AGP Executive Report

World Cup Spotlight (Panama in Group L): Ghana’s Thomas Partey visa denial has turned into a diplomatic and legal fight, with Ghana urging Canada to review the decision and Ghana’s sports ministry asking FIFA to step in to protect players’ rights; Partey is set to miss Ghana’s opener vs Panama on June 17. Panama Business & Economy: Panama’s Acodeco is pushing a proposal that could reshape the electricity market by separating distribution from marketing, with retail supply currently run by Ensa, Edemet and Edechi—an issue that matters as demand is projected to rise. Climate & Risk: Scientists warn El Niño could be “very strong” and extremely costly globally, with knock-on effects for agriculture, infrastructure and supply chains. Public Health & Agriculture: The U.S. screwworm outbreak is expanding in Texas with new quarantine zones and training for inspectors—an example of how animal health shocks can hit food supply and costs. Security & Trade: U.S.-linked operations with partners, including Panama, seized about 2,546 kg of cocaine across multiple interdictions, underscoring ongoing maritime trafficking pressure.

Marine Conservation Milestone: Panama says it now protects over 54% of its oceanic surface, placing it among the top countries globally for marine coverage and ahead of the UN’s 30% goal—highlighting benefits like cleaner coasts and stronger protection for sea turtles, mangroves, coral reefs and seagrasses. Consumer Protection: Panama’s Acodeco seized 1,517 pounds of rice contaminated with weevils in Bocas del Toro, tied to 178 commercial irregularities, after complaints triggered surprise inspections. Aviation & Tourism Push: Copa Airlines is extending its Panama Stopover program from 7 to 15 days with no extra airfare, aiming to draw more visitors and boost local spending. World Cup Business Angle (Panama-England): England’s World Cup camp is underway in Kansas City, while Panama’s matchups are set for June 27 vs England—useful for tourism and fan-economy planning. Regional Trade/Logistics Watch: Acodeco’s enforcement and Copa’s stopover expansion both point to tighter consumer oversight and more travel-driven demand in Panama’s economy.

World Cup & Panama’s football calendar: The tournament is in full swing with Day 3 set for June 13, including Brazil vs. Morocco and Haiti vs. Scotland, while Panama’s key match-up is coming fast: Panama vs. England on June 27 (per the World Cup group-phase schedule coverage). Visa friction with regional spillovers: Ghana’s Sports Minister Kofi Adams is blasting FIFA and Canada after Thomas Partey was denied entry to Canada, keeping him out of Ghana’s opener vs. Panama; FIFA says it won’t handle host immigration decisions, but the dispute is now a live political and sporting flashpoint for the region. Panama-linked business angle: With the World Cup driving travel and watch-party demand across North America, local hospitality and transport planning is being tested—an issue that will matter for Panama as fans and partners track the tournament’s economic ripple effects. Local governance: In Panama, residents in Herrera’s Santa María protested the start of a $177.2m prison complex, arguing the area needs water, roads, and education first.

World Cup & Visa Shock: Ghana’s Thomas Partey has been ruled out of the Black Stars’ opening match vs Panama after Canada refused his visa, a blow for coach Carlos Queiroz as Ghana prepares for Group L in Toronto. Ghana Funding Push: Ghana’s government approved GH¢76.47m for the Black Stars’ World Cup campaign, including GH¢58.93m for operations and GH¢17.54m to settle qualification bonuses. Panama Infrastructure: IDAAN awarded a $4.9m contract to study, design and improve the water pipeline feeding Las Tablas, targeting chronic drought and contamination issues tied to the La Villa River. Panama Politics: Two Vamos deputies, Manuel Samaniego and Neftalí Zamora, resigned after the coalition suspended them over budget transfer support, reigniting transparency concerns in the National Assembly. Egypt Trade Boost: Egypt reported agricultural exports topping 5 million tons since the start of 2026 and said it opened 21 new export markets, including Panama and other parts of Latin America and the Caribbean. Screwworm Watch (Regional Risk): U.S. and state measures to stop the New World screwworm are intensifying, with Florida blocking shelter pet imports from affected states—an indirect reminder of cross-border biosecurity stakes for the region.

