Panama, with 10 other destinations mix the best of the world’s ancient sites, stunning landscapes and luxury hideaways. Enjoy – you may only be able to visit once in your lifetime.

The information provided by Nicolas Sarkozyas aide for American Affairs after a meeting with President Ricardo Martinelli on Wednesday at the Executive Mansion. Loras stated that the ratification of the treaty could be concluded on December 21, so that Panama can be removed from the list.

Loras reiterated France’s stance that recognizes and appreciates Panama’s efforts on tax matters and the fight against tax evasion.

Meanwhile, Panamanian Foreign Minister Roberto Henriquez said the meeting with Loras was fruitful as all doubts about the French position in relation to his country and the tax issue were clarified.

He said the double taxation agreement is aimed at increasing the investment potential of France and Panama by establishing a legal framework to eliminate the sources of legal uncertainty.

Beyond its lush palms, gorgeous beaches, the Kunas run all business in the islands, and as a result big hotels have not been granted permits, thus preserving its natural beauty.

For the 2010 report, both countries, Panama and Chile scored above 17.  The third place went to Uruguay, with a score of 16.3, no big surprises there.  The last spot, as expected went to Venezuela, with a score of 1.4, surpassed by Haiti, named the second-worse, with a score of 7.8.

The index covers 19 countries and is the broadest measure of business climate in Latin America, and it takes into account political freedom, ease of starting a business and corporate tax rates. In the globalization and competitiveness category, Panama also moved one spot, to knock Costa Rica out of the top ranking.

The areas that were considered for this report were doing business, economic freedom, competitiveness and technology.  Considerable improvements in all of these areas during the past 5 years were mentioned as the key to Panama obtaining the top stop in 2010.   These improvements in the business framework and climate also helped offset a declining GDP of the past two years.

In a follow up article, the Latin America Business Chronicle states that “Panama is now the only country that is among the top five in all our five main categories.” In addition to this ranking, Panama continues to be the most globalized country in the region, as per the LBC’s Latin Globalization Index.

The economic growth experienced by Panama in recent years is mostly driven by mega projects like the Panama Canal expansion ($5.2 billion), The Panama-Pacifico (Howard) Economic Zone, one of the largest real estate developments in the world (by London and Regional) which is attracting many multinationals to set up their headquarters there (Dell, 3M, Caterpillar, FedEx).  All of these projects are directly supported by the region’s largest international banking sector, the world’s second largest duty free zone and the top commercial ship’s registry in the world.

There is also the City of Knowledge, a conglomerate of higher education institutions, international agencies and think-thanks, attracting already many of the UN agencies like UNICEF, UNDP, FAO, to set up their regional headquarter there, as well as scores of universities, local and regional NGOs, and R&D firms.

Organized by the Panama Tourist Agency, the event is a tribute to the country’s national costume for women, the Pollera, a beautiful, 16th century colonial attire that has been adapted to Panama’s culture with indigenous and African elements. One of the most beautiful and expensive dresses in the world; the Pollera features regional variations in each province.

First held in 2003, the parade also honors all of the country’s main ethnic groups and their regional costumes.

The 2010 Parade was an amazing display of swirling color and beauty.  Even the President, his wife, and several Cabinet members participated, to cap off a week of celebration of Panama’s independence and national symbols.

The National Costume
Panama is famous for its birds and in the bird world it is the male of the species who sports the brightest plumage, not so in the world of humans. Here, women dazzle while the men fade into the background.

If there were to be an international competition for national costumes, the Pollera,  would surely win for its sheer beauty and grace. It has to be the most flattering garment ever devised and Panamanians are rightly proud of it. The formal version consists of a full skirt with two or three ruffles, each one embroidered or appliquéd in a floral design. The skirt is always white and only one other color (or a combination of 2 in recent versions) is used to embroider it. It is worn over many petticoats. Most pieces area hand stitched in incredibly beautiful patterns. The matching top has one or two embroidered ruffles with colored yarn woven around the neckline and a pompom of the same color at the front. Ribbons of matching colors adorn the waistline and it is worn with soft slippers which also match. The hair is worn up and ornamented with tembleques (hair ornaments of gold wire and beads) Gold chains hang from the neck and gold and pearl rosettes known as mosquetas hang from the ears or are used as pins.

