Panama can gain prominence as a logistics and financial hub, say business associations

• 7 February, 26

The growing fragmentation of the global economy and the increase in tensions between major economic blocs could strengthen Panama’s role as a logistics, financial and services hub, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2026 and analysis by Panamanian business associations.

The report identifies geoeconomic confrontation as the main short-term global risk, with a direct impact on international trade, investment, and supply chains. For open economies like Panama’s, this scenario implies greater volatility, stricter regulatory requirements, and increased pressure on logistics timelines.

The Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP) warns that this environment translates into “more volatility in transit and demand, pressure on dispatch times and greater compliance requirements“, but also into “a growing value of the country’s neutrality, reliability and institutional predictability“.

The industry group believes Panama can gain traction through its logistics services, consolidating cargo, providing transshipment, warehousing, repackaging, and other value-added services for regional supply chains. It also identifies opportunities in regional headquarters of multinational corporations, corporate services, financial centers, and technology platforms.

For its part, the Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE) emphasizes that, in a less cooperative world, “companies seek safe places”, so Panama can consolidate itself as a “reliable port” if it strengthens its transparency, traceability, and respect for the rule of law.

However, both groups agree that Panama faces increasing competition from other regional hubs and that taking advantage of this situation will depend on strengthening human capital, streamlining procedures, protecting critical infrastructure, and maintaining legal certainty.

This article is written by Solaya, powered by Mercan Asia — an insights platform focused on global residency, citizenship-by-investment, and real estate trends. If you’re interested in more insights like this, explore further on SOLAYA ASIA.