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My good friend Bob Adams, who has lived in Panama more than 12 years, was published in Barron’s magazine again with this story about what makes Panama such an amazing success. I was lucky to get an advance copy of the story before it came out in print. Read it here..(click on the link below)
THE KEY TO PANAMA’S SUCCESS: FREE ENTERPRISE
A lot of countries have beautiful beaches, mountain vistas and affordable living. But few countries can match the strong economy of Panama. Few countries have a government that encourages true free enterprise. A strong economy fueled by free enterprise should be important considerations when deciding where to relocate to.
The real story of Panama in the 21st century is a story of a rapidly developing economy that has nothing to do with offshore anything. For more than a decade, Panama’s GDP has averaged annual growth nearing 8%, with a few double-digit years. Even at the depth of the financial crisis in 2009, it booked a respectable 4% GDP growth, while nearly everyone else in the hemisphere booked red ink.
Foreign direct investment last year rose 17% from the record set in 2014, which was more than 9% above the record set in 2013. In 2000, per-capita GDP was similar to that in neighboring Costa Rica and Colombia, though well behind the two big Latin American emerging markets, Brazil and Mexico. As of the end of 2015, Panama’s per-capita GDP was 24% higher than Mexico’s, 39% higher than Brazil’s, 41% higher than Costa Rica’s, and 57% higher than Colombia’s.
Additionally, the massive improvement in transportation, logistics, and communications infrastructure has made Panama a leader in Latin America in those sectors.
WHY PANAMA? What changed? Can we learn something from this? The nation and its canal have been there for more than a century. Consider three lessons.
Panama’s economy is based on free enterprise. The government and the people of Panama have a commitment to free enterprise that is rare in Latin America. In the 2014 presidential elections, two candidates with a socialist perspective took part in the televised debates and ran campaigns, but barely collected 1% of the vote between them. Due to the emphasis on private enterprise, the government has the income to provide benefits to the poor that can exceed those of Latin American nations that claim to be socialist. You are not likely to meet a Panamanian who would prefer to live in Venezuela.
The immigration issue has been dealt with intelligently in Panama. When Panama’s dramatic economic growth began a decade ago, Panama’s small population and inadequate public-education system left the nation in a bad spot. The challenge was to handle growth while improving the skills of their people.
A big part of Panama’s answer was to use relocation instead of immigration. Relocators can be residents and workers, but not citizens.
Panamanian relocators include American retirees, but also other Latin Americans, especially from Colombia and Venezuela. Recently, they have been joined by a growing number of Europeans. Last year, Italians and the Spanish receiving residency visas and work permits both outnumbered Americans.
By taking citizenship out of the equation, Panama was able to absorb large numbers of relocators without the tension and rioting seen in Europe or the hate language too common in the U.S. today.
Panama’s political leadership has a common goal. I have been a relocator in Panama through two five-year presidential terms and I am in the middle of a third presidential term. Each president has had his own particular style, issues, and policies. Each represents a different political party and they are not the best of friends.
Debate among the leaders can be very partisan, but they have one important thing in common: When it comes to economic growth, they pass the ball, they don’t drop it. All the major projects supporting economic development have continued under each president. Each makes some changes here and there, and they may agree on little else, but they have proven their dedication to continuing economic growth to Panamanians and the international investment community.
READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE HERE
If you’re thinking about retiring overseas, you seriously need to come check out Panama. Come see how you can live BETTER for LESS in Panama. Join us for a Panama Relocation Tour.
SEE PANAMA RELOCATION TOURS DETAILS HERE
This is great news, Mr. Adams. Thanks for sharing it here, Jackie.
I have a question about the rapid economic growth and development: does there seem to be a commitment to environmental protection and sustainability? As a likely relocator, I’m delighted by Panama’s natural beauty and its built environment, but I admit I’m a little concerned about mindless sprawl and destruction of the country’s awe-inspiring natural beauty.
In the back of my mind is the Joni Mitchell song, Yellow Taxi: “they paved paradise and put up a parking lot.” That’s not happening in Panama, is it?
I’m looking forward to joining one of the Panama Relocation Tours in 2017.
Only about 1/4 of the country is even developed so you don’t have to worry about the “parking lot”. On the Caribbean side there is not even a road except near Colon and further west between Chiriqui Grande and Costa Rica. The majority of the Pacific side is not developed. And the mountain ranged in between are mostly forest. Panama has less than 4 million population.
IN the past there was less commitment to the environment but that is changing.
The biggest problem has been where to build hydro electric plants. There’s a delicate balance between providing the power the country needs and protecting the environment and property. Panama is expanding in to wind and solar power to diversify their sources of energy.
Panama City is definitely the “parking lot”! It is crowded and noisy like any big city. But drive across the Bridge of the Americas to see the REAL Panama in it’s natural beauty.
I really appreciate your taking the time to provide such an informative reply. I’m on a learning curve and your message certainly helps!
You’re very welcome.