately, this may not be as easy as you would believe. Despite the fact that many companies could benefit from merging agencies and Panama together, very few do. That is except for New World Real Estate.

Although New World Real Estate is most well-known for being a top real estate company, that is not all that they are. The staff at New World Real Estate also has over three years experience in the travel industry, specifically the Panama travel industry. Although this may not seem important right away, it is extremely important once you think about. The travel industry and the real estate industry, in Panama are closely related. That is why a focus isn't just placed on real estate in Panama, but it is also placed on the area as a whole. To do this, vacation tours, with a touch of real estate are offered.

With the vacation tours, offered in association with New World Real Estate, you will not be one of those people mentioned above; the people who focus either too much or too little on real estate or having a good time. With a Panama tour, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. This includes the close examination of real estate properties, as well as exciting adventures, which are commonly found on most family or adult vacations.

When on a Panama tour, one that mixes business with pleasure, you will get to examine the Panama real estate market, as mentioned above. This examination may include inside information from those who are familiar with the real estate market, as well as those who live in the area. In addition to examining Panama properties that are for sale, on paper, you will also likely receive tours of the area. These tours typically not only include tours of Panama City, but tours of the beach areas, as well as the mountain areas. These are areas where numerous Panama properties can be found for sale

As previously mentioned, it is important to examine the real estate market in Panama, especially if you are interested in residing there, but you will also want to enjoy yourself. That is why a Panama vacation tour, with a touch of real estate, is beneficial to you. In addition to examining Panama properties, you will also get the opportunity to enjoy numerous adventures. These adventures may include, but are in no way limited to, white water rafting, snorkeling, scuba diving, as well as boat tours. In addition to having a fun time, you will also be educating yourself on Panama and the adventures that you could partake in, should you decide to relocate to the area.

If you are interested in further examining the Panama real estate market, or if you would like more information on Panama tours, you are advised to contact New World Real Estate. A company representative would be more than willing to assist you by providing you with more information or by answering any questions that you may have. Find detailed information on http://www.panamarealestatepros.com on our website. Panama properties are becoming the hot commodity in the real estate market today. Own your piece of paradise! ]]> Panama Globalization http://www.artwoo.com/article/panama-globalization http://www.artwoo.com/article/panama-globalization#comments Thu, 03 Jul 2008 23:50:17 +0000 colon free zoneautomobiles technologyenvironmental devastationpanama canalgross domestic productsdomestic resourcespassage way http://www.artwoo.com/article/panama-globalization domestic resources; and economic growth and prosperity against and exploitation of natural resources.

Globalization in Panama is centered towards the activity of the . In fact, after Panama's general control in the Canal in 1999, the economic activities of Panama resulted to positive growth. of Panama have subsequently increased from 2000 to 2006 and is still growing in current years. The tourism, banking, transportation, telecommunication, commerce, trade and other services which comprise the economic activities of Panama enjoys high returns. It is due to the fact that Panama is in strategic location for these services being located in the isthmus, a border between South and North America. To add to the location, Panama Canal has been the of international trade from the Atlantic and Pacific shipping, other matter for the international commerce is the benefits that brings for logistic and tax reduction using Colon ports and the . Globalization in Panama is seen to surge more in coming years.

The Panama Canal becomes the marketplace of international goods such as automobiles, technology and even agricultural goods. As the economy of Panama boomed, more traffic is seen in the Panama Canal. International shipping is crowding around the canal in several days as each shipping lines wait for their turn for trade. For this reason, there is a 5 billion dollar expansion project for the Canal awaiting its implementation. As expansion is possible, Globalization in Panama will continue to rise as it accommodates more global trade.

As there are many issues on globalization, so does Globalization in Panama is faced with list of pros and cons directed towards the Panama Canal expansion. The government faced with concerns on the rich getting richer and poor getting poorer issue. Currently, the income of Panama Canal may be producing positive economic growth but there are also issues on corruption with people handling the revenue. Other issues faced with Canal expansion is the possible increased rate of illegal trades, exploitation of nearby natural resources due to expansion, possible increase in diseases related to Canal operation, and the fact that many poor in Panama does not benefit from the revenue.

