Why Do Business In Panama?

When someone thinks of Panama, the first two things that come to mind are the Canal and ‘tax haven’ - usually in that order.  Yes, there is a huge canal here.  Yes, the Republic of Panama is a ‘privacy haven.’  But, that’s NOT all there is to Panama.

There are many other advantages to doing business here.  Panama’s location made it a strategic transportation link in the Spanish Empire’s effort to ship gold and resources to Madrid.  Panama, and Panama City, were established from the very beginning for the purpose of doing business on a global scale.  That heritage remains.  And despite being a modern city, Panama City has managed to retain its charm and ease of living.

A building boom over the past few years has kept prices down.  Panama City is inexpensive when compared to other cities of the same caliber.  Don’t be fooled - inexpensive doesn’t mean that you sacrifice your quality of life.  Panama does business on an international scale and accommodates the wants and needs of international businessmen, who tend to be fast-paced.  At the same, Panama offers beautiful beaches, a temperate climate, great restaurants.  High quality downtime; a little bit of ‘la dolce vita.’  What good is working hard, and what good are wealth protection strategies, if you don’t take the time to savor the fruits of your wealth?  You have an amazing range of choices here and the freedom of choice.

The government is stable and has a new President, Ricardo Martinelli, elected on an anti-corruption platform.  Martinelli, who will be in office until 2014, is a businessman, so the pro-business attitudes will remain.  Even in the worst of times, Panama has never suppressed its citizens or instituted currency controls.  There were periods of corruption, but there has never been oppression.  Panama has its own currency, but the U.S. dollar is the business currency.

Panama has well developed international trade and banking systems.  These two sectors depend on technology.  Panama has one of the finest telecom systems outside of the U.S. or Europe.  Five major global fiber optic networks cross Panama and provide international access.  Panama City, which is overlaid with several fiber optic networks, is a world-class mission-critical data and hosting center. This business segment continues to grow as foreign companies take advantage of this infrastructure.  Panama is a gateway to Central and South American markets.

Panamanian leaders recognized that the same strategic location that made it an important water transport link also gave it a competitive advantage in air transportation and logistics.  One of the best things about doing business here is the ease and comfort of travel.  Panama City is a great place to live and I enjoy living here, but sometimes travel is necessary.

The national air carrier, Copa Airlines, flies Boeing 737’s to 40 major cities daily and was named Best Airline in Central America in 4 of the last 5 years.  Copa has an outstanding order to purchase 21 new jets over the coming years.  Over the last decade, Tocumen International Airport has been transformed through the 'Hub of the Americas' project.  Copa's partner KLM-Air France flies direct from Amsterdam, complementing Iberian Airway’s daily flights from Madrid.  Tocumen Airport is a great airport if you are coming here to do business, or if you are just looking for convenient connecting flights within the region.

Undoubtedly, Panama is a great base for business and banking, and for gracious expatriate living.  And with a little planning, that gracious living, la dolce vita, can be tax free.