Arosemena Noriega & Contreras

Category: Noticias

  • The Fourth Bridge over the Panama Canal: Unlocking Economic Growth in Panama Oeste

    The Fourth Bridge over the Panama Canal: Unlocking Economic Growth in Panama Oeste

    The Fourth Bridge over the Panama Canal: Driving Growth in Panama West

    The construction of the Fourth Bridge over the Panama Canal represents a strategic step toward enhancing national connectivity and unlocking economic potential in one of the fastest-growing regions of the country: Panama West or in Spanish Panama Oeste.

    Once completed in 2028, this modern structure will significantly reduce travel times between Panama City and the western provinces. Improved mobility will make the area more accessible for workers, students, investors, and visitors.

    From a development perspective, the bridge is expected to serve as a catalyst for business expansion, residential growth, and tourism. With reliable infrastructure in place, Panama Oeste is poised to attract commercial activity, promote new housing developments, and strengthen the service industry.

    Beyond the direct impact on transportation, the project will generate thousands of jobs during construction and in the long term, fostering greater economic inclusion for surrounding communities.

    This bridge is more than a public work, it reflects Panama’s commitment to sustainable growth through strategic investment in infrastructure for future generations.

     

  • Panama: One of the Only Three Carbon-Negative Countries in the World

    Panama: One of the Only Three Carbon-Negative Countries in the World

    Panama: One of the Only Three Carbon-Negative Countries in the World

    Did you know that Panama, along with Bhutan and Suriname, are the only three countries in the world recognized by the UN as carbon negative? That’s right, in addition to being a paradise of biodiversity, Panama is also positioned itself as a leader in climate action.

    From May 19 to 23, 2025, Panama City hosted the Climate Week 2025, during which Panama proudly announced its commitment to the environment, being one of the only three countries in the world to be carbon negative. But what does it mean to be carbon negative? It means that we absorb more carbon dioxide than we emit. In other words, the net balance of greenhouse gas emissions is negative, making us a positive contributor in the fight against climate change.

    How does Panama achieve carbon negativity?

    • Extensive and well-preserved forests: Around 65% of Panama’s territory is covered by tropical forests, which act as “carbon sinks,” absorbing large amounts of CO₂ from the atmosphere.
    • Low industrial emissions: Panama lacks heavy industry and has a relatively small population, which significantly reduces its carbon emissions.
    • Use of renewable energy: A significant portion of the electricity that generates Panama comes from renewable sources such as hydroelectric power, and in recent years, wind energy—reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

    Why is this important?

    • Contribution to the climate fight: Absorbing more CO₂ helps offset emissions from other countries, helping to mitigate global warming.
    • Economic opportunities: Being carbon negative opens doors to international climate financing, ecotourism, and carbon credit trading.

     

  • Panama Canal prepares to increase ship transits amid rainy season

    Panama Canal prepares to increase ship transits amid rainy season

    Panama Canal Prepares to Increase Ship Transits Amid Rainy Season

    Due to the recent drought that affected the water levels of the Gatun and Alajuela lakes, the Panama Canal was forced to reduce to 27 the daily transit of ships. However, with the onset of the rainy season, the Panama Canal is now preparing to gradually increase the number of ships passing through the locks. In this respect, it is predicted that the daily transits will gradually increase, approaching the normal capacity of 36 transits by late 2024 or early 2025, if weather conditions permit.
     
     
  • The Impact of El Niño on the Panama Canal: Drought and Transit Restrictions

    The Impact of El Niño on the Panama Canal: Drought and Transit Restrictions

    The Impact of El Niño on the Panama Canal: Drought and Transit Restrictions

     

    Among the effects of the El Niño climate phenomenon in Panama, is there are very intense rains towards the Atlantic slope that cause flooding and a decrease in rainfall towards the regions located on the Pacific slope and an increase in the Caribbean slope.

     

    This decrease in the Pacific slope has caused a drought in the Panama Canal, which is reflected both in the canal’s budget for the next fiscal year and in its water condition. According to the Canal Administration, it is estimated that this condition will continue until September of next year, which translates into a draft of 44 feet and daily transit limited to between 30 and 22 vessels, instead of the 36 to 38 vessels that They regularly transited the Panama Canal.

