We help international companies establish and operate in Panama and the Colón Free Zone.
CAPETA is a local partner for foreign companies that want to import, store and distribute goods through Panama. Our main focus is the Colón Free Zone, where we coordinate what your business needs on the ground: representation, warehousing, logistics and day-to-day operations.
- Colón Free Zone
- Commercial representation
- Business establishment
- Offices
- Warehousing
- Logistics
- Local operations
A local partner for your presence in Panama
CAPETA works with foreign companies that want to enter the Panamanian market or set up a base in Panama, but don't yet have the local infrastructure, contacts, personnel, suppliers or operational knowledge they need.
We are a business establishment and operational support company. Rather than only giving advice, we coordinate the practical parts of a local business presence and keep supporting the operation after setup.
- Who we work with
- Manufacturers, exporters and importers, distributors, trading companies, technology and industrial companies, logistics companies, equipment suppliers, consumer product companies, B2B service providers, and companies that need regional representation, warehousing or distribution.
- Why a local partner
- Setting up in a new country means handling many separate requirements at once: representation, space, storage, transport, suppliers and administration. One local point of coordination makes this easier to manage.
- Our role
- We work out which local structure your company needs, then identify and coordinate the right resources and providers. The scope depends on what you need.
Zona Libre de Colón
The Colón Free Zone is our main focus. It has operated since 1948 on Panama's Caribbean coast, at the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal, and companies use it to import, store and re-export goods to markets across Latin America and the Caribbean.
CAPETA helps foreign companies set up and run their operation in the zone: warehouse and office space, commercial representation, logistics providers, local service providers and ongoing operational support. We also support companies elsewhere in Panama.
Ask about the Free ZoneNo import duties on goods in the zone
Merchandise can enter the zone, be stored and be re-exported without paying Panamanian import duties.
Storage, repackaging and re-export
Goods can be warehoused, repackaged and prepared for shipment to other countries from inside the zone.
Special tax regime
Re-export activity in the zone has its own tax treatment under Law 8 of 2016. The exact treatment depends on each company's activity and should be confirmed with a local tax adviser.
Next to the Canal and the ports
Located beside Colón's container ports and the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal.
A distribution point for the region
Companies serve buyers in Latin America and the Caribbean from stock held in the zone.
Services
Some companies only need commercial representation. Others need an office, a warehouse, logistics, local suppliers and ongoing support. We put together the services that fit each company.
Commercial representation
A local commercial presence and representation in Panama for foreign companies.
Business establishment
Coordination of the practical steps needed to establish your company's presence in Panama.
Offices and commercial space
Finding offices, commercial locations or facilities that suit your operational requirements.
Warehousing and storage
Finding warehouse and storage solutions for inventory, equipment, products or distribution.
Logistics and distribution
Finding and coordinating transportation, warehousing, distribution partners and related services.
Local suppliers and service providers
Finding and coordinating relevant local companies and professional service providers.
Operational support
Ongoing local support after establishment, based on your company's requirements.
Business connections
Help understanding the local business environment and meeting relevant suppliers, distributors, potential partners and organizations.
Example: an Indian manufacturer using the Colón Free Zone
The company wants to hold stock in the Colón Free Zone and distribute its products to Central America and the Caribbean, and possibly sell in Panama. It has no employees, office, warehouse, logistics provider or commercial representation in the country.
What CAPETA can help determine and coordinate
- Commercial representation
- Warehouse selection
- Logistics providers
- Office space, if required
- Local suppliers
- Distributors or commercial partners
- Administrative requirements
- Ongoing operational support
Another company may only need local commercial representation and business development support. The scope always follows the company's requirements.
Markets
We work with companies from these regions that are interested in Panama, Central America, the Caribbean or Latin America.
India
Manufacturers, exporters, technology companies, industrial suppliers and trading companies.
Asia
Companies from China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore and other Asian markets seeking a commercial or operational presence in the region.
Europe
Manufacturers, technology companies, industrial suppliers, exporters and other businesses that need representation, distribution, warehousing or operational support.
Middle East
Technology, industrial, agricultural, infrastructure and other companies looking at Panama or Latin America.
United States and Canada
Companies seeking regional operations, distribution, logistics, commercial representation or access to Latin American markets.
Latin America
Companies from other Latin American countries looking to establish operations, distribution capabilities or a commercial presence in Panama.
Why Panama
Panama's position and infrastructure make it a practical base for trade, logistics and distribution in the region.
Geographic position
Located on the isthmus between North and South America.
Regional connectivity
Connections to Central America, South America and the Caribbean.
Panama Canal
The canal links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
Ports and maritime infrastructure
Port and maritime facilities for the international transport of goods.
Air connectivity
An international airport with connections across the Americas and to other regions.
Logistics and distribution
An established logistics and distribution sector.
International business environment
An economy with a long history of international trade and services.
U.S. dollar
The U.S. dollar is used in the economy.
Regional base
Potential as a commercial or logistics base for reaching surrounding markets.
How it works
- 1
Understand the requirement
We learn what your company wants to accomplish in Panama.
- 2
Define the local structure
We determine whether you need representation, offices, warehouses, logistics, suppliers, personnel or other services.
- 3
Coordinate the setup
We identify and coordinate the relevant local resources and providers.
- 4
Operational support
We continue supporting your local requirements once the operation is running.
Tell us what you want to establish in Panama
Share a few details about your company and the support you need, and we'll reply to discuss next steps.
- Address
- Panama City, Bella Vista
PH Colores, 6G