AGP Executive Report

Earthquake Recovery: The UAE has launched emergency aid for Panama’s quake-hit communities. In Azuero, 60 homes have begun construction, while 1,300 have been assigned to contractors; debris removal is holding up more work. Regional Politics: María Corina Machado returned to Venezuela after nearly a year in exile, much of it spent in Panama. She is calling for democratic elections. Panama Canal: The Canal reported record fiscal-year revenue of $6.6 billion, with transits up 4.1%. Business: Panama’s World of Coffee gathering showcased local producers, but business leaders say cutting red tape and improving competitiveness will be key to turning attention into lasting investment. Sanctions: The United States sanctioned a Panama- and Greece-based law firm over alleged links to Iran’s shipping network. Diplomacy: Panama joined regional leaders in congratulating Brazil’s re-elected president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and pledging stronger ties.

Earthquake Recovery: The UAE has launched emergency aid for Panama after the Oct. 9 earthquake, offering essential supplies and shelter materials. Damage checks continue, with new inspection forms planned; reports say about 3,000 students are without classrooms. Water Safety: Health officials detected fecal contamination in water samples from Veraguas communities, where a collapsed mine tailings site also polluted a local creek. Authorities are checking chlorination systems and advising rural water boards. Canal & Trade: The Panama Canal reported record FY2026 revenue of US$6.6 billion as transits rose 4.1%; trade shifts amid the Strait of Hormuz crisis helped set a cargo record. Coffee & Culture: World of Coffee Panama wraps up in Amador, showcasing the country’s specialty-coffee industry, while young people from Colón are bringing Fort San Lorenzo’s history to life in an interactive theater production. Sanctions: The U.S. sanctioned a Panama- and Greece-based law firm over alleged links to Iran’s oil-shipping network.

Earthquake Recovery: The UAE has announced emergency relief for communities affected by Panama’s Oct. 9 earthquake. Recovery continues, with $17.4 million in catastrophe insurance funding set to be released and roughly 3,000 students still without classrooms. Water Safety: Health officials found fecal contamination in water samples from several Veraguas communities, where authorities are checking rural water systems and reinforcing chlorination. Monitoring also follows pollution concerns linked to collapsed mine tailings near Quebrada Veneno. Canal and Trade: The Panama Canal reported a 4.1% rise in transits in fiscal 2026, with revenue reaching a record $6.6 billion. Panama is also courting Indian companies to establish a direct maritime link with Chennai and use the country as a gateway to Latin American markets. Coffee and Culture: The World of Coffee gathering continues in Amador through Oct. 25, spotlighting Panama’s specialty-coffee industry. In Colón, young performers are bringing Fort San Lorenzo’s history to life in an interactive production. Free Screenings: CSS clinics across Panama are offering free mammograms and PSA tests through Sunday, Oct. 25, to support early cancer detection.

India Trade: Panama is pitching itself as a gateway to Latin America for Tamil Nadu businesses, highlighting shipping, logistics and pharmaceutical trade at a Chennai roundtable. Panama Canal: Fiscal 2026 revenue reached $6.6 billion as transits rose 4.1% and cargo tonnage set a record, despite El Niño pressures and disruption near Hormuz. Earthquake Recovery: Authorities continue recovery work after the Oct. 9 quake, while Panama’s governorate warns that scammers are soliciting donations in officials’ names. Coffee Showcase: World of Coffee Panama is drawing international attention to the country’s growers and Geisha varieties, with organizers expecting more than 8,000 visitors in Amador. Cultural Recognition: Rubén Blades dedicated his Billboard Latin Music Awards Icon honor to Panamanian artists.

India Trade Links: Panama is courting Chennai for a direct maritime connection with India and pitching its logistics hubs and free-trade zones as a base for Indian pharmaceutical firms entering Latin America. Canal and Climate: The Canal reported record fiscal-year 2026 revenue of $6.6 billion as transits rose 4.1%; an intensifying El Niño threatens drought and disruption across the region. Earthquake Recovery: The Panama Governor’s Office warned of fake donation appeals using its name and Governor Mayín Correa’s, directing donors to deliver supplies in person. Local Government: Darién Mayor Nadine González was re-elected to lead AMUPA, calling for greater municipal funding and accountability. Business and Accountability: The U.S. sanctioned a Panama- and Greece-based law firm over alleged links to Iranian shipping networks. Culture and Events: Rubén Blades dedicated his Billboard Latin Music Icon Award to Panamanian artists, while World of Coffee Panama brings an international trade show to Amador through Oct. 25. Cost of Living: A retiree-discount proposal advanced to a second debate, with expanded savings on medicines, medical care and other essentials under discussion.