There is no doubt that there would be high return and economic growth for Globalization in Panama as there is indeed high revenues for global trade. Panama globalization is very strategic and it even has the capacity to expand with the expansion of Panama Canal.About the Author: Laurie Cooper, of Cpanama Real Estate Corp., is an expert on Panama real estate. For more information, please visit http://www.cpanama.com.]]> How Panama Financial Institution Helps Stabilize the Economy http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-panama-financial-institution-helps-stabilize-the-economy http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-panama-financial-institution-helps-stabilize-the-economy#comments Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:01:20 +0000 banks financial institutionscolon free zoneoffice staffsinternational banksinternational monetary fundcountries in latin americastate banks http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-panama-financial-institution-helps-stabilize-the-economy Colon Free Zone to name a few. As a service oriented country, most of its infrastructure is towards servicing needs like banks, financial institutions, hotels, resorts, telephone facilities, and others. One of the contributory factors for Panama's economic stability is the provision and policies in Panama financial institution.

Because of the strategic location of Panama, it has provides financial services to the areas in Central America, South America and other parts of Europe. In fact, it is one of the pioneer centers for offshore banking and financial services worldwide. Panama then becomes one of the havens for financial security in Latin America. Panama has seventy commercial banks per February census of 2004. Among the seventy banks, there are twenty-nine , thirty-nine local banks, and two . Basically, the banking sector of Panama comprises 8 percent of the country's GDP, employing approximately 10,000 people. Among other Panama financial institution, the banking sector has the highest contribution in GDP.

The banking sector in Panama is regulated by Superintendence of Banks instead of the common central banks. This makes Panama unique in it banking systems compared to other . Banks in Panama are licensed either for general license, international, or representative. With the three types of banking license, the bank is required to have an office within Panama where there are corresponding and personnel. The general license of banks in Panama can be given to local and international banks and can employ both local and international employees. International license, on the other hand, should only employ non-residents of Panama as it is provided only to international banks.

Based on the assessment of in 2001, Panama's banking system meets most of the standards in international banking system. This means that Panama has meet standards in accounting and auditing, Basel capital framework for capital adequacy, implement standard limitations on loans and investments, and standard for managing risk on interest, country risk, and internal risks. In the same assessment, IMF noted that Panama operates more in general banks that offer opportunity for both non-residents and residents even though it is known for its offshore financial services. In essence, the general license carried 82 percent of assets which means that Panama is gaining more control on its asset in the bank sector. International license of banks only hold 18 percent of assets.

Other Panama financial institution includes insurance and securities which are relatively small compared to the banking sector. The regulatory agency for insurance is the Superintendence of Insurance while the agency for securities is the National Commission Securities.

Generally, Panama financial institution is one contributory factor of Panama's economic stability. The fiscal policies in Panama favor foreign investments and other financial services to foreigners. It comes hand in hand with tourism campaign which opens many opportunities for foreigners to invest in the country. The current result is growth in GDP and economic stability.Laurie Cooper, of Cpanama Real Estate Corp., is an expert on Panama real estate. For more information, please visit www.cpanama.com.]]> Panama: The Population http://www.artwoo.com/article/panama-the-population http://www.artwoo.com/article/panama-the-population#comments Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:29:17 +0000 west indiansroman catholicspanama canalasia and europepanamanianspoverty linepanama city http://www.artwoo.com/article/panama-the-population Panama Canal has influenced international trade and shipping as most shipping lines in America, passes through the canal. As such, Panama Canal has great contribution to the economy of the country. It contributed to the development of tourism from which, the people has taken advantage of.

Generally, although Panama has become industrialized and its economy has progressed in the recent years, the population of Panama continued to be low compared to other countries in Central America. It has high percentage of people who belongs to the middle class. The middle class usually has high standard of living as they own cars, homes and life facilities. However, unemployment is also basically high with half of the population falling below the . It has a population of 3 million from which seventy percent are mestizo, fourteen percent are Amerindian or , ten percent are whites and six percent are Indian. Although Panama is composed of diverse population, the national language spoken is generally Spanish. English is also common as most of the people of Panama can speak English.

The people of Panama have distinct characteristics. Most tourists observed some gestures and languages that are common to . Despite the fact that Panama's economy is into service industries, expatriates observe that Panama people are not well trained in service concept. But most of the people of Panama are actually in the service industry with 60% of the population. Other people of Panama are into agricultural industry with 20% distribution and 185 are into industry. Expatriates are mostly seen in El Valle, a highland located in the outskirts of .

