Panama: Investment Climate Statement 2015

Panama actively encourages foreign investment, and with few exceptions, the Government of Panama (GOP) makes no distinction between domestic and foreign companies for investment purposes. Panama continues to enjoy the strongest economic growth in Latin America. It benefits from stable and consistent economic policies, a dollarized economy, and a government that consistently supports trade and open markets.In 2015, the economy is expected to continue to be one of the fastest growing in the hemisphere, with predicted growth of 6.5 percent, following expansion of 6.2 percent in 2014 and 8.5 percent in 2013. In 2012, Moody's raised Panama's sovereign debt rating to Baa=2 and improved its outlook for Panama from stable to positive. Panama's sovereign debt is also rated as investment grade by Fitch (BBB rating) and by Standard and Poor's (BBB rating). Since the October 2012 entry into force of the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA), opportunities have increased for U.S. companies operating in Panama, and exports from the United States to Panama have increased over 20 percent.