Perhaps no country in Latin Amer ica symbolizes the economic boom of the region more than the Republic of Panama. Experiencing the 2nd fastest growth in Latin America (behind Peru) in 2008, Panama’s pro-business government, strategic location, tropical climate, high literacy rate, successful management of the Panama Canal, the largest Free Trade Zone in the Western Hemisphere, and dollar based economy have made Panama a center for Latin American Banking and Finance, Trade, Logistics and Shipping, Tourism, & Real Estate.

For these reasons there are many opportunities for U.S. businesses seeking global diversification. Global Business Advocates was pleased to lead several trade missions to Panama during 2008 on behalf of corporate clients interested in expanding their horizons in Latin America. GBA introduced clients to business and government leaders in the maritime, port, real estate, construction and engineering sectors. Panama is expanding the Panama Canal and port capacities on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

These projects will generate enormous requirements for U.S. technology, goods, and services. Other growth areas in Panama include electric power generation, health care services, por t services, land development, road construction, water distribution and purification, telecommunications, and tourism. There is also much U.S. investment being made many parts of the former Canal Zone associated with military bases. The Panamanian government is actively looking for investment to support these projects. Call GBA for more info at (562) 522-2017.

The recent economic downturn notwi ths tanding, China’ s economic revolution over the past twenty years has fuelled one of the longest shipping and port development booms in history and has turned China into a leading maritime power. With Chinese ports handling more than 100 million containers a year the development of a Chinese port sector capable of sustaining this economic growth while increasing trade capacity has

become a matter of national interest. Most of the port development projects are occurring around economic clusters in the Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta, and the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei circle, the west region, central region, and northeast industrial region. To be sure, investment in ships and shipyards has quickly followed suit. Chinese yards are receiving great acclaim for thei r technologically advanced Post-Panamax Bulk ships, Ro-Ro