Earthquake Recovery: More than 37,000 people have been affected by the October 9 quake, with 5,628 people in 126 active shelters as damage assessments continue. New standardized inspection forms aim to help officials and qualified professionals assess damaged buildings consistently. Panama Canal: Fiscal 2026 transits rose 4.1%, while revenue reached a record $6.6 billion; the canal also set a cargo record amid disruption at the Strait of Hormuz. Press Freedom: Panama’s journalism organizations condemned reported threats against journalist Flor Mizrachi, saying intimidation has no place in public debate. Coffee Spotlight: World of Coffee Panama opened October 23, bringing a global specialty-coffee gathering to the country, with organizers projecting 13,000 attendees and more than 320 exhibitors. Consumer Protection: Acodeco reported 367 cases involving benefits for older adults and retirees through September, with 41 sanctions totaling B/.36,270.

Canal: Panama Canal traffic rose 4.1% to 13,951 transits in fiscal 2026, while cargo hit a record 521 million metric tons and revenue reached $6.6 billion. Hormuz-related shipping shifts helped offset drought concerns from El Niño. Health: Panama has recorded 65 influenza deaths this year, most among older, unvaccinated people; the Oropouche total remains 23. Earthquake Recovery: After the October 9 quake, recovery efforts continue, with $17.4 million in catastrophe insurance funding set to reach Panama. The government is keeping its 2026 growth forecast at 4.5% to 5.5%, despite localized damage. Iran Sanctions: The U.S. sanctioned Greece- and Panama-based law firm Karnakis & Karnakis, alleging it used shell companies to conceal owners of vessels carrying Iranian goods. Culture: Panamanian singer-songwriter Rubén Blades received the Billboard Icon Award, crediting fellow artists and collaborators for helping build his career.

Canal Economy: The Panama Canal reported a record US$6.6 billion in fiscal 2026 revenue, with transits up 4.1% to 13,951 and tonnage rising 6.5%, despite El Niño pressures and shifting global trade. U.S. Sanctions: Washington sanctioned Panama- and Greece-based law firm Karnakis & Karnakis, five people linked to it and nine vessels, including seven Panama-flagged ships, over alleged assistance to Iranian shipping networks. Earthquake Recovery: Recovery continues after the recent earthquake, with a US$17.4 million catastrophe-insurance payout set to support Panama and reconstruction beginning in affected areas.

Canal Record: The Panama Canal moved a record 521 million tons of cargo in fiscal 2026, up 6.5%, and earned a preliminary $6.6 billion. Traffic rose despite El Niño concerns, and the authority plans to restore last-minute reservations as water levels recover. U.S. Sanctions: Treasury sanctioned Panama- and Greece-based law firm Karnakis and Karnakis, five people and a Panama-based shipping company with seven Panama-flagged vessels. It alleges they helped Iranian networks move oil and other goods; the firm did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Earthquake Recovery: Panama is assessing damage from the Oct. 9 quake, with reports of thousands of homes affected and students still without classrooms. A $17.4 million catastrophe-insurance payout will support recovery, as authorities plan a phased return to school.

Seismic Activity: A magnitude-5.4 earthquake struck about 192 km south of Burica, Panama, on Tuesday; no damage was reported. It comes as the country continues to recover from the October 9 quake. School Recovery: More than 3,000 students remain without classrooms after 619 schools were damaged and 35 rendered unusable. Classes have resumed in 770 schools, while authorities plan a phased return elsewhere. Panama Canal: The waterway moved a record 521 million tons of cargo in the fiscal year, as disruption at the Strait of Hormuz redirected ship traffic. But drought has forced daily transits down to 32 from a temporary peak of 41, underscoring the strain El Niño is putting on canal operations. Business: Swedish engineering company SKF plans to establish a Panama distribution center serving markets across Central America and parts of South America, with operations expected to begin in about 17 months.

