Panama First Review Under The Arrangement Under The Precautionary And Liquidity Line Press Release Staff Report And Statement By The Executive Director For Panama PDF Download

Despite continuing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and new risks emanating from global uncertainties, a combination of sound policy measures and a resolute vaccination program have supported a gradual return to normality and underpin a rebound in economic activities. External imbalances remain contained, and fiscal consolidation is underway as the authorities are adhering to the fiscal rule, which ensures a declining path for the public debt to GDP ratio. While the outlook is favorable, it remains subject to elevated risks, including global uncertainties arising from the war in Ukraine, faster-than-expected US monetary tightening, tighter global financial conditions, higher crude oil prices, and new variants of the COVID-19 virus that may derail the recovery. Domestic risks include significant delays in implementing the FATF action plan to exit the grey list.