Panama’s Youth Employment Boost: Internship Law Regulations Take Effect

Stanley Motta, a prominent Panamanian businessman, highlighted the importance of the internship law regulations during the Moody’s Inside LatAm forum. According to Motta, these new rules present a significant opportunity for integrating young people into the labor market, addressing the common barrier of lacking work experience.

Motta emphasized that the first step in seeking employment is often being asked about previous experience. He suggested that young people should take advantage of the internship program, stating, ‘Take advantage of the internship law. Find something to do each day because you’re being paid to learn.’

The businessman also discussed the competitive advantages Panama offers to foreign investors, citing the country’s monetary stability and business-friendly conditions. He stressed the need for Panama to identify new opportunities in sectors like tourism and logistics, and to attract international talent to strengthen industries and generate knowledge transfer.

Motta noted that Panama’s openness to the world has been a key factor in its economic dynamism and ability to attract investment. He identified tourism, logistics, and services as sectors with significant potential for expansion. However, he also highlighted the challenge of human talent and education, advocating for companies to play a more active role in training their employees.