RESTRICTED  
 
WT/TPR/G/301  
18 June 2014  
(14-3527)  Page: 1/17  
Trade Policy Review Body  Original: Spanish  
 
  TRADE POLICY REVIEW 
REPORT OF 
PANAMA  
Pursuant to the Agreement Establishing the Trade Policy Review Mechanism (Annex 3 
of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the Wo rld Trade Organization), the policy statement 
by Panama is attached. 
 
 
Note: This report is subject to restricted circulation and press embargo until the end of the 
first session of the meeting of the Trade Policy Review Body on Panama. WT/TPR/G/301 • Panama 
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  CONTENTS 
 
INTRODUCTI ON ............................................................................................................... 3  
1  RECENT ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT AND OUTLOOK ...................................................... 4  
1.1  Overview ................................................................................................................... 4  
1.2   Economic perfor mance by se ctor ................................................................................. 5  
1.2.1  Primary sector ......................................................................................................... 5  
1.2.2  Secondar y sector  ..................................................................................................... 6  
1.2.3  Services sector ........................................................................................................ 7  
1.3  Balance of payments ................................................................................................... 9  
1.4  Inflation ................................................................................................................ ... 11 
2  RECENT TRADE POLI CY DEVELOPM ENTS .................................................................... 11  
2.1  Multilateral trading system .......................................................................................... 11 
2.2  Trade and invest ment agreements ............................................................................... 12 
2.2.1  Agreements in force ................................................................................................ 12 
2.2.2  Treaties or preferential ag reements pending en try into force ......................................... 14 
2.2.3  Investment agreements ........................................................................................... 15 
3  TRADE POLICY INSTRUMENTS ................................................................................... 15  
3.1  Tariffs ...................................................................................................................... 15 
3.2  Trade fa cilitation .......................................................................................................  15 
3.3  Competit ion policy ..................................................................................................... 16 
4  MODERNIZATION OF THE STATE ................................................................................ 16  
5  CONCLUSIONS AND OUTLOOK .................................................................................... 16 
 
CHARTS 
 Chart 1.1 Percentage change in gross domestic product, at constant 2007 prices: 
2008-2013 ....................................................................................................................... 4
 
Chart 1.2 Percentage change in primary sect or gross domestic product: 2008-2013 ................... 5  
Chart 1.3 Primary sector gross domestic product: 2007-2013 .................................................. 6  
Chart 1.4 Secondary sector gross domest ic product, at 2007 prices: 200 7-2013 ........................ 7  
Chart 1.5 Services sector gross domestic pr oduct, at 2007 purchaser' s prices: 2007 -2013 .......... 8  
Chart 1.6 Gross domestic product of the most important services sector activities: 
2007-20 13: .................................................................................................................... . 8 
Chart 1.7 Foreign direct investment in th e reporting economy (in Panama): 2007-2013 ............. 10 
Chart 1.8 Percentage change in the urban na tional consumer price index: 2007-2013 ............... 11 
 WT/TPR/G/301 • Panama 
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  INTRODUCTION 
1. Since its last Trade Policy Review (TPR), Panama has stepped up its strategy aimed 
at consolidating the country's role in the international economy, on the one hand by further developing its market-oriented economic policies designed to attract foreign direct investment 
to strategic sectors and on the other, by taking an active part in multilateral, regional and bilateral 
trade negotiations. 
2. Panama has a robust, dynamic and growing economy, driven by key sectors linked mainly 
to international trade and boosted by sound economic and social reforms. 
3. As a small nation that is highly integrated into the world economy, Panama needs to put 
in place a set of stable and transparent rules that can be effectively enforced in order to provide and ensure stability for trade. 
4. Panama participates actively in the Doha Round and is committed to the successful 
conclusion of these negotiations. It attaches special importance to implementing the trade facilitation commitments arising from the Ninth WTO Ministerial Conference held in Bali. 
5. Over the past six years Panama has brought into force nine free trade agreements and 
one partial scope agreement and has joined economic and trade integration processes such as the Central American Economic Integration Subsystem (SIECA) and the Latin American Integration 
Association (LAIA), all of this with the aim of br oadening its foreign trade platform and stepping 
up its participation in world trade. Similarly, it has worked towards becoming part of initiatives such as the Pacific Alliance. 
6. Throughout the review period, Panama introduced significant reforms to foster trade 
and investment. These changes mainly concern the pursuit of a trade policy that entails active 
participation in ongoing trade negotiations, raising issues under the dispute settlement mechanism regarding measures taken by other Members, as well as promoting the conclusion of trade 
and investment agreements with certain business partners that are also WTO Members 
and effectively complying with WTO trade commitments. 
7. Panama has adopted a strategy to optimize and reduce the costs of trade-related customs 
and administrative procedures; it has made significant changes to its tariff rates; it has effected 
other substantial changes to promote a policy of free competition and a level playing field in terms of market access for all trading partners; and it ha s sought to develop processes to upgrade public 
administration and promoted the optimal use of information and communication technologies 
in the government sector in the form of efficient e-government tools. 
