Welcome to the Panama Weekly News Roundup! Here’s the latest.
Pompeo warns Panama against doing business with China.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday that he had warned President Juan Carlos Varela of Panama about doing business with China, criticizing Chinese state-owned enterprises that engage in “predatory economic activity.”
As his plane left Panama City, Pompeo recounted his talks with Varela and local journalists. Clearly concerned that Panama could become a beachhead for growing Chinese economic influence in the Western Hemisphere, he emphasized that Panamanians should be cautious when considering business ties with China.
Pompeo said he intended to tell the entire region that “when China comes calling, it’s not always to the good of your citizens,” and that countries had to watch out for Chinese companies that “show up with deals that seem too good to be true.”
Source: The Globe and Mail
4 Must-Visit Landmarks in Panama City.
Finding exciting things to see and do in Panama is the easy part. Finding the time to experience them all before your stay is up is a different story, however.
A bucket list attraction for many travelers, the Panama Canal is a roughly 50-mile-long waterway cutting through the country to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Consider visiting the Miraflores Locks. In addition to observation decks, the visitor center here offers a movie theater and exhibition halls where guests can learn about the canal and its history. There’s also a restaurant and gift shop where visitors can conclude their trip.
Source: Travel Pulse
Meet the Panama City Environmentalist-turned-Politician Fighting Climate Change.
Raisa Banfield knew what to expect as her car pulled up to El Trapiche, a popular Panama City diner that serves local favorites like gallo pinto and fried tortillas.
“You’re going to see some angry people,” Banfield told me.
She was right. Earlier that morning, a torrent of rain and wind brought down trees, ripped the roofs off apartment buildings, and sent water coursing through the doors of El Trapiche and other storefronts along Via Argentina, one of Panama City’s main thoroughfares. The restaurant’s staff was still cleaning up when Banfield, the city’s vice mayor since 2014, arrived to view the damage.
Source: Americas Quarterly
World Youth Day is Headed to Panama: Here’s what you need to know
As we reach the month of November (national holidays), Christmas, and then New Year’s, the end of the year marks a festive, busy time for most people in Panama. This year, the celebrations will carry on right into January with the 2019 World Youth Day (WYD), hosted by Panama and the Catholic Church.
The World Youth Day, also known as “JMJ” (Jornada Mundial de la Juventud) in Spanish, will be held between January 22nd and January 27th, with the culmination of the celebration being a visit by the Pope. The WYD events will largely take place in Panama City’s historic center, Casco Viejo, with a number of symposiums and talks occurring off site leading up to the event and during the event itself.
Source: International Relocation Firm Blog
