Economy of Panama - Economic Growth

Economic Growth

Panama economy grew 3%, 2.2% and 1.1% in the first, second and third quarter of 2009 respectively. Panama remains one of the few countries in Latin America that grew in 2009. However, the economic growth plummeted from 12.1% and 10.7% in 2007 and 2008 respectively. The local web site Panama Economy Insight estimates that Panama economy grew only by 1.6% in 2009 because economic growth continued slowing in the fourth quarter. Economic Commission for Latin America and Caribbean was very optimistic and forecast that Panama economy will grow by 4%, but on July 15 change its forecast by 2.5%. JP Morgan forecast only 1.5%. International Monetary Fund, Indesa, Delloite and Standard & Poor forecast 1.8%, 1.8%, 3.5% and 2.5% respectively.