8. The most salient facts are set out below. WT/TPR/G/301 • Panama 
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  1  RECENT ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT AND OUTLOOK 
1.1  Overview 1.1.  The Panamanian economy grew strongly  between 2007 and 2013. Gross domestic product 
rose at an annual average of 8.1% over the period, posting the highest rates in 2011 (10.8%) 
and 2012 (10.2%). Panama led growth in Latin Am erica during those years and the 8.4% increase 
in 2013 was the second largest in the region. The most appreciable slowdown during the review period took place in 2009 on the back of the wo rld economic crisis, but the economy recovered 
quickly thanks to the strong boost provided by pu blic and private investment as well as the rise 
in services exports. The economic activities dr iving growth have been construction, transport, 
storage and communications, financial intermediation, hotels and restaurants and the wholesale and retail trade. 
Chart 1.1 Percentage change in gross dome stic product, at constant 2007 prices: 
2008-2013 
9.1
4.05.910.8 10.2 
8.4 
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 
 
Source: National Institute of Statistics and Censuses. 
1.2.  Importantly, the country's successful econom ic performance is based on the implementation 
of coherent, market-oriented economic policies that have been instrumental in attracting foreign 
investment, thus enabling a large number of multinationals to set up in the country. Besides, physical investment in construction has been high. In the case of public investment, the driving factors have been the expansion of th e Panama Canal (which will allow for the passage 
of post-Panamax vessels with greater cargo carrying capacity and will therefore generate 
economies of scale in the maritime industry), line 1 of the Panama Metro, and construction 
and expansion work on airports, the road network and hospitals. These investments were 
undertaken in order to boost the economy's competitiveness whilst improving people's quality 
of life. There was a surge in private investment in residential and non-residential projects, the latter mainly by shopping centres and hotels. International surveys show that Panama has 
become one of the most competitive countries thanks to its infrastructure and its attractiveness 
to foreign direct investment. (See: National Institute of Statistics and Censuses. Percentage distribution of gross domestic product by sector and economic activity. 2007-2013). 
1.3.  Foreign trade recorded current account deficits for the entire period from 2007 to 2013, 
and these were funded with surpluses on the financ ial account, mainly in the form of foreign direct 
investment. Goods exports grew for most of the pe riod thanks to re-exports from the Colón Free 
Zone, which has now become one of the most important centres for the regional distribution 
of goods coming primarily from Asia to the Latin American market. Goods imports have grown 
rapidly, in step with the growth of the economy. The services balance maintained the usual surplus, the leading exports being travel, air transport services, those from the Panama Canal 
and ports, as well as financial services. WT/TPR/G/301 • Panama 
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  1.4.  This recent economic overview shows a robust, dynamic and growing Panamanian economy, 
which has raised the population's level of well-being, driven by key sectors linked mainly to international trade and boosted by sound econ omic and social reforms. This performance will 
doubtless grow stronger in the years ahead, to the benefit of the country itself, its trading 
partners, and trade in the region. 
1.5.  Following is a brief description of recent economic performances in the various sectors, 
to illustrate their contribution to this positive overall economic picture. 
1.2  Economic performance by sector 
1.2.1  Primary sector 1.6.  Primary sector production amounted to B 8,778.1 million between 2007 and 2013, mainly 
in the latter year (B 1,432.1 million) when levels  were higher than those of previous years, 
with growth running at 10.5% on the back of in creased mining and quarrying. The growth rate 
averaged 2.8% for the six years, however, having come under downward pressure from 
diminished production in 2009 and 2010 induced by the world financial crisis. 
Chart 1.2 Percentage change in primary sector gross domestic product: 2008-2013 
(Percent) 
 
Source: National Institute of Statistics and Censuses. 
1.7.  In June 2008 in particular, the price of oil peaked at B 133.88 per barrel, an increase of 
over 90% compared to 2007. This directly impact ed domestic production, as rising international 
demand for grains such as corn and soybeans for bi ofuel production drove up the prices of this raw 
material that is indispensable to agricultural production. 
1.8.  By 2009, the nation's primary sector (mainly agriculture) was also witnessing a decline 
in exports of non-traditional fruits (-45.3%), a reflection of contracting demand for this Panamanian product on the principal markets – the United States and Europe – which were being 
badly hit by the global crisis. Still, there were nascent signs of world economic recovery, 
which it was hoped would continue in the following years. 
1.9.  Historically, agriculture, livestock farm ing, hunting and forestry have accounted for the 
biggest share in the sector's output with an av erage of 65%, though their growth has remained 
relatively constant in recent years. Next in importance have been mining and quarrying 
(20% on average) and fisheries (15% on average). As of 2010, however, these proportions shifted, as, contrary to the usual pattern, the second highest production came from mining and 
quarrying. This was attributable to the remarkable  growth of mining activity and the construction 
boom in the country. WT/TPR/G/301 • Panama 
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  1.10.  As of that year the growth rate of th e mining and quarrying sector began to recover 
and in 2013 (31.4%) surpassed the 2008 growth rate  increase (28.4%) over the previous year. 
The basis for this was traditional mining, i.e. the larger quantities of stone and sand being extracted for the production of ready-mix concre te and construction in general. Even more 
instrumental however was non-traditional mining, that is to say gold exports, which increased 
steadily between 2009 and 2012, although their value began declining in 2012 owing to flagging 
world demand for gold, as noted at the time by the World Gold Council. 
Chart 1.3 Primary sector gross domestic product: 2007-2013 
(B million) 
0 2004006008001,000
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013  
Agriculture,  livestock,  hunting and forestry Fishing Mining and quarrying
 
Source: National Institute of Statistics and Censuses. 