Banking & Housing: Panama’s Superintendency of Banks says new mortgages under the preferential interest regime fell 34% from January to April, with officials pointing to lingering legal/fee issues that have kept demand “stagnant,” though they expect a rebound later in the year. M&A in Finance: BAC Panama completed its operational merger with Multibank, creating a single bank with assets above US$45 billion and a loan portfolio over US$32 billion—positioned as the second-largest by assets in the market. Public Sector Risk Management: Panama’s Social Security Fund (CSS) is moving to buy an errors-and-omissions style insurance policy covering up to US$15m annually for three years, aimed at claims tied to senior officials’ decisions and management actions. Infrastructure & Trade: The Panama Canal Authority set a 49.5-foot draft limit from July 3 and also announced a draft reduction for Neopanamax vessels, with auction prices hitting about US$400,000. Regional Business Links: A report highlights Panama’s growing role in the Western Hemisphere’s trade and security cooperation agenda, as the U.S. emphasizes “enlist and expand” partnerships across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Panama & Regional Integration: Costa Rica’s Lina Eugenia Ajoy Rojas was elected the first Costa Rican and second woman to lead SICA as General Secretariat, starting Aug. 9, 2026, with a mandate spanning security, trade, the environment and human rights. Public Finance & Risk Management: Panama’s Social Security Fund (CSS) is moving to buy an errors-and-omissions insurance policy covering up to $15m annually for senior officials, with a reported reference price of $2.4m over 36 months. World Cup Business & Tourism: The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with a 48-team, 104-match format across the U.S., Canada and Mexico; Panama’s own match vs. England is flagged in watch-party listings, while fan spending and ticket pricing remain a major talking point. Biosecurity & Livestock Trade: The New World screwworm has reached the U.S., prompting tighter animal movement rules—an issue that matters for regional livestock supply chains and cross-border enforcement. Security & Trade Controls: Costa Rican border police seized nearly $24k in alleged smuggled World Cup postcards, underscoring how tournament demand is fueling enforcement actions. Media & Entertainment: Netflix’s “Outlast: The Jungle” is set in Panama and will release its final episodes June 17, adding another high-profile spotlight on the country’s tourism brand.

Panama Canal & Shipping: The Panama Canal set a 49.5-foot draft limit from July 3 and is also moving to reduce Neopanamax draft levels, with auction prices reported around US$400,000—another sign El Niño is reshaping regional logistics. US Border Security: The U.S. Coast Guard says ships departing Haiti will face tightened entry rules starting June 22, with noncompliance risking denial of entry into U.S. waters. Iran Sanctions & Energy Trade: Washington expanded pressure on Iran’s LPG exports, targeting shadow-banking and a shadow fleet; one Panama-flagged tanker is cited among vessels involved in transporting Iranian LPG. Livestock Risk in the Americas: New World screwworm detections keep spreading in the U.S., with USDA confirming additional cases in Texas and scaling up sterile fly releases—raising concerns for beef supply and costs. World Cup Business & Media: FIFA’s expanded 48-team World Cup (June 11–July 19) is driving major media inventory for U.S. broadcasters and streaming partners, while Panama’s region also sees heightened attention to tournament logistics and coverage.

Panama Canal Logistics: The Panama Canal Authority is set to reduce Neopanamax draft levels starting July 3, citing El Niño-related conditions—an update that matters for shipping costs and regional supply chains. Livestock Biosecurity: New World screwworm detections in the U.S. are escalating: USDA confirmed a second case in Zavala County, prompting expanded Texas disaster measures and sterile-fly efforts—while Canada has banned cattle imports from Texas, tightening cross-border trade. World Cup Media & Tourism: Ghana’s broadcaster secured free-to-air terrestrial rights for World Cup 2026 via a national consortium, and match-day watch parties are rolling out across cities; for Panama-linked fans, Ghana’s opener vs Panama is highlighted in local programming. Panama in the Spotlight: A Russian drone strike report says ships flying Panama’s flag were hit in the Black Sea, underscoring Panama’s exposure through maritime trade routes. Business & Governance: A commentary revisits Panama’s democratic transition, arguing freedoms exist but institutional weaknesses still leave gaps in accountability and corruption control.