Other facts about the people of Panama include eighty five percent and 15 percent Protestants. People in Panama experience several festivities under Roman Catholic domination. Every town has its own patron saint which is celebrated by festivals. However, the major celebration of Panama is the Carnaval. The popular music of the people of Panama is salsa, which is a mixture of music from Latin America. There are also indigenous influences seen in Panama handicrafts and native items. When it comes to education, children start to go to school at fours years in the kinder garden preschool studies. From this age, education is compulsory up to the age of seventeen. AS a result, ninety one percent of the population is literate and can write. Children up to fourteen years composed thirty percent, fifteen years old to sixty five comprise 65 percent while above sixty five is only 5 percent as mortality usually is at age 74.

Generally, people of Panama are hospitable and polite. They treat foreigners well as tourism becomes common to their place and make them feel like home. Panamanians value hospitality and like nothing more than to show their beautiful country to foreigners. Panamanians are extremely proud of their heritage and will do whatever it takes to make you feel welcome.Laurie Cooper, of Cpanama Real Estate Corp., is an expert on Panama real estate. For more information, please visit www.cpanama.com.]]> Panama: The Economy http://www.artwoo.com/article/panama-the-economy http://www.artwoo.com/article/panama-the-economy#comments Sat, 05 Jul 2008 17:22:20 +0000 colon free zoneone of the pioneerswatermelon sugargovernment of panamasugar corngross domestic productsforeign investments http://www.artwoo.com/article/panama-the-economy Gross Domestic Products. The economy of Panama in the service industries includes finance, health, insurance, telecommunications, transportation, banking, maritime service and Canal, logistics due the and the strategic ports, tourism and general commerce.

The economy of Panama has been successfully progressing the recent years. It is more into banking, commerce, trade, and tourism. Its economic activities are focused on the Panama Canal where international trade passes through it. The canal turnover from the US administration and the US military bases was of the rise of new projects in Panama and the start-up of economic development. Currently the Panama Canal is under the Panamanian government administration developing a high quality standard being one of the most transit canals in the maritime industry, the has improved several public programs, reforms on taxes, and trade agreement domestically and internationally that contributed to another phase of growth. Aside from the service industries that has great contribution to economy of Panama, Panama is also into agricultural and industry but comprises only a small percentage of the GDP. Agriculture focuses on banana, watermelon, sugar, corn, timber, coffee, livestock, vegetables and tuna exports while industry comprise aircraft manufacturing, cements, automobiles, drinks, adhesives and textiles among many other products.

Panama has coped up its economy due to the fact that the population of Panama has contributed its government reforms. At this time, the economy of Panama has been more open and accessible to . The increase in foreign investment which contributed growth to economy of Panama paved way for more development in Panama as seen in the recent years. The result is steady economic growth. One of the targets of Panama foreign investment is the real estate that draws investors from America, Asia, and Europe. As soon as the real estate boom started in Panama, the prices of Panama properties and the value had increased up. However, the demands continued to rise and more property constructions and project developments are build in different provinces and neighborhoods in Panama. As the economy of Panama continued to progress, starting the expansion of the Panama canal. When this project is culminated, more investments are expected in Panama.

Growth in GDP has been remarkable in the last year compared to past years. So far, Panama becomes the third largest GDP per capita among other countries in Central America. The growth in GDP was mostly on the sectors of transportation and telecommunications. GDP as of 2006 was 15 dollars billion and the annual growth from 2005 was 8 percent. The per capita of GDP in 2006 was four thousand dollars.



In conclusion, the road to the progress of the economy of Panama has not been easy. Just like other countries that pass several stages of economic development, Panama has not been exempted. The combination of the industriousness of its population and the government programs had made it possible for Panama to rise above economic difficulties.About the Author: Laurie Cooper, of Cpanama Real Estate Corp., is an expert on Panama real estate. For more information, please visit http://www.cpanama.com.]]> Panama as Paradise For Retirees http://www.artwoo.com/article/panama-as-paradise-for-retirees http://www.artwoo.com/article/panama-as-paradise-for-retirees#comments Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:08:18 +0000 real estate in panamaretirement programsaffordable real estatetourism programsprivate entitydependantsstunning views http://www.artwoo.com/article/panama-as-paradise-for-retirees
Panama has been tagged as one of the good places to retire based on International Living. Panama is appointed as having the best program and facilities for retirees. With such compliments and recommendations, you can't help but to wonder what are the benefits in Panama as paradise for retirees.

