Panama Canal expansion spearheads growth of jobs in Panama

(Panama-Guide) The construction industry, led by the Canal expansion continues to spearhead the growth of jobs in Panama.

Over 104,000 new jobs were created in Panama during the first quarter of 2010, up 3,000 from the same period last year, according to figures released by the Ministry of Finance (MOF)The MOF also said that the majority of the new contracts were for fixed-term and per project consultancies, typical of the activities of the construction industry.

The Panama Canal, whose current expansion began in 2007, generated approximately 7,000 new jobs.
Among the positions most in demand at the waterway were technicians, engineers, specialists, and heavy equipment operators.

Another area highlighted by the MOF was the approval of work permits for foreigners.  The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare processed 3,842 permits; up 1,504 from the same period last year.

Employment in Panama is expected to continue to expand as infrastructure  projects begin like, the subway system, airports and roads.

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Original Source: http://www.newsroompanama.com/business/1516-panama-canal-expansion-spearheads-growth-of-jobs-in-panama.html
Date Retrieved: August 5, 2010.