If you’re looking to invest in Panama, 2016 will be a great year to start. Economic growth is picking up again, and foreign investment is a big part of that. Panama has a huge range of diversity when it comes to investment, regardless of its size and budget. It’s a country on the rise, and growth is something that comes fast. This also means that competition can be strong, so getting in on the right investments at the right time is critical to a successful Panama financial strategy.
As a foreigner, you have many options to invest in Panama that practically put you on par with local investors, if not even giving you a slight advantage.
Here are our top 4 picks for investments in Panama in 2016 that are good bets for strong returns:
- Real Estate: Investing in real estate is probably the most popular foreign investment in Panama, and for good reason. Panama is growing; not just economically, but physically. There is more new construction in Panama than practically any other country in the hemisphere, and it’s showing no sign of slowing down anytime soon. Panama’s growing population and strong workforce demands new housing, and home/commercial real estate values have been steadily on the rise for years. This trend is looking to keep growing in 2016, so get in before you miss out on some great deals in the real estate sector.
- Eco Tourism: Tourism as a whole is a huge growth market for investors in Panama. However, eco tourism, or “adventure tourism”, is one the hottest areas of the market right now. Tourists are targeting Panama specifically for its biodiversity, natural setting, and outdoor activities during colder months in the Northern Hemisphere. Investors are now creating companies that fill this need, or investing in existing ones that need to expand. This includes rainforest tours, eco lodges, rural transportation services, and even equipment rental services for diving, surfing, hiking, boating, and even motocross.
- English Language Education Centers: With all of the international business growth in Panama, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the demand for English language training is sky high. In fact, it’s so high that many English language education centers don’t have enough teachers to fill the demand of their students. This makes for a great opportunity for investment. Panama needs more training centers, more teachers, and better-organized curriculum for business-level training. Investing in English language education is an investment that will see immediate results, not to mention help bolster the business community in the process.
- Clean Energy: With a population that’s growing, and large growth in urban sectors, Panama’s demand for energy is sky high. But there’s a catch. Fossil fuel energy solutions won’t work long-term in Panama due to its environment and infrastructure. This means that for the future of Panama, in order to keep up with high-energy demands, the country needs clean, sustainable solutions. This is where clean energy investment becomes critical on the Isthmus. Some great investments in this area are hydroelectric plants, wind farms, solar panel development and distribution, and general renewable energy research. All of which are already in Panama, but need more funding for growth, and long-term sustainability.