1.11.  Whilst fishing contracted in 2010 for the second consecutive year (-41.2%), the sharpest 
contraction for the period had been -3.7% in 2009 and -21.2% in 2011. This activity was affected 
by adverse weather conditions, increased operating costs stemming from the high price 
of petroleum products, the necessary restrictions and closed seasons to protect aquatic resources and the restriction placed on longline fishing (rope lines) at the end of that year. Exports of fisheries products therefore fell (-46.7% in volume and 48.2% in value). 
1.12.  It was not until 2012 that fishing began to recover, growing 3.4% after three years 
of recession, thanks to shrimp exports, up 20.3%, and small-scale fishing. Industrial fishing lagged 
behind with negative performance figures, part icularly in terms of the volume of exported 
fish (-19.9%), generating lower income of B 10.9 million (15.3%) from foreign sales. 
Growth in fisheries of 15.2% for the year 2013 was the highest in the past six years. 
1.13.  The structure of the primary sector of the Panamanian economy was therefore transformed 
owing to the changes in the economic activiti es that became the drivers of growth and 
cornerstones of the country's development. 
1.2.2  Secondary sector 1.14.  From 2007 to 2013, the secondary sector represented on average 18.1% of gross domestic 
product (GDP), posting positive growth rates except in 2010, owing to a diminished 
GDP contribution from electricity, gas and water supplies. In 2013 the sector grew by 18.5% over 
the previous year. 
1.15.  The average share of manufacturing in GD P was 6.2%, with this share declining gradually 
over the period despite growing at positive albeit low rates. This was attributable to trade liberalization and the very structure of an economy that prioritizes services. WT/TPR/G/301 • Panama 
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  1.16.  Meanwhile, the share of electricity, gas and water supplies in GDP averaged 3.0%, with 
growth rates fluctuating between a high of 36.5%  in 2009 and a low of -18.9% in 2010. As this 
activity is dependent on available supply and ma rket demand, its performance has been mixed. 
1.17.  Construction meantime registered steady growth. Its average weight in GDP was 8.8% 
and it posted its lowest growth rate in 2010 (4 .6%) owing to the impact of the international 
financial crisis. Activity nonetheless recovered gr adually, achieving growth rates of 30.7% in 2008, 
29.3% in 2012 and 30.5% in 2013. 
Chart 1.4 Secondary sector gross domestic  product, at 2007 prices: 2007-2013 
0500 1,0001,5002,0002,5003,0003,5004,0004,500
2007 2008 2009  2010 2011 2012 2013 Manufacturin g industries  
Electricity,  gas and water supplies
Construction  US$ million 
 
Note: Only market production was used to analyse construction. 
Source: National Institute of Statistics and Censuses. 
1.18.  It is worth noting that manufacturing  GDP was B 1,530.7 million in 2007, whilst that 
of construction was B 1,393.1 million. Ho wever, 2013 manufacturing GDP came in 
at B 1,699.8 million and that of construction at B 4,111.4 million, which represented a tripling of this latter activity's GDP share. Residential and no n-residential construction projects as well as 
public and private infrastructure works have theref ore been the drivers of growth in the secondary 
sector of the economy during the period in question. 
1.2.3  Services sector 1.19.  From 2007 to 2013 the services sector was the biggest contributor to Panama's GDP, 
accounting for a 74.3% share and growing at an av erage of 7.4%. The wholesale and retail trade, 
transport, storage and communications, hotels and restaurants as well as financial intermediation were amongst the sector's most dynamic activities. 
1.20.  On average, transport, storage and co mmunications represented 18.0% of GDP and their 
dynamism was attributable to the performance of the Panama Canal, port movement and telecommunications, the latter thanks to the opening up of competition and to technological advances in mobile telephony, internet and cable services. The year 2009 witnessed the entry 
of new cell phone operators, thereby making consumer services more accessible. WT/TPR/G/301 • Panama 
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  Chart 1.5 Services sector gross domestic pr oduct, at 2007 purchaser's prices: 2007-2013 
(B billion) 
10.012.014.016.018.020.022.024.026.0
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 
 
Source: National Institute of Statistics and Censuses. 
1.21.  Adjustments were made to the Panama Canal's system of tonnages and subsequently, 
in 2007, to rates, which entailed differentiating Cana l toll charges so as to align them with the true 
value the route provides, in other words, valuing the opportunity cost involved. It also adopted 
a system of market segmentation based on type  and size of vessels (passenger, container, 
and according to load and dimensions), in effect since 2011. All the aforementioned measures were crucial to the conduct of the Canal's activity. 
Chart 1.6 Gross domestic product of the most  important services sector activities: 
2007-2013 
0.02.04.06.08.010.012.014.016.0
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011  2012 2013Wholesale and retail trade  
Transport, storage and communications
Financial intermediation  Billion 
 
Source: National Institute of Statistics and Censuses. 
1.22.  Panama's ports move more than six million TEUs annually. This makes it one of the leaders 
according to the ECLAC ranking of container port movements in Latin America and the Caribbean 
for the 2010–2013 period. It also constitutes infrastructure that is crucial to promoting trade flows in the region. 
