| Long considered a shipping hub and offshore | | | | restaurant meals, 20% off doctors |
| banking center for the Americas, Panama is | | | | consultations, etc. Panama is also one of |
| enjoying an economic boom on a scale | | | | the best, if not the best, residency deals in |
| unmatched since the construction of its | | | | the world today. For the price, the |
| famous canal 93 years ago. | | | | benefits are incomparable. For instance, |
| | | | you can invest $40,000 in a government |
| The country is luring investors and | | | | approved and potentially very lucrative |
| expatriates worldwide, with interest further | | | | reforestation project. This will yield a visa |
| boosted by the recent approval of a $5.25 | | | | to the investor, spouse and dependant |
| billion plan that will double the canal's | | | | children. |
| capacity. | | | | |
| | | | Panama's modern amenities are similar to that |
| The real estate frenzy is fueled by a strong | | | | of North America, making life a bit easier |
| economy, government incentives for foreign | | | | day to day. The communications work, you |
| investors, modern amenities, attractive cost | | | | can drink the water from the tap, there's no |
| of living, world class healthcare options, | | | | currency exchange issue, and it feels like |
| fantastic recreational activities and a | | | | home. Visitors and residents alike value |
| saturated US housing market for retirees has | | | | the diverse choices Panama has to offer, |
| attracted speculators and prospective | | | | having the opportunity to escape to a |
| residents from California to Dubai. | | | | pristine beach but not sacrificing the modern |
| | | | conveniences such as a contemporary road |
| These investors are purchasing | | | | system, high speed internet access and cable |
| preconstruction bay front apartments, | | | | television. |
| highland villas, and the latest luxury | | | | |
| development from Donald Trump -- a $220 | | | | Panama has one of the lowest costs of living |
| million 65-story residential, office, and | | | | in all Central and South America: A |
| hotel complex called Trump Ocean Club, with | | | | U.S.-style home can be built for about $40 |
| towers shaped like a yacht sail. | | | | per square foot; unskilled labor costs $6.40 |
| | | | per day; a full-time live-in maid costs $120 |
| The Panama real estate market is directly | | | | to $160 a month; a beer at a bar costs 35 |
| linked to the overall economy, which | | | | cents; a cup of coffee, 30 cents; a haircut |
| continues to exude stability and growth. | | | | and shave can cost as little as $2; an |
| Panama will lead economic growth in all of | | | | afternoon at a beauty salon is $8; |
| Latin America and the Caribbean in 2007 at a | | | | electricity is about 10 cents per |
| rate of 8.5%, according to an economic study | | | | kilowatt-hour; water bills are $18 per year; |
| of the region. José Luis Machinea, the | | | | telephone service costs roughly $30 a month; |
| Executive Secretary of the Latin America | | | | Internet access is $14 a month; wireless is |
| Economic Commission (CEPAL), made the | | | | available for a bit more; cellular-telephone |
| announcement in Chile. | | | | service costs about $30 a month plus a |
| | | | per-minute charge of around 22 cents; and |
| A few things including the recently signed | | | | cable TV will cost you about $30 a month. |
| United States - Panama Trade Promotion | | | | |
| Agreement, fuel the growth. The agreement | | | | You won't fall short of recreational |
| is a comprehensive trade agreement that will | | | | activities in Panama. With two coasts, |
| eliminate tariffs and other barriers to trade | | | | there are world-class water sports available |
| thereby strengthening the century old | | | | such as fishing, diving, sailing, etc. |
| geostrategic partnership between the US & | | | | Given its geographic location, Panama is one |
| Panama. The Canal expansion, another major | | | | of the worlds best bird watching spots. The |
| boost to the economy, is expected to bring | | | | jungles of the interior have fantastic rivers |
| tens of thousands of new jobs along with | | | | to run and fish. The options are |
| long-term incremental revenue for the | | | | endless… |
| country. | | | | |
| | | | The dream of owning a second home, retiring, |
| The Panamanian government has made a point to | | | | or making an investment in a tropical |
| offer numerous incentives to attract foreign | | | | paradise can become a reality in Panama. |
| investors. These including new construction | | | | Whatever your preference, there is a |
| property tax exemptions, a very lucrative | | | | something for everyone. Panama real estate |
| Pensionado (retirement) program that includes | | | | is hot right now…don't wait to stake |
| discounts such as 50% off entertainment | | | | your claim! |
| prices, 25% off airline tickets, 25% off | | | | |