Multi-Dimensional Review of Panama
Volume 1: Initial Assessment
Since the beginning of the 21st century, Panama has exhibited remarkable economic growth and has reduced the gap in terms of income per capita with high-income countries. Social progress has also been achieved, mainly through the reduction of poverty and advances in some well-being dimensions. However, challenges remain with regard to overcoming the so-called middle-income trap and consolidating the middle-class. This first volume of the Multi-dimensional Country Review of Panama identifies the main barriers to further inclusive development. It highlights that promoting equitable, inclusive and sustainable economic growth and improving the well-being of all citizens should be at the core of Panama’s development strategies.
Towards better institutions and sustainable development in Panama
OECD Development Centre
To consolidate the high economic performance registered in the past decade and promote further inclusive development, better institutions and sustainable development are needed. This chapter first describes civic engagement and citizens’ trust in institutions. Second, it presents key aspects of public governance including the framework to plan, prioritise and implement policies in Panama. Third, it studies factors linked to medium- and long-term financial governance. Fourth, it focuses on the implementation of international transparency and exchange of information standards. Fifth, this chapter analyses policies towards further entrepreneurship and competition and better public-private partnerships. Sixth, it highlights the environmental sustainability in Panama, and finally it presents the main conclusions.