1.23.  Other activities that made major contributions to the sector have been the wholesale 
and retail trade, which showed vibrant growth  between 2008 and 2012 at an average rate 
of 8.0%. The Colón Free Zone registered significant trade movements between 2009 and 2011. Activities then slowed in 2012 and by the end of the last quarter of 2013, a series of situations 
facing the main partner countries of the Colón Free Zone combined to drive down foreign sales, 
giving rise to the first downturn in recent years. Meanwhile, the retail trade received a shot in the arm from increased wage income and greater consumer funding provided by the National 
Banking System. WT/TPR/G/301 • Panama 
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  1.24.  Financial intermediation was another principal driver of the sector, thanks to an increase 
in the financial services provided. The Panamanian banking system has developed in a competitive market that makes for a stable system. This enables the Panamanian economy to maintain very competitive interest rates that are closely aligned with international ones. The features of the 
Panamanian banking centre are such that money is able to flow within the economy through loans 
to private banks and the public sector. Moreover , the country receives foreign exchange mainly 
from goods and services exports and foreign investment. A study of trends over the 2007–2013 
period reveals that during 2009 banks maintained very cautious policies on lending in general 
and financial investments in particular. Activity nevertheless began to recover, achieving growth of 9.0% at the end of 2013 and accounting for 7.6% of gross domestic product. 
1.3  Balance of payments 
1.25.  The balance of payments showed a deficit in the current account  between 2007 and 2013, 
representing an annual average of 9.3% of gross domestic product. Over the past four years, 
however, the deficit has been above average, pa rticularly during 2011 when it represented 15% 
of GDP and amounted to B 4,993.3 million. The ne gative current account balance is largely the 
result of the deficit in the goods and income bala nces. The services and transfer balances for their 
part showed a surplus for most of the years under reference. 
1.26.  The balance of goods  continued negative, with imports invariably exceeding exports. 
The growth of goods imports was driven by a strong  surge in economic activity, with capital goods 
imports standing out for several years of the period, and growing at an average of 18.63% 
from 2010 to 2013. Over the period, the biggest in crease in these imports took place in 2011 
(32.9%). Public and private infrastructure works we re of pivotal importance. In the case of public 
infrastructure works, those of greatest impact were the expansion of the Panama Canal, line 1 of the Panama Metro and the expansion of the road network. 
1.27.  Consumer goods imports also grew strongly over the period, in particular in 2008 (40.1%), 
in 2010 (19.2%) and in 2011 (24.1%), the main items being fuels, lubricants and related products, which showed increases of 51.5%, 33.7% and 42.7%, respectively, on the back 
of substantial increases in international commodity prices during those years. 
1.28.  As regards the Colón Free Zone, imports showed increases in step with the growth 
of re-exports. They amounted to B 7,634.1 million in 2007 and B 14,650.7 million in 2012, 
then declined in 2013. These goods come mainly from China; Chinese Taipei; Hong Kong, China; 
Mexico; Singapore; and the United States, amongst other countries. 
1.29.  As pertains to goods exports, a distin ction must be drawn between national exports 
and re-exports. The first consist of goods produced and processed in the country. National exports 
totalled B 1,126.8 million in 2007 and peaked in 2008 at B 1,144.0 million, only to contract 
in 2009 and even further in 2010. They then reco vered over the past three years (2011, 2012 
and 2013), though not to previous levels. The surge was the result of high demand for agricultural 
exports in developed countries, in particular for fruit (bananas, melons, watermelons 
and pineapples) as well as for fisheries products. The decline in export levels was primarily attributable to the impact of the economic crisis, which compressed demand in the main markets of destination of Panamanian exports, and to the effects of weather events. In parallel, the later 
years also witnessed a decline in the supply of various agricultural and fisheries products. 
1.30.  Besides agricultural, agro-industrial and fisheries products, it is worth mentioning the 
dynamism displayed by some others, mainly scrap metal, non-monetary gold (since 2009) wood 
and hides. 
1.31.  Re-exports from the Colón Free Zone am ounted to B 8,519.5 million in 2007 and grew year 
on year thereafter, in particular in 2011 when th ey posted a 32.7% increase over the prior year. 
In 2012 they reached their highest level for the period when they totalled B 16,141.7 million 
but fell back in 2013 by some 7.2% owing mainly to the contraction of re-exports to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (43.3%) and Colombia. Re-exports from the Colón Free Zone go mainly to Puerto Rico, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Colombia, Costa Rica and Ecuador. 
The leading re-export items include machinery and electrical appliances for reproduction WT/TPR/G/301 • Panama 
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  and sound, chemicals (more specifically medicines), textiles and textile manufactures 
and footwear. 
1.32.  The balance of services  showed positive balances throughout the period from 2007 
to 2013. For most of those years exports posted double-digit growth averaging 14.4% annually. 
The growth rate slowed only in 2009 (6.7%) as a result of the world economic crisis and in 2013 
(4.5%) owing to reduced exports from the Panama Canal and ports as a result of a slowdown in world trade. 
1.33.  Services exports consisted mainly of services provided by the Panama Canal as well 
as travel, air transport and port services. Tourism-related services gained in importance between 2007 and 2013, representing 26.9% of the total exported in 2009 and 34% in 2013. 
Also related to a good extent to tourism were air transport services provided to non-residents, 
which increased from 15.4% in 2007 to 19.9% in 2013. These two activities registered the most 
rapid growth, which was consistent with a Government strategy of making tourism a driver of growth. To that end, economic policies were implemented to provide incentives for the building 
of hotel infrastructure and public investment in airports, and the country's attractions were 
promoted internationally. 