     

     

  • United States and Panama: Strategic Semiconductor Supply Chain Partnership

    United States and Panama: Strategic Semiconductor Supply Chain Partnership

    United States Chooses Panama to Strengthen Semiconductor Supply Chain

     

    The United States has chosen Panama as a strategic partner to strengthen the semiconductor supply chain. Panama’s geographical location and political and economic stability make it a key logistics center. This partnership will benefit both countries by diversifying the supply chain and creating economic and technological opportunities for Panama. The collaboration promises to drive sustainable development and regional competitiveness in the digital era.

  • What is PROMTUR?

    What is PROMTUR?

    What is PROMTUR, how was it created, and what do they do?

     

    On April 26, 2023, Mr. Carlos R. de la Guardia, an attorney from our firm, attended the Executive Meeting organized by the Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture of Panama, where the topic “Consumption and Tourism” was discussed.

     

    The presentation focused on the consumer trend and above all, the present tourism situation in the country and the role that PROMTUR Panama plays in this respect.

     

    PROMTUR Panama is a destination marketing organization, created by Law 9 of 2017, to promote Panama as a world-class tourist destination and create the Trademark (Panamá Vive por Más or English Panama Lives for More).

     

    PROMTUR Panama meets its objectives by working jointly with the Panama Tourism Authority and the private sector; to position Panama as a world-class destination with the purpose of increasing the number of tourists entering the country, lengthening their stay, and boosting revenue for the State.

  • Combating Animal Abuse in Panama: Laws and Associated Penalties

    Combating Animal Abuse in Panama: Laws and Associated Penalties

    Animal Protection Law

     

    Animal abuse is a social problem that has long been neglected in Panama. Animals are constantly mistreated, thus violating their lives, by people who do not understand that they are able to feel the same pain and suffering as humans.

     

    In Panama, Law 70 of 2012, amended by Law 133 of 2020, grants judges the power to sanction conduct that constitutes animal abuse. In this regard, the penalties contained in the Penal Code have been increased, which means that today anyone who causes death or serious injury to an animal faces a penalty of 2 to 4 years of prison.

     

    In addition, misdemeanors such as negligence, abandonment, and injuries to animals are the responsibility of the justices of the peace and involve fines ranging from US$100.00 to US$1,000.00, community work, and attending a 40-hour course against abuse and animal rights.

  • Mining could contribute 1% to GDP

    Mining could contribute 1% to GDP

    Panama maintains its growth forecast at 5% for 2023, Mining could contribute 1% to GDP

     

    Hector Alexander, who was at the closing ceremony of the IDB Board of Governors held in Panama, added that the country generally grows more than the region

     

    The Minister of Economy and Finance of Panama, Héctor Alexander, affirmed that he maintains the growth forecast for Panama at 5% for 2023, despite the fact that the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) foresees lower growth for the region.

     

    Alexander, who was at the closing ceremony of the IDB Board of Governors held in Panama, added that the country generally grows more than the region.

     

    He also pointed out that the recent agreement signed with the company Minera Panamá, a subsidiary of the Canadian company Firts Quantum, would be contributing 1% to economic growth.

     

    “This year we grew 10.8% this year we are going to grow at least 5%. Only the arrangement that we have with Minera, once perfected, that agreement can represent 1% of GDP growth,” said the minister.

     

    He assured that he was confident that they have not overestimated the projections and that this year it will reach 5% taking into account the situation as it is occurring.

     

    “I believe that the country has been recovering well, at the level of growth it will continue to lead the region and the great challenge for us in the future is the sustainability of growth”

     

    The macroeconomic report presented by the chief economist of the IDB, Erci Parrado, foresees a growth of 1% for the set of Latin American economies in 2023, this in a context of high rates and inflation, without contagion or extension of the situation United States bank.

     

    Likewise, Parrado said that Panama is one of the most dynamic in the region and that the greater growth expected from China favors it, both due to the issue of copper exploitation and the international trade that is generated and that passes through the Panama Canal.

