The Puerto Armuelles area of Chiriqui Province in Panama is once again seeing its day in the sun. The region has been gaining visibility as a close-to-Costa Rica beach community. With increasing economic activity and more expats discovering the area each day, Puerto Armuelles is on its way to becoming a more highly recognized expat and investment destination.

In a sign of the times, the government has now advanced the construction of a new multipurpose port in Puerto Armuelles. Backed by the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), this ambitious project involves 35 hectares of land and an investment of $21.2 million. The modern facilities will serve fishing, cargo, and industrial activities, providing storage and logistics infrastructure designed to stimulate economic growth in the province.

According to the AMP, the project is already about 30% complete and is expected to be operational by 2026. During construction, it will generate more than 200 direct jobs and, once operating, it will create new opportunities across multiple sectors, including trade, tourism, and industry. This is seen as a key step to reinvigorate the local economy and improve quality of life for residents.

Puerto Armuelles, historically tied to the banana industry and maritime activity, has enormous potential as both a commercial hub and a tourism destination. The reactivation of the port is expected to attract investment, strengthen commercial ties, and position the region as a driver of economic development for Chiriqui.