1.34.  Incomes  paid exceeded those received throughout the period from 2007 to 2013 owing 
mainly to the repatriation of profits and divide nds abroad by companies set up through foreign 
direct investment. The contribution from income paid by way of interest also remained significant. Incomes received were led by interest collected by banks with general and international licenses on their investments and debt instruments. 
1.35.  The  transfer balance  was positive from 2007 to 2012, though not in 2013 when it posted 
a deficit of B 25.4 million. Transfers received were mostly  workers' remittances which in 2013 
amounted to B 398.1 million. Remittances were also prominent in outgoing transfers, amounting 
to B 295.9 million in 2007 and B 709.4 million in 2013 owing to increased migration 
of non-resident workers thanks to the booming economy and a more flexible migration policy. 
1.36.  The capital and financial account  showed positive balances for almost the 
entire 2007-2013 period, and these helped finance the current account deficit. The main receipts 
on the account were from foreign direct investment by other countries in Panama, which grew at its highest level in 2013 when it amounted to  B 4,651.3 million, representing a 61.6% increase 
over the prior year. During the period, foreign investment went mainly towards the wholesale 
and retail trade, financial activities, transport,  storage and communications, and manufacturing. 
Chart 1.7 Foreign direct investment in th e reporting economy (in Panama): 2007-2013 
(B million) 
 
Source: National Institute of Statistics and Censuses. WT/TPR/G/301 • Panama 
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  1.4  Inflation 
1.37.  Over recent years, Panama's rate of infl ation (measured by changes to the consumer price 
index) has changed by comparison with the trend of  earlier periods (low inflation). This has been 
due mainly to factors such as the world financial crisis, credit, domestic demand, higher prices 
of oil and some agricultural commodities, all of which affected the import prices of both finished 
products and raw materials. Adverse weather cond itions also negatively impacted agricultural 
and livestock production. 
Chart 1.8 Percentage change in the urba n national consumer price index: 2007-2013 
 
Source: National Institute of Statistics and Censuses. 
1.38.  Over the 2007–2013 period, the highest rates of inflation were recorded in the years 2008 
(8.7%), 2011 (5.9%) and 2012 (5.7%), followed by a return to relatively moderate levels in 2013 (4.0%). The average CPI increase for the period was 4.9%. 
2  RECENT TRADE POLICY DEVELOPMENTS 
2.1  Multilateral trading system 
2.1.  As a Member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) since 1997, Panama is fully committed 
to the multilateral trading system and the rules governing international trade, and bases relations 
with its trading partners on the relevant guiding principles by following a trade policy that is open, 
non-discriminatory and competitive and one that  offers predictability and transparency. 
2.2.  The WTO is the main forum for discussion with trading partners and provides an institutional 
and legal setting in which to combat protectionism and promote market opening, both of which are 
crucial to a developing country such as Panama, which is highly dependent on international trade. 
The Organization also facilitates negotiations to expand and modernize the rules of multilateral trade such as the recent agreements emanating from the Bali Ministerial Meeting. 
2.3.  Panama believes that strengthening the rules of the multilateral system is important 
in improving interaction among Members, as well as in establishing stable regional or bilateral trading relations that contribute to the expansion of trade and investment flows. 
 Participation in ongoing negotiations 
2.4.  The Doha Round negotiations have been co nsiderably delayed. Nonetheless, Panama hopes 
that they will be concluded in the near future  to the benefit of all WTO Members. For Panama, 
the Bali Package has reaffirmed the commitment of  countries to the multilateral trade rules under 
the WTO and to achieving the aims of the Doha Development Programme. Panama is of the view 
that the outcomes of these negotiations would help to strengthen world trade and hence foster economic growth for the country in particular and for other Members in general. WT/TPR/G/301 • Panama 
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  2.5.  The main achievements during the period under review include the 
WTO Ministerial Conference held in Bali in 2013, where agreement was reached on issues that will bring greater certainty and transparency to international trade formalities and promote the expansion of trade. 
2.6.  Another achievement during this period was the conclusion of the Geneva Agreement 
on Trade in Bananas in December 2009, which ended one of the most protracted disputes in the history of the GATT and the WTO. The agreement addresses, inter alia , matters regarding the 
modification of the European Union's (EU) ta riff schedule through GATT Article XXVIII and the 
changeover to a single-tariff system, and is a satisfactory outcome as pertains to Panama's trade interests under the multilateral system. This ag reement was signed by Panama, the EU, and the 
other Latin American countries involved on 31 May 2010 and became effective in March 2011. 
2.7.  To foster technological development and encourage investment in the realm of technology 
and information science, Panama in 2012 acceded to the Information Technology Agreement (ITA), which provides for the full elimination of customs duties on the information technology 
products it covers. 
2.8.  Panama is involved in the negotiations on the Trade in Services Agreement (TISA) 
and implementation of the outcomes of the agreem ent will provide a framework that will further 
buttress Panama's position as the region's multimodal and logistics hub. 
 Dispute settlement mechanism 
2.9.  With its increased involvement in the multilateral trading system, Panama finds the dispute 
settlement system to be the appropriate mechanism for airing its concerns over measures taken 
by other Members, whilst seeking to ensure that trade with its partners is mutually beneficial 
and in line with the rules adopted under the Agreements governing the Organization. 
2.10.  Panama is a Member that respects the obligations deriving from these rules, which is why 
it was not involved as a defendant in any dispute settlement procedure during the period 
under review. 
