Trolley cars used to be the norm in Panama City, but have long since been replaced by other means of transportation… until now. Plans for a tramway system that runs from Casco Viejo to Amador and the Frank Gehry Biodiversity Museum have been completed and a budget is currently in the works.

The five and a half mile line is estimated to cost about $35 million, and a ride on the tram may cost just $2. This would ease the struggles of many residents, visitors, and workers to find parking in some of these areas, and offer quick, efficient transportation.

The proposed line would start in the Plaza Cinco de Mayo and travel down Central Ave and into San Felipe. Read more

Panama’s President Martin Torrijos had the following to say regarding the recent Presidential election in the United States:

Obama’s victory awakens great expectations in Panama and Latin America, where relations between the United States and our region are expected to be boosted and lead to new forms of cooperation.

The quote is taken from the article entitled “Obama’s Victory sets off Optimism in Latin America” which can be read by clicking here.

Panama’s tourism industry shows no signs of slowing down, which is good news for the economy and everyone conducting business in Panama.In a recent article for La Prensa, Roberto González Jiménez reported these numbers:

Between January through September 2008 Panama received more than 1.1 million tourists, reflecting an increase of 13.1% or 128,452 more travelers than during the same period of time from the previous year, according to the Panama Tourism Authority.

So it looks like despite any recession the world economy might be facing, the influx of tourists traveling to Panama for vacation has not slowed down. This is actually the first time ever that the first 9 months of the year have seen Read more

Let’s face it, the topic you can’t escape no matter where you are in the world is the upcoming Presidential elections in the United States. Everyone has a reason for why they are voting for so and so, or why they aren’t voting for so and so.

So, that being said, what are the reasons expats in Panama are or aren’t voting for so and so?

If Obama takes office the best possible outcome sees relations between the United States and left-wing Latin countries improving, the global economy staying strong, benefiting Panama’s current housing and industrial plans. If Obama’s plans don’t go over so well in the United States, Panama could actually reap even more benefits. Read more