Panama as paradise for retirees offers the best to foreigners. The government made various that include retirement programs that create Panama as paradise for retirees. Under the Retiree and the Pensionado Program, the foreigner will be entitled to several discounts from services such as food, healthcare, public services, entertainment, and goods in Panama. The foreigner should be able to get a Tourist Pensionado Visa. The requirements include receiving pensions from the government or a of your country; the following pension needs to be received per month at a minimum of $500 dollars for singles and $100 dollar per and some other requirements at consideration of the Panamanian Migration Department.

Aside from the discounts that you can get as a retiree, one of the benefits is that the properties that you can get in Panama are affordable. has boomed in the recent years. More and more investors come to put their money Panama property because they appreciate easily. As such, investors can easily sell the property or use it for business opportunities.

Now that the budget is at hand with available discounts and the affordable prices, Panama as paradise for retiree is just beginning to make you feel comfortable. Properties are affordable and are located in places that give you . You can choose to retire on properties that are near its magnificent beaches. Or you can find a good location in the mountainside in the Panama highlands. Or simply within its modernized city.

Panama as paradise for retiree offers properties on beachfronts. Beaches start from 50 miles off the city and can be seen at the Caribbean side or in the Pacific Ocean. Basically, the beaches are still uncrowded so you can still choose locations that are suitable for your relaxation.

Panama as paradise for retiree also offers properties in mountainside. Properties in this side are much cooler that at the beach side but it offers the same fun atmosphere as on the beach. Here you can see wonderful natural landscapes and Panama's flora and fauna.

Finally, the city life has also something fun and exciting to offer. With its skylines and high technology cable, telephone and internet, retirees can enjoy the city life of Panama. There are nightlife and entertainment from which you can enjoy throughout your retired days.Laurie Cooper, of Cpanama Real Estate Corp., is an expert on Panama real estate. For more information, please visit www.cpanama.com.]]> The Cultures of Panama in Various Sectors http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-cultures-of-panama-in-various-sectors http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-cultures-of-panama-in-various-sectors#comments Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:57:19 +0000 panama borderculture of panamarepublic of panamaconstitutional democracyliteracy ratepanama canalgovernment culture http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-cultures-of-panama-in-various-sectors Republic of Panama and a former colony of Spaniards. Its population is a mixture of Creoles, mestizo, Europeans, indigenous Indians and Africans. The connects South and North America in Central America that forms an inverted S. The people of Panama speak mostly of Spanish although English are also widely used for business transactions as Panama is mainly into tourism and banking economy.

The is traced way back when it was conquered by the Spanish. By then, they have embraced Spanish language and cultures. Later, it became a nation that functions as the custodian in shipping by the transisthmus route, with various influences from America and Colombia. The currency Balboa is composed of coins only while the bills are dollars.

The culture of Panama has varied subjects as it follows certain patterns from history. Basically, the smallest and most unit in the society is the family. Guaymi Indians in Panama can have many wives but the traditional culture of Panama only permits one wife. Divorce is legal under Panaman Civil Code. Ideally, a family in Panama is composed of couples who are married and their corresponding children. Husbands tend to live with the house of their wives creating an extended family with the wife's own family living together with them.

In the of Panama, it is into and follows a pattern of binary system from Colombia. When the US invaded Panama and revolted against Colombia, it restored democracy and developed the that has also been the gateway of diverse influences in Panama.

When it comes to education, the culture of Panama follows a primary level education which was proven to be effective in the Panaman society. The of Panama is 90 percent high. It has two major universities for higher education which are the University of Panama and The Catholic University of Santa Maria.

Religion is part of the culture of Panama as 85 percent of the population is Roman Catholics. Their beliefs and practices are typical of Roman Catholics like festivals that celebrate patron saints of towns. The biggest and the most important event in Panama is the Carnaval, a five days event before Ash Wednesday. In Carnaval, single women compete to be the Carnaval Queen where they experience highest symbolic status among municipalities. Meanwhile, blacks from coastal areas celebrate Congo, where the chosen "queen" in their festivity also preside the event. The Congo is performed by dancing of male and female partners every weekend. In Congo, most unmarried couples who lived in usually find new partners during the event.

Basically, men and women are treated equally in Panama. Most women are professionals in the field of commerce, banking, and tourism. They can readily mingle with men while being treated with respect and dignity.

