ICT

Panama’s dynamic ICT sector has been a key enabler of the country’s high-growth, services-based economy. Strong technical infrastructure coupled with a robust legal regime make for favourable conditions for local and international technology companies. The “Global Information Technology Report 2015”, published by the World Economic Forum, ranked Panama 51st among 143 countries in terms of the quality and potential of its ICT infrastructure. With this score, Panama is among Latin America’s leaders in the field, outranked only by Chile (38th) and Costa Rica (49th). With a favourable location, good ICT infrastructure and attractive fiscal policy, the country is in a prime position to establish itself as a call centre outsourcing hub for the region. As efforts to enhance the e-government system and introduce initiatives for the full digital inclusion of Panama’s citizens continue, the sector’s outlook remains robust.

This chapter contains interviews with Jorge A Motta, National Secretary of Science, Technology and Innovation; and Agustín de la Guardia, Executive Vice-President and General Manager, Cable & Wireless Panama.