Do you have any comments on the impacts of the current tax reform in Panama to increase the value added goods and services tax (ITBMS) from 5% to 7% … a 40% increase ?

Do you think it will slow down Panama’s FDI or foreigner relocations ?

The daily La Prensa reported that a “magnifying glass” is on the Canal expansion project and more recently on the 4,925 hectares surrounding the waterway that have not been fully developed, stating that this is fertile ground for mounting maritime service, logistics and tourism companies. Mentioned areas were the lands of North Sherman, Fort San Lorenzo and Corozal West.

La Quinta to invest $25m in 13 new hotels
One of the largest hotel operators in United States is coming to Panama. La Quinta “limited-service hotels” recently announced Interoceanic Hotels Inc. will build 13 La Quinta hotels, totaling 500 rooms throughout Panama. The total investment is $25 million dollars and the building process will take seven years.

The flagship property for La Quinta in Panama will be in Albrook in the Centro Comercial PanCanal. In addition there will be La Quinta hotels in El Valle and on Isla Grande.

I’m a cartoonist/illustrator here in Austin, Tx and I’m interested in knowing what legal hurdles I might have to overcome if I were to set up as a street vendor dealing in custom illustration and original printed material in one of Panama’s English-speaking tourist cities. What kind of risk would I be taking if I were to import some of my product via suitcase? Also, how tolerant might the airport terminals be of someone doing that on their premises and are they be willing to negotiate rent? Another thing I’m wandering is if you know of any Panamanian printers that are capable of printing short-run, perfect-bound, retail-quality books.

Thanks for everything you do,
JC

We are launching a Central America initiative for our Energy Service Business (aka ESCO). I have a partner in Costa Rica, and we want to immediately begin work in Panama City.

In a nutshell, we decrease electricity costs in COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS anywhere from 10% to 30% or higher. (we guarantee our customers 10% savings). The higher the current electricity costs, the better. We save the customer more money. Not to mention the reduced carbon footprint that comes with it.

We are beginning work in Mexico, the Philippines, soon in Hawaii and NYC. All places with high electricity costs, and our low hanging fruit, you might say.

I would be interested in talking with you personally because of your world travels and network of leaders and people of vision. For the first time in my business life, I have a deal that makes my company money, while still providing net cash savings to our customers … and actually helps Mother Earth in her time of need. A Hell of a Deal, I say.

Would you favor Panama over Mexico? Do you have interested investors?

I am interested in the idea of the property management company. I am in contracting and have experience in Europe and ME. Right now based in Singapore/Thailand.

I also have a couple of profitable business ideas I’d like to develop in Panama so if you are interested in sharing start up capital, let’s chat thru email – You are welcome to email me.

Thanks.

Thanks,
Ray

We plan to move to either Costa Rica or Panama within the next 3 years, sooner if possible. We are now at the stage of finding the right country, once that place is found, we are ready to purchase an investment/vacation home and start operations.

The comment about only Panamanian citizens allowed to own a retail business concerns me. It has been difficult to find information that is reliable. We do not want to move to a country where we cannot operate a legit business. Help?

Thanks,
Tami

Thank you for the newsletter and the brief on Panama.I wish to make contact with Mr Raul Del Aguila on the opportunity in Peru. how do I get in touch with him via your email database.
In Papua New Guinea (PNG) we are also experiencing exciting business growth in all the sectors. i am seeking out investors for ‘green investmnets in Geothermal and Hydro power and water in PNG. There is also scope for Microfinance development and capital to start new ventures in transport, hotels and diving resorts on New Britain island in PNG.

Can you recommend anyone in Panama City who is a real “maivin” (expert) on the current res. real estate market in the city’s neighborhoods?

Much appreciated!

Thank YOU!

Thank you for your thought provocative commentary’s. I am interested in your thoughts on developing a self-sustaining community. I am in the process of deciding where to land as an ex-pat. My occupation is in agriculture. I am a farmer.

Ron

I came home with all of the equipment & experience needed to build new hearing aids and repair existing ones, test for hearing loss and fit them to the ear…etc.

I would be interested in the possibilities of setting up a lab in Panama.

Any thoughts?

I’m also bored by the states looking for new ideas always. Sounds like you have your hands full. No I do not have a legitimate business plan, nor do i care to write one. But I’m interested in doing if your interested in start up capital. I’ll just leave it to that for now, your always welcome to email me. Contessa & I like your blog.

My name is Raul Del Aguila, I’m 50 yo., two years ago I came back to Peru after living 10 years in New York City and 8 years in Seattle,
I worked in the Information Technology business, here in Cusco-Peru
my family is the owner of a Hostel building with 22 rooms (3 stars),
the tourist movement is very intense here in Cusco due to the fact
is the obligated stop for tourists from around the World in their route
to visit Macchu-Picchu, after a tenant rented by 20 years this Hostel,
he is returning the building because they built their own Hotel building,
I’m looking for an investor partner to upgrade this Hostel in a boutique-Hotel concept, the Hostel building is strategical located to one block
from the Cusco Plaza mayor downtown. Cusco is a wonderful city
in the middle of the Andes, the principal business is tourism and the
city is very safe, clean and really nice, was the old capital of the
Inca Empire before the conquerors Spaniards came to South America.

Bill

Maybe we can talk in April in between catching sailfish & marlin.

Cheers,
Bob

Love the emails. Keep em comming. I own a company in Canada importing Japanese sports cars, SUV’s and luxury cars (Nissan Skyline GTR, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Toyota Supra, Toyota Landcruiser, Mitsubishi Pajero, Mercedes SL500). I want to expand in South America since I know there is a lot if demand. I was thinking on Panama since it is centrally located to serve Central and South America and the local market. What is the used car market like in Panama? Would the new emerging middle class be able to afford a car, suv, etc of about US$7000-15000?

Cheers
Hans

Very interesting connections there in new administration.
Meetings have taken place with banking/finance ministers.

best regards,
r