Finally, the culture of Panama is also determined by their industry. Their major economic activity is transshipping and banking. Because international shipping passes through Panama, there are different types of international goods that pass through Panama as well like electronics, automobiles and other luxury goods. So far, agriculture has the lowest return in Panama economy while services render the highest.Laurie Cooper, of Cpanama Real Estate Corp., is an expert on Panama real estate. For more information, please visit www.cpanama.com.]]> Understanding the Panama Financial Overview http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-the-panama-financial-overview http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-the-panama-financial-overview#comments Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:57:18 +0000 art security systemsfree trade zonewestern hemispherefinance communitycommittee guidelinesbasel committeeexchange center http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-the-panama-financial-overview free trade zone. After the successful restoration of democracy Panama recovered to regain its reputation as the 's primary financial and trading tax haven. In fact, Panama financial overview would not be complete without citing that Panama is known in the international as the "Switzerland of Latin America". This is definitely a well-deserved moniker.

The banking system is the largest part of the republic's financial sector that contributes a sizable 8 percent to Panama's GDP. Panama's banking industry is the most modern and most successful in Latin America, second only to Switzerland in the world. With the restructuring of the banking system in 1998, the Superintendent of Banks that supervise and the central banking functions of the country. Panama's banking system meets most international standards. They have one of the strictest banking and financial laws in the world, adopt internationally-accepted standards for accounting and auditing, adhere to the Basel , and employ up-to-date, state-of-the . Panama is also a foreign partly because there are no valuation or conversion concerns. Its currency, the balboa, is equal in valuation to the U.S. dollar. Panama is the only independent country that has this exclusive right.

A Panama financial overview reveals that the equity market of the country is small and illiquid. While the banking industry is a favored offshore destination and serves as a significant foreign market, it is still the insurance industry of the country that serves its domestic market. The insurance, securities, and other non-banking sectors are smaller than the banking sector.

In Panama, there are no levies or restrictions on transfer of funds. In fact, funds may be freely transferred in and out of the country, regardless of the purpose. The Overseas Private Investment Corporation in the United States provides guarantees on nationalization or expropriation and against inconvertibility of currency. This is an incredible advantage over many other countries, which strictly control the international movement of funds.

A Panama financial overview centers on Panama's reputation as a tax haven. In fact, 35,000 foreign holding companies and tax sanctuary operations operate in Panama because of its relative tax freedom. Panama employs the territorial method of taxation whereby all income and sales proceeds gained outside of the country are tax-exempt, while all income and sales proceeds made within the country is subject to Panamanian tax. A Panama financial overview discloses that Panama is the second most popular jurisdiction to incorporate in the world, next to Hong Kong, with 400,000 corporations and foundations domiciled in the country. This is because Panama does not impose any reporting requirements or taxes (no income, capital gains, interest income, sales, capital, property, estate, and other taxes are imposed), there is no "piercing of the corporate veil," there is anonymous ownership and control, and there is no paid-in capital requirement, among other advantages. These factors make for an encouraging read on Panama financial overview.Laurie Cooper, of Cpanama Real Estate Corp., is an expert on Panama real estate. For more information, please visit www.cpanama.com.]]> What You Should Know When Moving to Panama http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-you-should-know-when-moving-to-panama http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-you-should-know-when-moving-to-panama#comments Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:22:17 +0000 excellent education systeminternational business centerinvestor visacosmopolitan atmospherebusiness investorvisa programimmigrant visa http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-you-should-know-when-moving-to-panama
Aside from its beautiful beaches on both the Atlantic and Pacific sides and its , moving to Panama has its benefits. Since Panama is an , you will encounter little difficulty in dealing with business. Since it is also a transit country, transportation and communication is modern and convenient.

Since it is the most highly industrialized country with by far the most developed economy in Central America and consider third one in Latin America.

There are many ways available to expatriates who wish to move to Panama. The country has a very straightforward and direct including Tourist Pensioner Visa, the Private Income Retiree Visa, the Small Business , Temporary and Student Visa. From children to retired persons, from individuals to families, moving to Panama is easy and convenient. The country has a wealth of natural and man-made riches to offer expatriates, ranging from seemingly endless coastlines, a tropical climate, an , an efficient medical system, a myriad of business and investment opportunities, and a stable peace and order situation, to its hospitable and warm people.

For pet lovers, moving to Panama should not a problem. Over all the process is simple, though you must be warned that the rules are quite strict. Some basic requirements include a veterinary certification from your home country and the Panamanian consulate, and in-home quarantine (which you must send a letter of request to the Panama Department of health at least two weeks before arrival).