Telecom Competition: Panama’s ASEP has opened an international public tender for a 20-year concession to bring in a third mobile operator, aiming to break the Tigo/Cable & Wireless duopoly, push next-gen network rollout, and target lower tariffs; prequalification is open now with applications due Aug. 11, 2026, final bidding set for late Dec., and a projected launch in Q3 2027. Maritime Security: Panama-linked cargo routes are again in the spotlight after New Zealand customs seized about 100kg of cocaine (up to NZ$35m) hidden in “PRADA” bricks inside a refrigerated container that transited through Balboa, Panama, underscoring how criminals test supply-chain vulnerabilities. Agribusiness Risk: The U.S. New World screwworm outbreak is expanding beyond Texas, with officials warning it could disrupt livestock supply and lift beef prices—an issue that matters for regional trade and food-cost expectations. World Cup Business: FIFA’s expanded 48-team World Cup kicks off June 11 across North America, with Panama’s own group-stage match vs Ghana set for June 18 at BMO Field, adding another tourism and hospitality demand pulse for the region. Air Travel: Cayman Airways will add Friday flights to Panama from June 26 to Aug. 28, boosting weekend and business travel options via Tocumen.

Panama Canal Watch: The Panama Canal Authority will cut the maximum authorized draft for Neopanamax vessels to 49.5 feet starting July 1, citing El Niño-linked water level concerns and lessons from the 2023–2024 drought. Logistics & Security Tech: BigBear.ai’s biometric cargo security platform, “International Shipping Compliance,” is set to roll out with Panama Transshipment Group as the first deployment partner, aiming to strengthen chain-of-custody visibility for customs and border agencies. Sanctions & Maritime Risk: A report highlights Russia’s “shadow fleet” using identity fraud—changing flags and names, including via Panama-linked registries—to keep sanctioned oil tankers operating along West Africa. Energy Policy: U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright argues energy expansion is essential for economic activity and pushes back on prior administrations’ efforts to constrain energy. Local Business: Lakeland Fire + Safety posted Q1 FY2027 results with net sales of $47.4m and noted growing fire services demand and tender activity. Food & Trade Disruption (Regional): The New World screwworm outbreak in the U.S. is expanding, raising fears of livestock losses and beef price pressure—an issue with spillover relevance for regional supply chains.

Cattle & food prices: The U.S. USDA confirmed more New World screwworm detections in Texas and New Mexico, raising fears of a wider livestock hit and keeping pressure on beef prices that are already elevated after drought-reduced herds. Panama logistics & risk: A Panama drone-led search located a missing man’s body after a flash flood in Veraguas, underscoring how quickly extreme weather can turn into operational emergencies. Sanctions & trade: An Iranian national pleaded guilty in a case tied to exporting goods to embargoed destinations, with Panama’s role highlighted in the arrest and extradition process. Crypto compliance fallout: UK sanctions tied to a Panama-registered HTX/Huobi-linked entity are triggering “address tainting,” with users reporting frozen funds and blocked transactions. World Cup business buzz: Canada’s High Commission invited Ghanaians in Canada to apply for ticket help for the Ghana vs. Panama match in Toronto, while major brands rolled out World Cup-themed menus and collectibles across North America.

Panama Canal Watch: The Panama Canal Authority cut the maximum draft for Neopanamax vessels to 15.09m effective July 3, citing El Niño-driven water risk and “greater climate variability,” while saying it will keep monitoring Gatún Lake levels for further operational changes. Public Procurement Scrutiny (Panama): Newsroom Panama reports purchases by the Ministry of Health tied to Minister Fernando Boyd Galindo and a company where he held long-term roles, totaling $1.212m in MINSA contracts from 2024-2026—raising conflict-of-interest questions. Regional Trade & Industry: Lasco Group says it plans to significantly expand exports, targeting growth across the Caribbean, the U.S., Canada and parts of Central America including Panama. Labour Rights (Global, incl. Panama): The ITUC placed Zimbabwe on a workers’ rights watch list and flagged a deterioration in protections for trade unionists; the index also lists Panama among countries in the report. Food & Agri-Exports: Italy’s agri-food push at Alimentec/Anuga Select Colombia highlights rising Colombian food imports and demand for Italian staples like pasta, dairy, olive oil and prepared foods.

