I found this report to have some interesting and valuable information and it is free so take a look. The following press release is from their website.

Following up with last years release of the Offshore Banking report, www.alternativelatininvestor.com/offshore-banking.html, which, in the midst of the global banking crisis, gravitated towards Panama, Alternative Latin Investor has released an in-depth report of the of the country.

Through extensive interviews, site visits and research the report deals with the main sectors relevant to foreign investors, Real Estate, Commodities, Banking and General Business practices as well as an exclusive interview with Former Panamanian president Nicolás Ardito. With Panama being the integral point of trade and business in the Caribbean, this report provides essential insight for those interested in getting involved in the region.

The economic overview analyzes the trends and indicators affecting the outlook of the Panamanian economy. The real estate portion of the report covers where to invest, coastal developments and “insider tips” from the director of a local Real Estate firm. For those interested in commodities investing – the report highlights the prized Panamanian Geisha coffee bean as well as a complex discussion regarding Teak investment in the region. The final segment covers the details and benefits of banking in panama.

For free access to the full content of both Panama Outlook 2010 and other ALI publications, visit: http://www.alternativelatininvestor.com

Read more from Sam Taliaferro at the Panama Investor Blog.

The cuisine in Bocas is very diverse considering the remote location of the area. The least expensive dishes will undoubtedly be the traditional Panamanian and Caribbean fare. These will include coconut rice, lentils, seasonal vegetables and freshly caught fish (typically corvina).  However, all seafood is fairly abundant and diverse. Lobsters, shrimp, prawns, sea bass (corvina), snapper, conch and octopus are among the most common and are often serves in curry or coconut sauces common in the Caribbean. The largest amount of restaurants are located in Bocas town and vary from traditional to, Mexican, Chinese, Spanish, American, Greek, Thai and Italian.

The speediest way to Bocas Del Toro Panama would be to fly into Tocumen International, next taxi to Albrook National Airport, then hop a short flight to Bocas. Tickets from Albrook to Bocas range from $90 to $110 one way. For those wanting a more scenic venture one could catch a bus from the Albrook terminal in Panama City and take it all of the way to Almirante, then hop a water taxi to Bocas town. While this option will save you about $60-$80 one way it will take about 10 hours, but may be worth the views.

Bocas Del Toro Panama has seen a vast increase in real estate sales in recent years. With its excellent climate, beautiful beaches and low cost of living one can easily see why. For me the best features of this tropical oasis is the slow pace of life and breathtaking scenery; however there are many other limitless qualities that the Bocas Del Toro province add to the already amazing country of Panama that are definitely worth seeing for yourself.

During my stay at the Veneto Hotel and Casino my gambler within came out to play and enjoyed the cuisine and spectacular views from the Bet ‘n Win Sports Café. After a long day of exploring the city, hopping cabs and fighting crowds I was ready to make it back to my comfortable and clean room, slip into the wonderful marble shower and then relax on my plush down covered bed. The Veneto in El Cangrejo provided a nice touch of luxury to an otherwise bustling and sweaty trip. I took full advantage of the amazing pool by having drinks and cooling off at the Bamboo Spa Pool Bar as well. While the Veneto may be one of the priciest places to stay in Panama it is definitely worth the extra cost when looking for modern comforts in a busy and developing city. For more information and reservations call 011-507-340-8888.

According to the Venezuelan news site El Universal, investment in Panama by Venezuelan businessmen represent about 12% of the total new investment into Panama.  We thank the leadership of Venezuela for driving these significant investment dollars into Panama. It is most unfortunate for the citizens of Venezuela that their countrymen find it much safer to invest here rather than their own country.

Economy

The Panamanian market has become one of the favorite destinations for Venezuelan investment. Nowadays, 12 percent of new businesses are the result of Venezuelan investments, as reported by Leandro Ciciliani, the CEO of International Property Networks (IPN).

In the context of the Panama Information Seminar (Sipa-Expo), Ciciliani highlighted the expanding Venezuelan capital. “There are more than 20,000 Venezuelans with resident visas in Panama; there is USD 1.4 billion held by Venezuelans in Panama banks.”

According to the IPN CEO, education, health, tourism and added value services are some of the sectors with more Venezuelan involvement.

In addition to the proximity between the two countries and a strategic location for international trade, Ciciliani underlined another advantage. “There are many laws which foster tourism, industry, and many laws which talk about economic or special system areas, where there is tax exemption and return on investment.”

Manuel Ferreira, the Chief Financial Officer of the Panamanian Chamber of Trade, Industry and Agriculture, also noted the clout of Venezuelan investment in the Panamanian economy.

Based on the numbers supplied by the association, Panama gets about USD 2.4 billion for foreign investment, and the injection of Venezuelan capital is gathering momentum in some areas.

“Venezuela is not among the most significant, but in some sectors, it reaches up to 8 percent out of the total. The investment is gradually thickening,” the high-ranking officer said.

