Panama
Panama exposed as hub for Venezuelan corruption and money laundering
Panama’s financial and property sectors have once again come under scrutiny, as anti-corruption watchdogs revealed the extent to which Venezuelan corruption schemes have penetrated the country.
ECLAC raises Latin America growth forecast to 2.2% but warns of prolonged slowdown
The UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean has lifted its 2025 regional growth estimate to 2.2% from a previous 2.0% projection, whilst acknowledging that economic expansion remains constrained by global volatility
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China’s shipping giant COSCO pushes for stake in CK Hutchison's Panama ports deal
The $23bn sale of CK Hutchison’s global port assets, including key terminals at both ends of the Panama Canal, has shifted as China’s state-owned COSCO emerges as a potential investor, altering the deal’s geopolitical balance.
CK Hutchison delays $23bn ports deal as US-China tensions grow over Panama sale
CK Hutchison’s $22.8bn ports sale faces delays, with the BlackRock-led consortium talks likely to extend past the July 27 deadline, as the deal draws scrutiny over Panama assets amid rising US-China tensions.
Panama's public debt surges past $62bn amid deepening fiscal crisis
Panama’s public debt rose by $4.48bn in one year under President Mulino, reaching $56.3bn by June 2025, according to the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF).
US and Panama launch joint military exercises amid canal security concerns
US helicopters have arrived in Panama to begin collaborative training exercises with local security forces, as tensions mount over the strategic waterway's future amid competing US and Chinese interests.
Renewable energy surge puts Latin America on track for climate leadership
Latin America stands at a critical juncture in its energy evolution, with its largest economies showing both remarkable progress in renewable adoption and persistent challenges in weaning themselves off fossil fuels.
Panama claws back financial credibility as EU removes it from high-risk list
Panama scored a key win as the European Parliament approved its removal from the EU’s list of high-risk jurisdictions for money laundering and terrorist financing.
Spanish-led right-wing alliance plots Latin American electoral sweep
A coalition of conservative and far-right parties from Spain and Latin America has declared its intention to secure victory in seven general elections across the region scheduled for this year and 2026.
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Latin America splits over Iran-Israel conflict
The escalating Iran-Israel conflict has exposed deep fractures across Latin America, with governments from Buenos Aires to Caracas staking out opposing positions that lay bare deep-rooted political divisions.
Panama moves closer to EU blacklist removal
The European Commission’s June 2025 update to its high-risk country list is a key moment for Panama, which has spent nearly a decade working to repair its reputation and address regulatory shortcomings.
US troops deploy to Panama for canal exercises amid sovereignty protests
US military personnel have commenced joint training exercises in Panama following a controversial bilateral agreement that has sparked widespread public opposition in the Central American nation.
Cocaine barons switch to trafficking via Turkey after heavy seizures on direct-to-Europe route
Extent of new smuggling indicated by seizure of seven vessels owned by Turks carrying drugs worth $10bn.
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Latin America faces investment drought as fiscal space shrinks, ECLAC says
ECLAC report highlights the region's struggle with low public investment amid mounting debt pressures.
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Panama tightens ship registry rules to combat Russian sanctions-evading fleet
Panama has moved to impose stricter rules on ship-to-ship (STS) oil transfers in response to growing international scrutiny over its role in facilitating sanctions evasion.