As the financial year nears to a close, and you prepare to wind down before a busy start to the next year, it’s time to get your investment plans in order. And if you’re looking to make a splash in international investing, investing in Panama would be a great start for 2019, if you’re not investing here already that is. Panama has a very favorable investment climate, which means investing in Panama is a good buy. There are a number of areas to invest in, some riskier than others, but all with growing opportunities as we head into the new year. Here are some of our thoughts on where you should be investing in Panama in 2019.
Shipping/Logistics
It goes without saying that shipping and logistics are the safest bet for investing in Panama, in 2019 or otherwise. However, 2019 looks like it will be a banner year with the Panama Canal Expansion continuing to increase a ton of new Post Panamax traffic through, which means big business for shipping and logistics companies. It also means big investment opportunities with fuel companies, land freight, and ancillary Canal business all throughout the service sector. This is not just a great 2019 investment, but one of the best sectors for sustained future growth as well.
Real Estate
Panama’s real estate sector may have dipped a bit in 2017/2018, but that trend looks to reverse itself as we move into the new year. With investment opportunities in Panama real estate available all over the country, 2019 looks to be a fantastic year for new property and old property investment, as prices are great in this buyer’s market. Look for growth in Panama City’s suburbs, and interior in general, as well as beach expansion on the Caribbean coast, and new residential developments in the Canal Zone area, specifically in Balboa and Panama Pacifico. Prices are still relatively low in many places, and they are bound to go up.
Hotels
Every dream of opening a hotel, bed and breakfast, or hostel? Well, 2019 looks to be a great year to invest in Panama hotels! Tourism is still strong, and unique hotel projects are dominating the market share. And it’s not just in Panama City. Many people who now travel to Panama come strictly for adventure tourism, meaning that nature/eco lodges are in high demand, as well as low-cost hostel options, and beachfront resorts/hotels. This is heavily tied in with the real estate boom, and demand should keep rising in 2019 and beyond.
Construction
See a pattern here? With so many new properties, road projects, highways, subways, and everything under the sun being built in Panama, it’s a no brainer that construction would make the list. Construction in Panama is a fantastic investment, and demand continues to exceed supply. There are so many new projects slated for 2019 and beyond, that this industry is one of the hottest right now when it comes to investment. And it appears it will be that way for many years to come.
Financial Services
Even though the past few years have been rough for the reputation of Panama’s financial services industry, it still bodes well for investment as we head into 2019. Panama’s banking industry has shored up regulations to help distance themselves from the Panama Papers scandal, and we think 2019 will be a banner year with a fresh start, if you’re looking to invest in Panama. Loans continue to be huge, and Panama is still a strong target for international equity in a number of sectors (many of which are listed above), which makes financial services a great bet in the new year!
