Panama launches economic commission and seeks $1 bn private financing to boost tourism

Panama’s National Assembly installed the Commission of Economy and Finance, headed by Deputy Victor de Jesús Castillo, to examine legislation such as a tourism‑incentive law announced by President José Raúl Mulino at the opening of the Armando Dely Valdés stadium in Colón. The commission will review proposals aimed at fostering economic growth and will work with other legislative bodies to evaluate government‑submitted initiatives.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance announced a strategic partnership with BID Invest to mobilize up to US$1 billion of private‑sector financing. The program will channel funds to projects in construction, tourism, logistics, energy, water, housing, digital infrastructure and other priority sectors without creating a public fund or state guarantees. The goal is to expand credit access for micro, small and medium‑sized enterprises and attract investment that generates employment while meeting environmental and social standards.