La Chesa

David Hennessy’s new place, La Chesa, is located on 49^th Street, Bella Vista.  The restaurant is in an old house, (remodeled without loosing its old world charm) which gives you the séance of being at home.

Their decoration varies depending on where you choose to sit one of their dinning halls has a marine theme making you feel like you are on a yacht. The other dinning hall is decorated in a more rustic way with a touch of tropical flowers and comfortable chairs where you can relax and enjoy a good time. Outside there is a wonderful terrace with trees that are more than 100 years old.

The menu follows a regional degustation of northern Italian food, and with the price fix of $35.00 per person, you have a lot of choices to satisfy your palate… the portions are small, but executed well… The wine matches food choices well… The whole experience at La Chesa is worth it… since it offers a great balance between ambiance and content (food).

Oliva & Sal

From the ashes of the old El Cortijo Restaurant, a Panama landmark, Oliva & Sal is born….This elegant restaurant offers healthy food with great Mediterranean flavors’!

The decoration is elegant minimalist, a blend of modern and classic, and the color white being the main character, and red, the perfect undertone… But despite the white elegance, the ambiance is surprisingly warm and embracing…

The food is fresh, tasty and very charmingly presented.  For a special dinner or a business lunch it will not disappoint…

La Carpa del Tapeo

Carpa del Tapeo is a new Spanish restaurant located in La Boca, but it  will make you feel like you are dinning in Spain. There portions of tapas are good and most of their ingredients are flown in from directly Spain, which makes their food excellent and the flavors authentic.  The décor is casual, great for informal gatherings, to watch sports (especially La Liga soccer games on Saturday and Sunday).  The food is an unpretentious, but great gastronomical adventure.

In Panama, if you plan your retirement well, you can have it all, including a maid, a gardener, a driver, and best of all, private health insurance — all on a Social Security budget… For this you need to start planning now.

You can also take advantage of the fabulous restaurant (25%), entertainment (50%) and travel discounts provided to retirees… go out for dinner whenever you choose and enjoy world class restaurants, for a fraction to what it would cost you at home…

Own your own home in the sun …and wake up each morning to the freshness of clean air, the singing of tropical birds, or the sound of the waves on the sand…

According to the report of the key monthly economic indicators released yesterday by the Comptroller General of the Republic, the production of premixed concrete in the first three months of the year was 545 thousand cubic meters, 27.9% more than the same period last year.

Coming from the airport, coming from the beach, or simply looking out your window, you will notice that wherever your eyes can see, construction is at its peak.

Cranes moving, bricks rising, cement is pouring, and workers building, is all part of an industry that keeps producing incredible profits to our economy along with providing employment for thousands.

But there’s a hint of slowdown in the medium term, according to the value of building permits approved in the same period which was just 1.4% higher than the year before, and it was positive due to the non-residential projects, which doubled their registration.

While most people visiting Panama choose the sandy beaches offered by this our beautiful isthmus, there are some others that prefer the cool weather and the amazing landscapes.  Cerro Azul is in an area of Panama that is virtually undiscovered except by locals who frequent the various spas and restaurants.

Cerro Azul is located just 1/2 an hour from Panama’s Tocumen International Airport and provides a treat that no other place in the world can offer: a phenomenal view of both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Most people are not aware of the fact that Cerro Azul is 950 meters or 2,500 to 2,700 feet above sea level with temperatures that range between 70 degrees and 80 degrees, at night it gets very cool and you will need a blanket to keep yourself warm.

People searching for real estate in the mountains usually look at Boquete and El Valle, but the fact is that the temperatures and the ambient offered by Cerro Azul are quite the same.

Altos de Cerro Azul is one of the projects being developed in the area.  It is gated and has 24 hour security, a country club with pool, tennis courts and restaurant and in the surrounding forests you will find exotic birds and wildlife unique to Panama as well as a series of trails that will take you through one of the oldest cloud forests in the Western Hemisphere.

In the cloud forest it is possible to see rare palm trees that are unique to only 2 other countries in the world: Ivory Coast and Hati. The flora and fauna are also unique and abundant in Cerro Azul.

On the principal road from the airport to Altos de Cerro Azul is a modern shopping center with everything from fast food shops, to supermarkets, to video stores and building supply outlets.

Why take a 2 hour drive to El Valle or a 7 hour drive to Boquete, when you can take a short ride to Cerro Azul and enjoy the beauty of a mountain property.