The formal and informal sectors

About 40 percent of economically active Panamanians work in the informal sector, generally not making enough money to have to file tax returns or pay taxes, not qualifying for Seguro Social or most other government benefits, and not having access to credit.

Here on Avenida Central we see both the formal and informal commercial sectors --- the formal businesses in the stores, the informal merchants selling things at tables and stands on the sidewalk. Ingress, egress and space issues sometimes put the stores and the street vendors at odds, but the diversity of offerings that the informal merchants bring to the area probably improves the business climate for the stores and the sidewalks wouldn't be such good street vending spots were it not for people attracted to the area by the stores.

Photo by José F. Ponce

Also in this section:
"Warning strike" affects some sectors, but most Panamanians work
US-RP free trade pact caught behind Colombian logjam
The blurry line between government and rabiblancos' companies
The formal and informal sectors
Association of Caribbean States to establish languages center here
International Monetary Fund report on Panama
Business & Economy Briefs

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