In the opinion of Ferreira, another advantage of the Panamanian economy is that is has been immune to global crisis, unlike the European and US markets.

“It is a growing economy, unlike other markets where the economy has plummeted.”

In addition to the economic sectors mentioned by Ciciliani, Ferreira said that Venezuelan businessmen are embarking upon the industrial area in order to cash in on the trade agreements between Panama and foreign markets.

“Nobody it to make an investment in default of an opportunity and Panama offers part of those opportunities.”

Read more from Sam Taliaferro at the Panama Investor Blog.

“PanamaQ magazine is the quintessential authority for discerning individuals interested in this vibrant paradise. Delivering comprehensive, provocative journalism and rich photographic essays, PanamaQ is the ultimate guide and inspiration for an elite audience of world-class travelers.”

Articles on PanamaQ feature everything from medical tourism, health care in Panama, travel through the Panama Canal, ecotourism and investment in Panama.

Subscribe via email to get the latest articles from PanamaQ, or just check out their web-site. Posts come every week or so, but often there will be more than one post in a day.

In 1902 Theodore Roosevelt bought out the French and the U.S. began working on the canal once again; however, this time they brought excavation materials and the help of the United States Army. Ten years later the canal was complete. Panama then decided to repay the U.S. for their assistance in freeing them from Colombia by giving them control of the Panama Canal Zone. However, in time Panamanians became bitter about not having control of the canal, leading to protest and rallies which caused U.S. President Jimmy Carter to form negotiations regarding the canal. The Torrijos-Carter Treaties guaranteed Panama full defensive responsibility and control of the canal after December 31^st, 1999 while also providing America with the permanent right to defend the canal from any threat that could hinder the canal’s neutral service to all nations of the world.

The Canal is a top tourist destination and a truly wonderful sight. The rich history of the Panama Canal and its intrinsically valuable support to the Panamanian people make it even more interesting and amazing. One has to see it for themselves to appreciate its magnitude and understand the historical, political and socioeconomic aspects surrounding the mega structure.

When entering Via Vai Boutique one is almost immediately hit with warm colorful “good vibrations” as I described to fellow shoppers. The layout of the store has a comfortable boutique feel while remaining organized, well lit, and staffed with friendly smiling faces. Their collections range from new age bohemian to Jaclyn Kennedy-esque and the quality is always above par in comparison to other shops in Panama. With walls lined of soft distressed denim and patchwork floral tops as well as tables and shelves covered in feathery accessories, jewel toned stilettos, sparkly baubles and unique leather bags, there is little not to love about Via Vai.

My personal favorite location is in Mall Multiplaza, Punta Pacifica. However, they have locations in Multicentro, on Via Espana, and in Albrook Mall. Phone numbers and special offers can be seen on their website at www.viavaipanama.com but you can’t order from their site. I recommend you make the trip and enjoy the store for yourself. I almost guarantee you will leave with a lighter wallet but a lovelier wardrobe piece with style and stability

If you’re like me at all, no doubt you’ve had a number of frustrating experiences with people working on your home or condo in Panama. I have had my fair share of “professionals” come through and try and fix things without really knowing what they were doing. Let me tell you, the experience is highly frustrating.

So much so, in fact, that despite not having all that much time to work on the place myself, I have found it easier to do many projects on my own. With the help of Novey Hardware, that is.

Novey Hardware in Panama from Gringo Travel Network on Vimeo.

La Bodeguita is popular with tourists and locals alike. Events are held weekly and range from sexy lingerie shows to live salsa music and dancing. Ideal for the single man; it is known for being an exceedingly popular spot with ladies and pretty Latinas are never scarce. On my few excursions to La Bodeguita I always managed to experience the three party elements which I see essential for a good time; dancing for hours, having a little too much to drink, and crawling into a cab as the sun rises. You can usually have this experience at the cost of about $3-5 a drink which isn’t terrible when you consider club drink prices in the states. The bartenders are some of the best I have seen in my travels and the imported live DJ’s are in house many nights a week.

Everyone going for a night out in Panama should at least stop in La Bodeguita and experience it for themselves. If it’s a Saturday night, you appreciate a good beat and beautiful women, then I promise you will not be disappointed.

Check out more on the nightlife in Panama here.

My venture began as we drove about forty five minutes outside of the city where we met a small Panamanian man at a dock with a handmade boat carved from a large log. I had agreed to tag along as some partners scoped out a piece of real estate on the lake and I was fortunate to do so.

Our captain started up what looked like a lawn mower motor and we zipped away from the dock and across the clear glass like water. Random sky high trees poked out of the water all over, and I was even told that there was an entire city underneath the flooded man made body. I saw myself in a scene from Jurassic Park as I overlooked the lake lined with tropical trees and billowing hills of tall grasses and flowers. Lake Gatun, Panama is a worthwhile sight that any traveler wanting to stay near Panama City while experiencing some of the diverse beauty of the country will truly appreciate.