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