2.11.  Although Panama is of the view that the dispute settlement system needs to be reinforced 
in order to expedite proceedings for Members, it has been making more extensive use of the 
mechanism and, during the review period, it participated as a complainant in three procedures, one leading to a favourable ruling and two to the establishment of arbitration panels. Panama is also involved as a third party in three procedures that are of substantial commercial interest 
to the country. 
2.2  Trade and investment agreements 2.2.1  Agreements in force 
2.12.  Up to April 2007, Panama had new generation trade agreements in force with 
Chinese Taipei, El Salvador and Singapore. Since the last trade policy review, Panama has implemented nine free trade agreements with countries such as Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, 
Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Peru, the United States, and the European Union, and 
one partial scope agreement with Cuba. In addition, Panama formalized its accession to the Economic Integration Subsystem by means of the Protocol incorporating the Republic of Panama into the Central American Integration System, and also became a full member of the 
Latin American Integration Association (LAIA). 
2.13.  This bilateral and regional trade agenda being followed by Panama is a vitally important 
complement to its strategy of integration into  international trade, and consolidates, expands 
and deepens the trade benefits deriving from the WTO multilateral trade negotiations. 
 Free Trade Agreement with Chile : The FTA between Panama and Chile was signed 
on 27 June 2006 and adopted by Panama through Law No. 7 of 12 January 2007. 
The Agreement envisages the phasing out of tariffs between the two countries starting 
on 1 January of the year in which the agreement enters into force. In the case of Panama, WT/TPR/G/301 • Panama 
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  the reduction schedule includes goods for which tariffs will be eliminated immediately, goods 
t h a t  w i l l  b e  l i b e r a l i z e d  p r o g r e s s i v e l y  o v e r  f i v e ,  t e n ,  1 2  o r  1 5  ye a r s ,  a n d  o th e r s  f o r  w h i c h  tariffs will remain at the base rate without reduction. The agreement contains a positive list of services commitments. In 2012, trade with Chile accounted for 1% of Panama's 
total trade. 
 Bilateral Protocol between the Republic of  Panama and the Republic of Costa Rica : 
It was adopted by the Republic of Panama through Law No. 17 of 2008 and became effective 
on 23 November of the same year. The tariff elimination programme began 
on 1 January 2009. The entry into force of this Protocol terminated the free and preferential 
trade agreement signed between Panama and Costa Rica in 1973. 
 Bilateral Protocol between the Republic of Panama and the Republic of Honduras : 
This bilateral protocol was adopted by the Republic of Panama through Law No. 23 
of 25 April 2008, and after the exchange of instruments of ratification, took effect 
on 8 January 2009, thereby terminating the prefer ential agreement signed by both countries 
in 1973. 
 Bilateral Protocol between the Republic of  Panama and the Republic of Guatemala : 
It was signed on 26 February 2008, and adopted through Law No. 48 of 15 July 2008 
published in Official Gazette No. 26084 of 16 July 2008. It entered into force 
on 20 June 2009 following the exchange of instruments of ratification. The entry into force of this protocol terminated the free and pr eferential trade agreement according tariff 
preferences for trade in specific goods between the two countries since 1974. 
 Bilateral Protocol between the Republic of  Panama and the Republic of Nicaragua : 
It was signed on 15 January 2009 and adopte d by the Republic of Panama through 
Law No. 29 of 22 June 2009. The entry into force of this protocol voided the free 
and preferential trade agreement that had benefited trade in goods between the two 
countries since 1972. 
 Free Trade Agreement with Peru : The Free Trade Agreement between Peru and Panama 
took effect on 1 May 2012 under Law No. 82 of 22 December 2011. This Agreement also 
reflects the benefits of regional trade. It was negotiated under a common format though with a sufficient number of flexibilities to allo w the countries to include chapters of interest 
to them. In the case of the Republic of Panama , the chapters on financial services, maritime 
services and telecommunications were negotiated in the light of our strategic vision for the 
services sector. 
 Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) with the United States of America : The TPA was 
ratified by the United States Congress and Senate in October 2011, and entered into force 
on 31 October 2012 once our country had finalized the implementation process. 
As pertains to trade relations, the United States is Panama's main trading partner. 
Trade flows for 2012 were worth B 3,137.7 million, with the United States receiving 20% 
of Panama's export supply and supplying 23% of our demand for goods. The principal exports are cane sugar, salmonids, bananas, shrimps, pineapples, aluminium scrap and unroasted coffee. 
 Free Trade Agreement with Canada : The Canada-Panama FTA took effect 
on 1 April 2013 under Law No. 69 of 26 October 2010. This Agreement is a fundamental tool 
for developing economic activity, creating jo b opportunities for Panamanians and boosting 
the competitiveness of our goods and services production sectors. 
Canada is a major consumer of tropical and marine products that is does not produce, a fact 
that ensures continuity and a lasting taste for products from our country, of which we have 
a varied exportable supply. Trade with Canada made up 1% of Panama's total trade in 2012. 
 Association Agreement between Central America and the European Union : 
It entered into force on 1 August 2013 under Law No. 27 of 17 April 2013. The Association 
Agreement with the European Union represents the first regional initiative undertaken by the WT/TPR/G/301 • Panama 
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  Republic of Panama. The primary objective of the commercial part of this Agreement 
is to consolidate and expand access to the European market for Panama's exportable products and the offer of services and investment opportunities in the world's largest economy. 
