Panama Pacifico

Panama Pacifico is a mixed-use real estate development in Veracruz, Arraiján District, Panama, located on the site of the former Howard Air Force Base. Panama Pacifico is located 15 minutes from downtown Panama City, 35 minutes from Tocumen International Airport, and adjacent to the Pan-American Highway that connects the Americas.

London & Regional Properties and Colombian banker Jaime Gilinski formed a consortium to develop the Panama Pacifico business and residential community. The contract is a 40-year license for the area with an obligation to invest $405 million USD over the first eight years from 2007. The development covers 3450 acre of land.

Development goals
The government of Panama created the Panama Pacifico Special Economic Area under Law 41 of July 20, 2004, and with that as a base, the Agency of Special Economic Area Panama Pacifico (APP) was created, acting as an independent entity for the administration, promotion, development, regulation, and proper use of the areas assigned to the Panama Pacifico region. The development goals set by the Panama Pacifico Agency (APP), at the start of the project, were:
 * 1,400 hectares in total
 * 850 hectares for development
 * 1.0 million m2 of commercial space
 * 20,000 homes and apartments
 * 40,000 jobs created
 * Extensive parks, open spaces, and entertainment areas
 * Malls
 * Business and luxury hotels

Housing
The Panama Pacifico master-planned community will feature 20,000 homes in several neighborhoods: the Town Center (which includes current projects in Soleo, Mosaic, Nativa, and River Valley), Woodlands, Kobbe Hills, and Puente Verde, among others. A downtown district, Town Center, will serve as a central point for retail, restaurant, and entertainment activities surrounded by the natural environment of mangroves, wetlands, and tropical forests.

Economic potential
Companies that are set up within the area enjoy special tax, labor, and legal incentives. Several multinational corporations have already been located in Panama Pacifico, including 3M, DELL, VF, BASF, Samtec, and Caterpillar.

By the end of 2012, the community is expected to complete ten new warehouse buildings in the Pan America Corporate Center and four Class A office buildings in the International Business Park. The developer has invested $230 million so far, international firms as well—particularly those involved in the maritime, light manufacturing, and technology sectors—continue to find Panama Pacifico an attractive option for their Latin American operations. More than 160 companies are now in operation in the Special Economic Area, including eight on the Fortune 500.

Education
Panama Pacifico hosts several educational institutions, including:
 * Lycée français Paul Gauguin de Panama, a private international school offering Pre-K through 12th grade. Classes are primarily in French, with both English and Spanish as second languages.
 * The Renaissance Academy of International Learning (TRAIL)
 * Howard Kids Academy is a private school with preschool through 8th grade, including classes in English as a Second Language (ESL).
 * Magen David Academy, a private school for children of the Jewish faith, offers pre-K through 12th grade. Classes are in English.
 * Knightsbridge Schools International Panama is a private school with Pre-K through 12th grade.
 * Universidad del Caribe, a four-year college. Classes are in Spanish.
 * Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, a four-year college. Classes are in Spanish.