Panama Canal Authority budget passes first debate

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has passed the first debate for its 2027 fiscal year budget in the National Assembly. The proposed budget is estimated at approximately B/. 5.55 billion, with projected direct contributions to the National Treasury reaching up to B/. 3.9 billion when including taxes and social security payments.

A central priority of the budget is the Río Indio reservoir project, which is designated as a project of public interest to ensure water sustainability for both the canal's operations and local consumption. The ACP has established specific criteria for compensating residents affected by the reservoir's construction, focusing on a “replacement benefit” model to ensure properties and homes are valued at current market costs without depreciation due to age.

Other strategic investments include the energy corridor, port terminals, and a logistics corridor. Additionally, the ACP clarified that it is not currently seeking to administer the Balboa and Cristóbal ports, maintaining its focus on being a regulator and defining concession models rather than acting as a port operator.