At the beginning of May, Panama’s Ministry of Commerce and Industries shared encouraging news for the commercial sector. The country approved 24 new companies to operate within its special economic zones during the first three months of 2026. In total, accumulated investment for this period exceeds $58.5 million; a clear sign that Panama remains an attractive destination for international business.
A Diverse Investment Portfolio
During the April 29, 2026 meeting, Vice Minister of Foreign Trade Astrid Ábrego and General Director of Free Trade Zones Rodrigo Jaén noted that these new companies come from the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, China, Germany, and Panama. What stands out is that this investment comes not from just one region, but from several continents, making it a global investment.
Companies like these choose to establish themselves in these free economic zones because of real advantages: low tariffs on imports and exports, simplified administrative procedures, and competitive labor costs, among other economic benefits.
The diversity of sectors is notable. There are manufacturing operations, processing of raw materials and semi-finished products, and logistics companies moving in. At the same time, technology ventures and real estate development linked to these zones are gaining momentum.
Operations will be distributed across six free trade zones: Panapark Free Zone, Zona Franca del Istmo, Zona Franca Albrook, Zona Franca Herinzone, Zona Franca Panexport, and Zona Franca Ifza Panama. This geographic dispersion is important, as it ensures that economic benefits reach different areas of the country.
Why Panama’s Free Trade Zones Stand Out
Free Trade Zones exist in many countries, but Panama’s have important advantages because of their integral competitiveness. Tax exemptions, solid infrastructure, and government support to encourage these zones make them attractive to international companies. Panama Pacifico is a perfect example, it has attracted companies like 3M, Dell, and others you would recognize. These are not small operations, but Fortune 500 companies that deliberately chose Panama for its strategic location, modern facilities, and an environment that allows them to operate efficiently.
What This Means for Companies Looking to Establish Themselves in Free Economic Zones
If you’re thinking about where to establish operations in the region, Panama continues to be the answer. It combines political stability with concrete economic benefits: comprehensive tax exemptions that cover income tax, capital gains, and municipal taxes; low or non-existent tariffs on imports and exports; competitive labor costs; and strategic location near ports and airports that reduces delivery times. Added to this are simplified administrative procedures, regulatory flexibility, and direct access to markets in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The numbers from the first quarter of 2026 confirm it: 24 newly approved companies with investments exceeding $58.5 million demonstrate that there is real growth in these zones. For multinationals and export companies, these combined factors make Panama the preferred destination to maximize profit margins and expand global operations.
Official Government Announcement: Free trade zones sustain momentum in the first quarter of 2026 with new investments and companies
Ready to Establish Your Company in Panama’s Special Economic Zones?
At Kraemer & Kraemer, we have extensive experience advising national and international companies on establishing operations within Free Trade Zones and Special Economic Zones in Panama. In fact, 2 of the 24 companies recently approved to operate in these zones received strategic legal guidance from our team throughout their establishment process.
From the initial assessment to identify the most suitable zone for your business model, to corporate structuring, regulatory compliance, licensing, and optimization of available incentives, our team provides comprehensive legal advice backed by proven results and hands-on experience across multiple industries.
Our approach combines legal expertise, business understanding, and personalized support to help each client establish operations efficiently, securely, and in line with their growth objectives.
Contact Kraemer & Kraemer; and let our team guide you through the opportunities that Panama’s special economic zones have to offer.