As to moving household effects, with the logistics of packing, finding the right moving company, preparing the legal documents and dealing with customs agents. It is recommended that you buy your furniture and appliances in Panama, but the choice is still yours. We recommend always to be advised by a real estate company with knowledge in relocation and legal services.

After the papers and the packing, moving to Panama involves learning on your part. You need to learn conversational Spanish to get you by in the first few weeks of your move. Although, English is widely spoken here, it will not hurt to learn a few Spanish. Although Panama is cosmopolitan, you also need to learn a new culture for it can have nuances and subtleties alien to your old country.

You can start enjoying the place we call home and the home we call paradise. Venga gozar de Panamá!Laurie Cooper, of Cpanama Real Estate Corp., is an expert on Panama real estate. For more information, please visit www.cpanama.com.]]> Panama: The Interesting Places http://www.artwoo.com/article/panama-the-interesting-places http://www.artwoo.com/article/panama-the-interesting-places#comments Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:22:21 +0000 exuberant florahighlands mountainsflora and faunastunning beachescountries in latin americavacation havencaribbean side http://www.artwoo.com/article/panama-the-interesting-places countries in Latin America is that most of the population understand and speaks English although their main language is Spanish. Generally, the people in Panama are warm and friendly so that visitors don't feel alienated wherever they go because of the hospitality and the services that characterize Panama. Although this have been the of most visitors from US, Canada, Venezuela and Europe in the recent years, tourism is still in a development stage in infrastructures as many other of the interesting places in Panama. In fact, most of its are still undeveloped or underdeveloped with amazing and exclusive projects. There is a boom in tourism in Panama, prices are still affordable, places are not crowded and there are still many available slots in their hotels, resorts and other accommodations.

Panama has now become one of the fascinating places to visit. Tourists find a lot of attractive places suitable for their vacations and holiday trips as well as investments and trades. Arriving in Panama is convenient with its high facilities in airport and transportation. The interesting places in Panama includes beaches, and within city locations. Many of these interesting places in Panama feature the heritage of the people of Panama, the and fauna and places where people can relax and enjoy.

One of the most concurred interesting places in Panama is its beaches. Some of beaches in Panama are composed of white sand and blue waters which others would even describe as scenery that is seen in postcards. Most of these beautiful beaches are located in the Pacific side of Panama's coastlines which takes only a few hours drive from Panama City. There are also beaches in the of Panama coasts. For each beach, there are specific activities that you can do. If you want to do surfing, the perfect beach for you would be in El Palmar, Rio Mar, Playa Venao and Punta Barco. One of the most popular beaches in the Caribbean side is Bocas del Toro, a perfect place for surf and enjoy the nature. If you simply want to swim, sun bath and just hang out, Coronado and Farallon would be a good spot. For sailing, the quite waters of Taboga, Contadora and Pearl Archipelago would be appropriate.

There are also interesting places in Panama on the highland mountain side, there are places just an hour and a half from Panama City such as Cerro Azul, Sora in Chame and El Valle de Antón. One of the important and productive areas are located in the Chiriquí highlands. There you can practice activities like bird watching as Panama has one of the many biodiversity of birds from the north and south migrate to the isthmus where Panama is situated more than all the birds together from USA and Canada. When you go to Boquete at Chiriqui, one of the places in the mountain side of Panama, you are able to visit the Volcan Baru; you will appreciate the varied forms of plans that are seen in Panama alone. Bird watching is also done here as different kind of birds settles on the mountain. When you go hiking or mountain climbing in Volcan Baru and reach its peak, you will see the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and the volcano's different craters.

In the city downtown, there are also interesting places in Panama that you can hang out and have fun. The panama nightlife is a different experience with restaurants for diverse kind of food, bars, lounge and discotheques that performs live music like salsa, jazz, reggae, electronica and rock. In daytime you can walk around the Metropolitan Nature Park where bird watching can be an activity or you can simply may take a walk at the Coast way, enjoy the wind of the bayside having a delicious meal in one of the different restaurants that surrounded the area. Aside from this, the Marine Exhibition Center, which is located at the entrance of the canal at the Pacific side, is an interesting place in Panama for life in marines and its ecology.Laurie Cooper, of Cpanama Real Estate Corp., is an expert on Panama real estate. For more information, please visit www.cpanama.com.]]> Experience The Panama Canal On A Charter Yacht! http://www.artwoo.com/article/experience-the-panama-canal-on-a-charter-yacht http://www.artwoo.com/article/experience-the-panama-canal-on-a-charter-yacht#comments Mon, 19 Feb 2007 12:27:07 +0000 panama canalrepublic of panamacharter yacht vacationscuba gearintriguing piecesdeep sea fishingsandy beaches http://www.artwoo.com/article/experience-the-panama-canal-on-a-charter-yacht Republic of Panama, which is more commonly known as simply Panama is the southern most country of Central America. It borders Costa Rica to the west, Columbia to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south.