For Panamanian producers this market represents a potential of more than 497 million 
people with high purchasing power. This Ag reement therefore opens the door to a market 
without precedent, but maintains an appropriat e level of protection for the more sensitive 
productive sectors of the Panamanian economy. 
 Partial Scope Agreement between Panama and Cuba : This was signed 
on 16 March 2009 and became effective on 20 August 2009. Preferences are applied 
to a limited group of products. The preferences are 50%, 75% or 100%. 
 Protocol of Incorporation of the Republic  of Panama into the Central American 
Economic Integration System : Our country's accession to the Economic Integration 
Subsystem was formalized on 6 May 2013 by Law No. 26 of 17 April 2013. The protocol lays 
out the terms, conditions, modalities and time-frames – ranging from six months to two 
years – for our country's integration into this subsystem. 
The Central American Common Market (CACM) is one of Panama's main trading partners. 
In 2012 it occupied fourth place in total trade with the world, with trade exceeding a value 
of B 1,066 million. Exports were worth B 98.7 million and imports B 967.6 million. 
Costa Rica is the main trading partner in the Central American region, accounting for over 55% of trade with that region. As pertains to the Colón Free Zone, re-exports 
to the CACM were worth B 2.03 billion that same year. 
 Latin American Integration Association (LAIA) : The Republic of Panama became 
a member of LAIA on 2 February 2012 with the deposit of the Treaty of Montevideo 
in Uruguay and the signing of five Additi onal Protocols, which entered into force 
in May 2012. 
2.2.2  Treaties or preferential agreements pending entry into force 
2.14.  Panama has other preferential trade agreements in force, including partial scope 
agreements with Colombia, the Dominican Republic and Cuba, the latter being the most recent. Panama also recently signed trade treaties or agreements with the States members of the European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland), and with 
Colombia, Mexico, and Trinidad and Tobago. At  April 2014, these agreem ents had st ill not yet 
entered into force. Some had already been ratified by the Panamanian National Assembly; in other cases, the process of exchange of instrument s of ratification and deposit was in progress 
or formalities were being effected for their approval by the National Assembly. In this regard 
it is worth highlighting the importance of the approval and implementation of the free trade agreements with Colombia and Mexico, which favour Panama's intention of becoming a full 
member of the Pacific Alliance initiative along with the other two countries making up the bloc, 
Chile and Peru. 
 Free Trade Agreement between Central America and the States of the European 
Free Trade Association (EFTA) : It was signed on 24 June 2013 and ratified by Law No. 4 
of 7 April 2014. This Agreement supplements the national policy of rapprochement with 
the European Union with a view to expa nding and diversifying Panama's goods 
and services exports. 
 Free Trade Agreement with the Republic of Colombia : This Agreement was signed 
on 20 September 2013. Its entry into force will strengthen bilateral relations between the 
two countries, bearing in mind each country's trade and economic interests. On the other 
hand, this Agreement clearly lays the groundwork for Panama to make the most 
of its national strategy of becoming a logistics and trade hub for goods from third countries by taking advantage of the network of trade agreements maintained by Colombia and Panama. WT/TPR/G/301 • Panama 
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   Partial Scope Agreement with Trinidad and Tobago : This Agreement was signed 
on 3 October 2013, and the internal procedures are currently in progress in each country 
with a view to its entry into force (in our country, the Cabinet Council approved it on 1 April 2014). The entry into force of this Agreement will deepen our country's relations 
with the Caribbean Community, which is of gr eat interest to Panama's private sector. 
 Free Trade Agreement with the United Mexican States : The signing of this Agreement 
on 3 April 2014 represented the culmination of an initiative that lasted more than fifteen 
(15) years and witnessed several failed attempts in 1999 and 2003. The signing of the trade 
agreement brings us closer to our desire to be part of the Pacific Alliance, which comprises Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. This Agreement lays down legal provisions that will pave the way for investments and the provision of services, and will also boost trade in goods. 
2.2.3  Investment agreements 
2.15.  Investment promotion in Panama has led to structural changes designed to project the 
image of a safe territory. Legal and regulatory provisions have been implemented ranging from 
a framework law on investment (No. 54 of July 1998) to the signing of reciprocal investment 
promotion and protection agreements. 
2.16.  Similarly, as part of the economic inte gration processes on which Panama has embarked 
in recent years, disciplines, obligations, criteria and standards for the treatment of foreign 
investment have been incorporated in the international trade agreements, as well as systems for settling any disputes that may arise from these relations. 
2.17.  All the free trade agreements signed by Panama during the period under review contain 
investment chapters that replace – some immedi ately and others after a transition period – 
pre-existing investment promotion and protection agreements with some trading partners. This also paves the way for broad regulatory regimes that include mechanisms for settling bilateral 
and regional investment disputes, that is, the introduction of much more comprehensive 
policy instruments. 
3  TRADE POLICY INSTRUMENTS 
3.1  Tariffs 
3.1.  Panama accords MFN, non-discriminatory treatment to all its trading partners. The country 
has bound all tariff lines, thus making its trade regime more predictable. 
3.2.  In mid-2007 the import tariff of the Republic of Panama, contained 8,624 tariff headings. 
All import tariffs are levied at ad valorem  rates and applied to the c.i.f. value of the 
imported goods. 