     

    Please read the original post from SNIP Noticias de Panama

  • Excecutive meeting 01.25.23 – Chamber of commerce

    Excecutive meeting 01.25.23 – Chamber of commerce

    Executive Meeting organized by the Industry and Agriculture Chamber of Commerce with the theme “Consumption Trends 2023”

     

    On January 25, 2023, Mr. Jean Carlos Morales Pascual, an attorney at our law firm, participated in the Executive Meeting organized by the Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture of Panama where the topic “Consumption Trends 2023” was discussed. The central theme focused on the instability, insecurity, and skepticism of the local consumer as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

     

    Facing this reality, there exists, however, a growth in the sale of certain products such as those pharmaceutical products and in particular, flu remedies, analgesics, and generic drugs. On the other hand, there has also been an increase in animal feed and fabaceous or legume products.

     

    Due to the great consumer demand for these products, the forecast is for the appearance of new companies dedicated to their elaboration and/or distribution, which in turn will lead to an increase in legal services to meet this new demand.

  • Panama prepares for the Population and Housing Censuses 2023

    Panama prepares for the Population and Housing Censuses 2023

    Panama prepares for the Population and Housing Censuses 2023

     

    Panama has throughout it’s history held 11 population censuses, the first in 1911 and the last in 2000.  It has also held seven housing censuses from 1950 to 2000.

     

    In this regard, Panama is preparing for the XII National Population Census and VIII Housing Census.

     

    It will be a fully technological process lasting 56 days from January 8 until March 4, 2023, and will include:

     

    • 8,650 mobile capture devices
    • Around 7,000 enumerators collecting data and 2,000 supervisors

     

    The preliminary results will be available in July 2023 and final results in September of that year.

     

    According to the last census, held in 2010, Panama’s total population was 3,405,813 persons.

  • Lifting sanitary measures

    Lifting sanitary measures

    Lifting of the sanitary measures regarding mandatory use of masks, physical distancing, capacity, and entry to Panama due to COVID

    On July 11, 2022, the sanitary measure of mandatory use of masks in open and closed spaces was eliminated throughout the territory of the Republic of Panama, with the exception of: public and private health facilities, persons engaged in the handling and sale of food; and public transport of passengers, collective and selective.


    Likewise, as of July 13, 2022, the use of masks is not mandatory in aircraft and international air and maritime transport vessels transiting or disembarking at airports or ports in the Republic of Panama. However, the mandatory use of the mask in aircraft transiting between airports within the Republic of Panama is maintained.


    Finally, on September 14, 2022, the Ministry of Health ordered the lifting of the following sanitary measures: physical distancing, restriction of capacity throughout the national territory and restriction due to Covid for the entry of travelers to Panama.

     

    By: Mario Rognoni

  • Interesting facts about the Panama Canal

    Interesting facts about the Panama Canal

    Some interesting facts about the Panama Canal

    This August 15th, the Panama Canal reaches 108 years of operation, which is why we take the opportunity to share some curious facts about this wonder of world trade:

     

    • The cost of the Panama Canal toll depends on the weight of the vessel and the number of passengers.
    • The cheapest toll was paid in 1928 by Mr. Richard Halliburton who swam through the Panama Canal. This man paid 36 cents of a dollar, equivalent to his 63 kilos of weight. The transit took him 14 days and he swam the 49 miles (80 kilometers) of the Panama Canal.
    • On average a ship takes between 8 and 10 hours to cross the Panama Canal.
    • The Panama Canal works as a stair in which its locks (Gatún in the Atlantic and Pedro Miguel and Miraflores in the Pacific) are emptied and filled, thus allowing ships to pass through the isthmus.
    • The first ship that crossed the Panama Canal was the American ship Ancón on August 15, 1914. Curiously, August 15 is the anniversary date of Old Panama (Panamá La Vieja) an archaeological site where the city of Panama was located. since its foundation in 1519.
    • The Panama Canal has closed twice during its entire operation: (i) In 1915 due to a landslide on September 18. The landslide was of such magnitude that 10 million cubic yards of land were required to be dredged over 9 months and (ii) In 1989 during the US invasion of Panama.
    • Gatun Lake is a large artificial lake and is a key element of the Panama Canal because it supplies its operations and helps the transit of ships through the locks. It was created between 1903 and 1913 and in those years, it was the largest artificial lake in the world.

     

    By: Maryluz Castillo G.