Market Intelligence
Panama Central America Public Administration

Panama Government Procurements

Panama’s economy has successfully transitioned into a period of stable, normalized growth following the fiscal adjustments of recent years. According to the latest forecasts from the IMF and World Bank, Panama’s real GDP growth is projected to be 4.1% for 2026. While the country continues to navigate the fiscal headwinds of its revised credit rating, Panama confidently maintains its position as one of the most resilient, stable, and attractive markets for foreign investment in Latin America.

The U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) guarantees U.S. companies open, non-discriminatory access to bid on Panamanian government contracts. All public tenders are centralized on the electronic portal PanamaCompra. Key procurement opportunities are concentrated in the following sectors:

  • Infrastructure: high-value Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) managed by the Ministry of Public Works (MOP), including major highway expansion.
  • Healthcare: medical equipment, pharmaceutical supplies, and lab technology procured by the Ministry of Health (MINSA) and Social Security (Caja de Seguro Social).
  • Tech & Telecom: Government-wide cloud migration, cybersecurity, and digital integration.

Bidding rules and requirements are occasionally altered mid-tender, causing administrative delays. Historically, government agencies can be slow to disburse payments to contractors. In addition, Panama’s strict Labor Code restricts foreign staff to 10%–15% of a company’s workforce, requiring heavy reliance on local talent.

The U.S. Commercial Service in Panama City stands ready to support U.S. companies in their government procurement pursuits in Panama. For further information please contact your local USEAC and Commercial Specialist Jeane Zuniga at Jeane.Zuniga@trade.gov.