One of the most of Panama and perhaps the most popular, is the world famous "". The Panama Canal is a passageway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through the country of Panama. Panama was chosen for this because it is the narrowest landmass between the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. The Panama Canal is about 50 miles long and during the approximately 80 years that the canal has been in use, over 800,000 ships have taken advantage of it. Nearly 40 ships each and every day are passing through the Canal and the numbers are continuing to rise more and more each year.

Some of the big highlights that Panama has to offer are enchanting wildlife, dazzling rainforests, colorful underwater adventures, and charming white ! What better way to enjoy all of these wonderful sites than by taking a . These tours give you a great feel for not only the Canal but Panama itself, as well as the many beautiful islands it has to share that are virtually uninhabited.

Cebaco Bay is located on the southern end of Isla Cebaco which is an uninhabited island made up of pristine, white sandy beaches and literally thousands of coconut trees. They offer trilling white water rafting, superb scuba diving, and big game fishing with some of the largest fish in the world. Not only are Panama's islands well known for its , but many world records have either been set or broken within these waters!

As always, almost all charter yacht vacation tours around Panama are all-inclusive. This includes all your gourmet meals and fine foods, beverages and open bar, along with your water sports. and state of the art deep sea fishing equipment are also available; if that's the type of charter yacht you're looking for. Remember, this may vary slightly from broker to broker so it is always a good idea to do your research first, depending on what activities are the most important to you and your family. The Pacific side of Panama is home to a wealth of tropical islands from the palm tree speckled beaches of the Archipelago of Las Perlas, to the notorious colony located on the pristine island of Coiba! Coiba to this day remains a prison for the country's most hardened criminals and is comparable to America's Alcatraz. This adds a bit of island adventure to the trip and is an amazing, historical site to see.

Panama's islands are home to a wealth of beauty, history, vegetation and wild life. In the past, this destination was primarily used as a stop over and not really considered a destination to visit by travellers. These days, people who are wanting a relaxing and unique vacation experience are starting to realize just what Panama has to offer. So if you are looking for something exotic and fascinating that will give you an unforgettable experience to treasure for a lifetime, then behold the islands of Panama! At Tropical Beach Destinations we share the secrets of http://www.tropicalbeachdestinations.com that your travel agents wish they knew. Learn exclusive travel tips, ideas and ways to save money from REAL experienced world travelers! ]]> Huge Investments in the Panama Business Environment http://www.artwoo.com/article/huge-investments-in-the-panama-business-environment http://www.artwoo.com/article/huge-investments-in-the-panama-business-environment#comments Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:15:21 +0000 government office hoursfinancial intermediationpanamanian economypanamanian currencymergers acquisitionsfree trade zonenational mourning http://www.artwoo.com/article/huge-investments-in-the-panama-business-environment Free Trade Zone. has experienced very dynamic growth in the past years, after suffering setbacks brought by the Noriega administration and the sluggish growth in 2000-2002. Industries behind this dynamic growth are transportation (including the Panama Canal, the container transshipment ports, railroads, air transport and domestic passengers and cargo transportation), the Colon Free Trade Zone, construction, wholesale and retail trade, restaurants and hotels, communications, and real estate activities.

