Firm

Contractual relations between governments and the private sector are usually dictated by a strict set of rules and regulations, that are set in place as an assurance that the public interest is protected and that the public procedures are transparent and subject to the necessary advertising and competitive tendering requirements. In this context, the exceptional public health situation we are living in represents a true game changer, posing challenges to the existing legal frameworks and imposing upon governments the task to quickly adapt the regulatory system to provide answers to the ever evolving pandemic situation.

Since its inception, Panama has positioned itself as a world-leading logistic services provider. This has been in part due to its privileged geographical location and connectivity, as well as to a solid pro-market and dollarised economy. A robust banking system and a responsible territorial fiscal regime have qualified Panama as an investment-grade country since 2010 – and it has since been upgraded by Moody's, Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor's.

Another set of measures came into force in Slovakia on May 12 to protect business operators from the fallout caused by Covid-19. These measures implement interim bankruptcy protections for business operators. These measures are temporary and as it stands, will expire on October 1 2020, with an option for the government to extend them through December 31 2020.