PROPANAMA (Autoridad para la Atracción de Inversiones y la Promoción de Exportaciones) is the official Panamanian government agency dedicated to the international promotion of foreign direct investment (FDI) and the growth of national exports. Headquartered in Panama City, the agency functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industries and plays a pivotal role in positioning Panama as a strategic hub for trade, logistics, and sustainable development in Latin America.
Core Business
PROPANAMA’s mission focuses on fostering the economic development of Panama through:
- Investment Attraction: Facilitating and promoting FDI in priority sectors such as logistics, infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, fintech, and green energy.
- Export Promotion: Supporting Panamanian enterprises, especially MSMEs, in expanding their reach to international markets.
- Market Intelligence: Providing data-driven reports and insights to guide investors and exporters in decision-making processes.
- Bilateral Cooperation: Strengthening Panama’s global trade partnerships through strategic alliances and promotional diplomacy.
Product and Service Offerings
Investment Services
- Sector-specific investment opportunity guidance
- Personalized investor support and aftercare
- Legal and regulatory navigation for foreign investors
- Incentive and tax benefit consultation
Export Promotion
- Support for MSMEs through export training and business development
- Matchmaking with international buyers
- Participation in international trade fairs and expos
- Market entry strategy consultation
Market Intelligence and Research
- Publication of detailed sectoral opportunity reports
- Data-driven trade analysis and investment trend monitoring
Legal and Regulatory Advisory
- Guidance on special economic zones (SEZs)
- Support for obtaining licenses, permits, and fiscal benefits under Panama’s investment law frameworks
Specialisation and Core USP
PROPANAMA’s unique strengths include:
- Strategic global connectivity: Leveraging Panama’s position as a logistics hub with the Panama Canal, Colón Free Trade Zone, and Tocumen International Airport
- Streamlined business environment: Panama ranks among the top Latin American countries for ease of doing business
- Special Economic Regimes: Including Multinational Headquarters (SEM Law), City of Knowledge, and Panama Pacifico, offering tax and labor benefits to international investors
- Green Growth and Innovation Focus: Promotion of sustainable and impact-investment aligned projects in renewable energy, sustainable tourism, and agro-industry
Performance and Global Reach
According to data from PROPANAMA and government trade agencies:
- Panama received $2.56 billion USD in foreign direct investment in 2022, making it one of the top FDI recipients in Central America
- PROPANAMA-supported exporters reached 30 new international markets between 2021–2023
- Over 1,500 local companies received support through PROPANAMA’s exporter development programs
- Key exporting sectors promoted include agriculture (pineapple, coffee, cacao), seafood, manufactured goods, and digital services
PROPANAMA has actively facilitated Panama's participation in trade shows such as:
- Expo 2020 Dubai
- Fruit Logistica Berlin
- SIAL Paris
- China International Import Expo
Target Market
PROPANAMA serves multiple stakeholders:
- International investors in logistics, technology, manufacturing, and renewable energy
- Panamanian exporters, particularly MSMEs
- Bilateral trade partners and chambers of commerce
- Diplomatic missions and trade attachés
- Multinational corporations seeking regional headquarters or operational hubs in Latin America
Capabilities
- One-stop-shop support for investment setup and export expansion
- Global network of trade and investment promotion representatives in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Latin America
- Public-private coordination with ProPanama’s collaboration councils and sector clusters
- Digital platforms for export matchmaking and investor engagement
Certifications and Compliance
While not a certifying agency, PROPANAMA supports exporters and investors in aligning with:
- FTA regulations and compliance protocols with partners such as the U.S., EU, and China
- OECD investment principles
- Panama’s Environmental and Social Risk Management standards
- Promotes companies that are ISO-certified and compliant with international traceability, food safety, and sustainability standards
Customer Testimonials
“Through PROPANAMA, we connected with three new buyers in the U.S. and entered the California market.”
— Coffee Producer, Chiriquí Province
“Their assistance in navigating SEM law benefits enabled us to relocate our regional HQ to Panama Pacifico.”
— General Counsel, European Logistics Firm
Major Achievements
- Successfully supported the onboarding of over 40 multinational companies under the SEM regime between 2020–2023
- Recognized by the World Bank and OECD for transparency in investment promotion policies
- Spearheaded Panama’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, generating over $100 million USD in projected investment
- Launched “Panama as a Hub for Innovation” initiative in 2023 to attract fintech and healthtech ventures
PROPANAMA continues to be a strategic arm of Panama’s national development agenda, catalyzing investments and exports that position the country as a regional powerhouse of opportunity and innovation.