PANAMA NEWS:

 

 

Exports dropped 51.3% during the first bimonthly period

 

The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) reported, a month late, that the exportation of goods dropped 51.3% during the first bimonthly period, this report should have been published in March.

 

According to Rogelio Alvarado, MEF´s Economic and Social Analysis Director, dropped was caused because the measuring method was changed.

 

In the past, the settlements were registered according to the exporters declaration, without verifying what was really being exported. As of 2010, the customs inspectors enter the information from ports and airports, prior verification, through the computer system, which leaves no room for comparison, according to the MEF.

 

Victor Cruz, an economist of the Industrial Union of Panama, is concerned there will be no projections for a while, they will have to wait at least 10 more periods, depending on the type of research held. So far, 24,710 acres of farm products like bananas and potatoes have been planted, in other words 3706 acres more than in 2009, which is why according to the Association of Non-Traditional Agro-Exports the official figures will be known in May.

 

Source: www.prensa.com