3.3.  The average rate for the vast majority of tariff headings in Panama's national tariff currently 
ranges between 0% and 4%, representing 40% of the national import tariff; 9.3% of tariffs are 
applied at a rate of 10%, 23.3% at a rate of 15% and only 1.3% of the headings are subject 
to import tariffs above 20%. 
3.4.  Panama accords duty-free treatment for a number of information technology products, 
pursuant to the Information Technology Agreement (ITA). Similarly, it has removed import tariffs on motor vehicles of Chapter 87 of the national tariff, which led to an increase in zero-rate tariff headings from 29.8% to 40%. 
3.5.  Panama adopted the Fifth Amendment to the Harmonized System on 28 December 2011, 
offering members an updated tariff nomenclature  for import purposes that is in step with 
technological developments and the requirements of international trade. 
3.2  Trade facilitation 
3.6.  During this review period Panama also redo ubled its trade facilitation endeavours by adopting 
and implementing standards to expedite and redu ce the time needed for border formalities. WT/TPR/G/301 • Panama 
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  It allocated appreciable resources to the automation of customs operations, including the single 
window for foreign trade, the adoption of digital certification of origin under certain trade agreements, the migration of all import manageme nt procedures to a computer platform called 
Integrated Customs Management System (SIG A), and the adoption of the Mesoamerican 
International Transit (TIM) system so as to reduce the times needed for border formalities 
and allow for the consolidation of cargo at the customs of departure. 
3.3  Competition policy 
3.7.  As pertains to its policy of free competition, Panama amended its legislation by enacting 
Law No. 45 of 31 October 2007 prescribing rules on consumer protection and the defence of competition and repealing the previous Law No. 29 of 1996. The purpose was to lay down rules to combat monopolistic practices in governme nt procurement and cornering of the market, 
whilst toughening the penalties for such practices. This regulatory adjustment underpins a policy 
aimed at ensuring free competition not only at the domestic level but also with our international trading partners. 
4  MODERNIZATION OF THE STATE 
4.1.  Panama has launched policies to further modernize the State and has accordingly executed 
processes to upgrade public administration and promoted the optimal use of information 
and communication technologies (ICTs) in the government sector in the form of efficient 
e-government tools. To this end, it set up th e Government Innovation Authority by Law No. 65 
of 30 October 2010, regulated by Executive Decree No. 205 of 9 March 2010. The Authority's main 
functions are to plan, coordinate, issue guidelines, monitor, ensure cooperation for, support 
and promote the optimal use of information and communication technologies in the government 
sector so as to modernize public administration; it also recommends the adoption of strategic national policies, plans and actions in this realm. 
4.2.  A Strategic Digital Agenda 2012-2014 has accordingly been drawn up with, inter alia,  
the following objectives: connectivity and improvement of technological infrastructure; establishing innovative, interoperable and unified governance; making the legal changes necessary to minimize 
the formalities required of citizens by the public authorities; and enhancing digital skills by creating 
a new culture amongst public servants, focused on developing a conception of State services based on connectivity and avoiding red tape and the use of paper. 
5  CONCLUSIONS AND OUTLOOK 
5.1.  The Republic of Panama is firmly committed and attaches special importance to the conduct 
of exercises of this kind, which relate to the formulation and implementation of Members' trade 
policies and promote transparency. It is therefore pleased to have carried out this second Trade 
Policy Review together with the WTO Secretariat. 
5.2.  This second TPR has made it possible to emphasize that Panama currently has a robust, 
dynamic and growing economy, which has raised the population's level of well-being, driven by the 
performance of key sectors linked mainly to international trade and boosted by sound economic 
and social reforms. This performance will doubtl ess grow stronger in the years ahead, to the 
benefit of the country itself, its trading partners, as well as trade in the region. 
5.3.  As a Member of the WTO since 1997, Panama is fully committed to the multilateral trading 
system and the rules of international trade, and bases relations with its trading partners on the 
relevant guiding principles by following a trade policy that is open, non-discriminatory and competitive, and one that offers  predictability and transparency. 
5.4.  Panama will continue to participate in the ongoing trade negotiations and believes that their 
outcomes would help strengthen world trade and hence foster economic growth for the country in particular and for Members in general. 
5.5.  Since the last review of its trade policy, Panama has pursued an intensive agenda of trade 
negotiations leading to the implementation of nine free trade agreements with countries such as Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, the European Union, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Peru WT/TPR/G/301 • Panama 
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  and the United States, and one partial scope agreement with Cuba; it has joined the Economic 
Integration Subsystem, become a full member of the Latin American Integration Association (LAIA), and is now arranging for the entry into force of a further four trade agreements with Colombia, the European Free Trade Association, Mexico, and Trinidad and Tobago. Panama's 
bilateral and regional trade agenda is a vitally important complement to the country's strategy 
of integration into world trade, and consolidates, expands and deepens the trade benefits deriving from the WTO multilateral trade negotiations. 
5.6.  During the period under review, Panama redoubled its trade facilitation endeavours 
by adopting and implementing standards to expedite and reduce the time needed for border formalities and allocating appreciable resources to automating and transforming customs management. Panama has also improved its regulatory framework with respect to consumer 
protection and the defence of free competition and has implemented policies to promote a more 
modern State through processes to upgrade public administration and promote the optimal use of ICTs in the government sector in the form of efficient e-government tools. 
5.7.  Panama will continue to intensify its trade relations with the rest of the world as a means 
of boosting economic growth and hence the prosperity of its people.  
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