Doing business in Panama is convenient because Panama uses the U.S. dollar as its legal tender, the balboa (the ) being interchangeable with it. Since there are no valuation/conversion concerns, it has practically eliminated current exchange risks for US dollar-based companies. There are also no restrictions on funds transfer in and out of the country, which makes it easy to invest and divest. Business hours are 8:00am-6:00 pm, with 1 hours for lunch period, weekdays. vary so check prior to visiting. All Offices and commercial businesses are closed on days of . In terms of labor force, Panama has a rich source of manpower. Literacy rate is 90 percent, many Panamanians being bilingual. Panama's inflation rate is relatively low and almost always mirrors that of the US, though always below it. Doing business in Panama is virtually tax-free due to its territorial method of taxation (only income made within the country is subject to Panamanian tax) and no reporting requirements or taxes are imposed. Doing business in Panama is favored by foreign corporations because of its flexible company laws, which include no restrictions on 100 percent foreign-owned companies and no restrictions on mergers, acquisitions, or joint ventures. Doing business in Panama is straightforward because of the country's equal treatment of foreign and local citizens alike.

Doing business in Panama is amply supported by its transportation and telecommunications infrastructure. Panama's modern railroad is extensive and is used both for cargo and passengers transportation. Panama has a highway network of asphalted concrete roads, with 27 public and 41 private airports. Together with the Panama Canal, Panama is a multimodal transportation center. Telecommunications facilities include cellular phone networks, fixed phones and the Internet. Real estate is affordable and extensive. Doing business in Panama is almost worry-free because it has one of the best access to capital. Its banking industry is known as the "Switzerland of Latin America," a fitting name because it rivals Switzerland in modernity and security. Panama is a peaceful country with no military and where personal security concerns are limited. It is a member of the World Trade Organization and it has free trade and limited trade agreements with countries in Asia, the Americas and in Europe.

With the favorable business environment, it is no wonder that Panama is one of the most favored investment destinations in Latin America. Panama welcomes all investors to come see the country and enjoy its natural riches, while doing great business.Laurie Cooper, of Cpanama Real Estate Corp., is an expert on Panama real estate. For more information, please visit www.cpanama.com.]]> Panama: The Government http://www.artwoo.com/article/panama-the-government http://www.artwoo.com/article/panama-the-government#comments Thu, 03 Jul 2008 23:43:15 +0000 electoral tribunalseniors citizensgovernment of panamaindependent institutionselectoral issuesvice presidentscontroller general http://www.artwoo.com/article/panama-the-government government of Panama follows the patterns of presidential representative with three branches: the executive, legislative, and judiciary. The executive is elected by popular election vote exercise the senior's citizens for a period 5. The president is considered the head of the state and the head of the government and has two vice- presidents. He also presides over multi party system. The legislative branches are also elected by popular election vote in the same terms as the president as well. It is composed of Unicameral National Assembly of 78 members. Positions in Judiciary are appointed independently some of them by judicial careers contest.

When the government of Panama reformed the Constitution in 2004, Panama's executive branch has only one vice president and the members of the Unicameral National Assembly were lowered down to 74. There are nine members of the judiciary under the Supreme Court which is appointed with a term of 10 years. Voters in Panama should be at least 18 years old and the voting is supervised by who takes responsibility in the registration of voters, transparence in the process of election, implementing the electoral laws and judging any violations of the electoral law. They also are charged to settle any dispute regarding . Their decision is usually considered final although it can be appeal once the Tribunal itself has violated some of the enforced laws.

Aside from the executive, legislative and judicial branches in the government of Panama, there are also state apparatus that consists of independent and quasi- and entities that have several functions to the public. One of the most important agencies is the Electoral Tribunal. Second to the Electoral Tribunal is the independent whose term also last for 10 years. The responsibility of the controller is to oversee revenues of the government and expenditures and to investigate the government operations as a whole. Although this functions as independent body from the three branches, the controller usually settles for the government policies and never challenged it.

Some quasi independent government entities include National Bank of Panama, the Colon Free Zone, University of Panama and Hydraulic Resources and Electrification. There are still many quasi- independent commissions that are responsible to other areas in the economic and social system of Panama.

Finally, Panama has several public employees scattered through the three government branches of the nation and its independent agencies and commission, and other Panama municipalities. They are appointed public servants that may carry the post temporarily or permanently. They follow certain policies and law regulated by the government of Panama in terms of employment, functions and even when leaving the post. The State may dictate those in high appointments such as directors, secretaries and temporary employees to be exempted from the regulations and policies.

The most important thing is that the government in Panama is truly democratic and constitutional, leading to much foreign direct investors from countries such as the U.S., Canada, China, and much of Europe, which has contributed to staggering development in many of the country's prominent business sectors.About the Author: Laurie Cooper, of Cpanama Real Estate Corp., is an expert on Panama real estate. For more information, please visit http://www.cpanama.com.]]>