Earthquake Recovery: A 5.4-magnitude quake struck offshore, 192 km south of Burica, as Panama continues to recover from the October 9 disaster. More than 7,900 homes have been assessed, and school damage has left over 3,000 students without classrooms; 770 public schools reopened Wednesday. National Holidays: Meduca says school parades will go ahead November 3–4, with celebrations shaped by each region’s resources. Recovery Aid: Panama is set to receive $17.4 million from catastrophe insurance, while a new U.S. contribution brings its earthquake assistance to $6 million. Water Crisis: Azuero’s long-running drinking-water emergency, affecting up to 200,000 people, has been compounded by earthquake damage and drought. Investment: Swedish engineering company SKF plans a Panama distribution center serving markets across Central and South America, with operations expected to start in about 17 months.

Water Crisis: A drought-hit rainy season is leaving Panama’s Azuero farmers short of water and pasture, cutting milk production and forcing cattle sales. The national emergency runs through June 2027, with El Niño threatening to worsen conditions. Earthquake Recovery: Assessments after the powerful quake have covered more than 7,900 homes, finding 1,952 with total damage; the disaster also triggered thousands of landslides. Panama is set to receive a US$17.4 million insurance payout, while aid and safety inspections continue. Canal & Shipping: To help carriers plan around dry-season water limits, the Canal Authority will offer advance transit slots on both lock systems for the first time, covering January through early April 2027. Meanwhile, September bunker sales fell 7% from August, and ship calls for fuel reached their lowest monthly count since June 2024.

Earthquake Recovery: Panama has assessed more than 7,900 homes after the October 9 quake, with 1,952 reported destroyed and one death recorded. The disaster insurer has approved a $17.4 million payout, while damaged roads and bridges threaten transport of up to 12,000 hectares of rice in Azuero. Education Investigation: Authorities arrested 18 people in a multi-province operation targeting an alleged scheme to sell teaching jobs and falsify diplomas for unqualified staff. Panama Canal: The Canal Authority is extending advance transit-slot bookings to the original Panamax locks for the first time, aiming to give shipping lines more certainty during the 2027 dry season.

Weather Alert: Sinaproc extended a nationwide warning through Wednesday night as heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds raise the risk of flooding and landslides, especially in western and highland areas. Earthquake Recovery: The Oct. 9 quake has caused 746 aftershocks. Of 7,933 homes assessed, 1,952 were destroyed, affecting more than 6,300 people; 576 schools also reported damage. Relief and Safety: Panama is set to receive a US$17.4 million disaster-insurance payout, while Venezuela has sent 40 tons of aid. Google’s Android earthquake alerts now cover Panama, offering residents another way to receive warnings.

Severe Weather: Sinaproc extended its nationwide alert through Wednesday night as heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds raise the risk of flooding and landslides. Chiriquí, Bocas del Toro, Ngäbe-Buglé and northern Veraguas are among the areas forecast to receive the heaviest rain. Earthquake Recovery: Authorities have assessed 7,933 homes after the October 9 quake; 1,952 were reported totally damaged, affecting more than 26,000 people. The disaster has also caused at least 2,351 landslides and 746 aftershocks. Aid and Safety: U.S. helicopters have delivered 28,000 pounds of supplies to affected communities, while Venezuela sent 40 tons of aid. Google has also added Panama to its Android earthquake alert system. Mine Inspection: MICI says its post-quake inspection found no damage or leaks at Cobre Panamá’s tailings facility.

Earthquake Response: U.S. helicopters have delivered 28,000 pounds of aid to quake-hit communities in Veraguas, Los Santos and Herrera, working with Panamanian emergency services. A preliminary satellite review found at least 2,351 landslides after the Oct. 9 earthquake, with the total potentially rising as more areas are assessed. Recovery Funding: Panama is set to receive a $17.4 million disaster-insurance payout for emergency response and repairs. The quake also damaged 13 churches, including historic sites, while President José Raúl Mulino has canceled the Nov. 3 dawn ceremony at the Presidential Palace. Economic Outlook: Panama’s service exports topped $11.13 billion in the first half of 2026, up 12.7% year over year, led by transport and tourism. Tocumen Airport handled 17.8 million passengers through September, a 15% increase from a year earlier.