Panama Canal Watch: The ACP says it will cut the maximum authorized draft for Neopanamax transits to 49.5 ft starting July 1, citing Gatun Lake levels and El Niño risk—reviving memories of the 2023-24 drought disruption. Aviation & Trade: Copa is reviewing which 737 MAX variants to use in its latest Boeing order, with deliveries starting in 2030, as the airline keeps options open on the -8/-9/-10 mix. Public Procurement: MINSA’s tender for cleaning nine hospitals drew 23 interested companies, with a reference price of $80.1M, covering staffing, supplies, equipment, and disinfection. Maritime & Diplomacy: President José Raúl Mulino’s Athens visit highlighted Panama’s maritime registry role, with MoUs on tourism cooperation and political consultations. Energy & Sanctions: The U.S. expanded Iran-related sanctions, adding firms and six LPG tankers flagged under Panama and other flags—raising compliance pressure for regional shipping. Regional Business Context: A new report flags Latin America’s tourism momentum for 2026, projecting faster growth in Central and South America than the global average.

Public Procurement: MINSA says 23 companies are interested in a $80.07M tender to clean nine hospitals, covering staffing, supplies, equipment, and disinfection across major facilities including Azuero Regional and Guillermo Sánchez Borbón. Aviation & Fleet Planning: Copa Airlines is reviewing which 737 MAX subtypes to use in its latest order, weighing the -8/-9/-10 models ahead of deliveries starting in 2030. Maritime Diplomacy: President José Raúl Mulino wrapped up a State visit to Athens, reinforcing Panama’s maritime registry position and signing MoUs on tourism cooperation and political consultations. World Cup Business & Logistics: A guide to the New York/New Jersey hosting footprint highlights eight matches at MetLife Stadium, including Panama vs. England on June 27. Livestock Risk: USDA confirmed a second New World screwworm case in Texas (Zavala County), prompting expanded disaster response and sterile-fly measures that could affect cattle supply. Geopolitics & Trade: US sanctions targeted an Iranian LPG smuggling network that used front companies and relabeling to move cargo across Asia, with some tankers flying the Panama flag.

Panama Canal & Trade: The canal is tightening operations as El Niño forecasts mount, with new vessel restrictions and draft-limit changes aimed at protecting transits and keeping shipping schedules stable. Regional Business & Security: The U.S. Treasury sanctioned an Iranian LPG smuggling network that used front companies and relabeled cargo as Omani product, including tankers flying the Panama flag—another reminder that Panama-linked maritime trade can intersect with sanctions risk. Livestock & Food Economics: A New World screwworm outbreak is spreading in Texas after detections near the U.S.-Mexico border, raising quarantine and beef-price concerns; the USDA says cases are contained, but ranchers across the region are bracing for market disruption. World Cup as an Economy Driver: Coverage continues on World Cup preparations and fan spending, including how England’s beer taxes could reshape pub revenues—while Panama’s own World Cup presence is noted in the hospitality mix. Panama Sports Spotlight: Former Panama defender Felipe Baloy backs a historic first World Cup win as Panama prepares for its opener against Ghana.

Livestock & Food Prices: The USDA confirmed a second New World screwworm case in Texas, in a one-month-old calf in Zavala County about 5.6 miles from the first detection, keeping both cases inside a quarantine and sterile-fly response zone—raising fears of wider cattle disruption and higher beef prices. Policy & Response: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott expanded the state disaster declaration and is pushing to speed up a sterile-fly facility, while Kansas officials step up rancher education and stress the threat is economic rather than a food-safety risk. Panama Link: The outbreak’s resurgence traces back to New World screwworm activity across Panama and Central America, underscoring how cross-border animal movement and monitoring matter for Panama’s own livestock and trade interests. Sports & Tourism: In World Cup build-up, Panama’s Felipe Baloy backs a historic first win as Panama prepares for its next match; meanwhile, Brazil faces Egypt in a Cleveland friendly ahead of the tournament. Crypto & Gambling: Offshore crypto casinos keep operating in a regulatory gray area, with U.S. players lacking deposit protection and dispute mechanisms.