From visiting Panama, I have seen a significant change movement from how the country once operated to how it is trying to develop. Through this change, they are very open to outsiders visiting and doing business, so much so that they are creating more easier and secure ways to enter the Panamanian market as an international business. For example, they have learned from their mistake of the way that the Colon Free Trade Zone was created and are now trying to develop a new trade zone, avoiding the faults of the original, while creating incentives for business to come. I knew that Panama was open to new people, but I was not aware of how open they were. Yet, at the same time, they make sure to keep their culture and their individual identity through places like Panama Viejo and with local indigenous groups that are open to tourists to visit.
Another idea that I originally had of the country was that it was a third-world country. I was partially right, such as places like Colon, but many areas, it is very much developed with business offices for companies like Estee Lauder. Many years ago, it could probably be considered a third-world country, but now, it is currently being developed and is currently changing but is somehow still remaining the Panama we know and love.
The last thing about my initial impressions that I got wrong, is the climate. It is 100% more humid than I was expecting. It was, however, and fantastic trip with people that I got to know better and in a place that I learned much from. At the beginning of the trip, I was not quite sure about Panama being a great place to visit, but now, I know more about global business from the country that is at the very center of it.
