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In the midst of world wide economic turmoil Panama’s economy is growing. As North America, Europe, and Asia have slid into recession, lost jobs, and are bailing out financial institutions Panama’s economy has grown 9.2 percent through September of 2008. Real estate investment in Panama will be a great place to put your money while market values sink further across the industrialized world.

Panama

Panama is the tropical country on the land bridge between Central and South America. Being the narrowest part of the Americas, at 50 miles wide, Panama is the site of the Panama Canal connecting Atlantic and Pacific. Panama’s has a pro business climate, natural beauty, easy residency requirements, and first world services. As a result Panama has attracted the highest foreign investment per capita in Latin America. Panama tourism threatens to exceed 1.8 million visitors by the end of 2008. Expatriates and retirees have flocked to Panama to take advantage of low real estate prices in a tropical paradise.

Panama Growth

Government figures released in November 2008 show that Panama’s economy has grown by 9.2 percent through September of 2008 compared with the same months in 2007. The following table shows growth by business sector.

In a period where the United States is reported to have lost nearly a million jobs Panama’s continuing growth is doubly impressive.

Investment in Panama; Business and Real Estate

So, you are wondering where to put your money during the global financial melt down. Consider business in Panama or, better, investment in real estate in Panama.

Panama’s laws allow foreigners to do business in Panama. In fact, one of the routes to residency in Panama is an investor visa. You invest at least $160,000 and employ at least five Panamanian workers at minimum wage or above and you can stay forever. As the table above shows there is lots of business opportunity in Panama. However, doing business in a foreign country has a learning curve and, like all business endeavors, a number of pitfalls. A good reference for those interested in doing business in Panama is the World Bank’s study on Doing Business throughout the world.

Investment in Panama real estate, especially investment in Panama commercial real estate is a wiser choice for most foreigners in Panama.

Panama’s residential real estate has seen boom times for a decade but the price curve is flattening as North Americans deal with credit issues at home. For those interested in residential real estate investment this is a great time to buy. Talk to a local expert such as ABPanama and find the best real estate at the best price before residential real estate resumes its climb.

Commercial real estate investment allows your investment to grow along with Panama’s thriving economy. As Panama creates jobs, starts businesses, and makes money its small business community needs office space, retail space, storage facilities and more. Consider a targeted investment in commercial real estate in Panama with the advice of ABPanama. We have over 23 years experience managing real estate portfolios and do business throughout Panama.