The project seeks to create one legislation combining all the regulations, certifications and incentives that currently exist for the sector, as well as incorporate new ones.
"Projects currently being developed in Panama's 10 designated tourism zones can apply for incentives established in Law No. 8 from 1994 such as 20 tax exemption on furniture and zero tax on the company's profits during the first five years of operation," reports Prensa.com.
The new legislation will keep these incentives and increase them depending on how isolated the development is, according to ATP investment director, Teodolinda Quintero.
Source: Prensa.com
More on this topic
October 2010
The country aims to increase its exports to 530 products by 2014.
The new goal is part of an export strategy set by the Government which seeks to replace the current subsidy of 6% (Drawback) for foreign sales.
Capitales.com reports, "Authorities have also set other goals mostly related to increasing the number of export destinations from 52 to 60 and increase the number of exporters with sales greater than $500,000 from 428 in 2008 to 540 in 2014."
June 2011
Failure to comply with projected investment plans in time has led to the cancellation of tourism incentives for several hotel projects.
The Directorate of Tourism Development and Investment has canceled incentives for about seven hotel projects that were covered by the Law No. 8.
September 2009
A law project being developed by MICI includes tax breaks in exchange for industrial investment.
This law could be ready in sixty days, explained Roberto Henríquez, head of the Commerce and Industry Minister (MICI).
An article in Laestrella.com.pa details the incentives being proposed: "...industrialists will obtain tax benefits in exchange for research and development projects, ...
January 2012
Although the 2011 figures showed an increase of 13.5%, the sector is losing productive capacity, producing only a third of what was manufactured in 2001.
Faced with the figures from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC), industry representatives argue that the low production is mainly due to lack of personnel and training.