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Live & Invest Overseas Presents
Live & Invest In Panama 2010 Panama City, Panama Feb. 24-26, 2010  Panama is the world's #1 retirement haven...
It's the world's top offshore haven and an international banking center...
Its pensionado program of special benefits for foreign retirees is the Gold Standard... As a foreign resident, you can pay zero local tax... Panama is perhaps the best place in the entire world right now to start a business...and it's one of the easiest and most advantaged places to obtain foreign residency... Plus, outside Panama City, this beautiful country hides the smartest beach, river, and mountain property buys anywhere on the planet today... It sure can be a great place to call home...  And it's one place in the world right now that's enjoying continued growth and prosperity, global financial meltdown notwithstanding... You've heard all this from me before, dear Live and Invest Overseas Reader,  And you're going to hear it again. Because if you are in the market right now for a place to live, retire, invest, or do business overseas, I'd say you're doing yourself a big disservice if you aren't looking closely at what Panama has to offer. We're in the middle of a worldwide financial meltdown, but you'd never know it down here in the Hub of the Americas. This remains a fast-moving, ever-expanding market...a land of opportunity.
As so much of the developed world is experiencing collective panic, nearly to the point of paralysis...and as so many nearing retirement are wondering and worrying how in the world they're ever going to be able to afford to stop working...and where in the world, now, amidst the chaos, they can find safe haven, for themselves and their money... Panama is the answer! What's So Special About Panama?
Other former bubble markets worldwide have imploded. Why not the Panama market? I can identify four reasons:
The trouble is, as you may have figured out already: My Rallying Recommendation Gets You Only So Far  Internet research...e-mail communications...armchair searching and planning...manuals, reports, and guidebooks... All these resources are great...but no amount of them is enough. You can't determine whether or not Panama makes sense for you as a place to think seriously about retiring or relocating or buying preconstruction or investing in raw land or setting up a corporation or launching a new business...long distance. You can't make any real decision about Panama until you've come down here to see it for yourself. Therefore, I suggest you get yourself down here ASAP. You could make the trip on your own. I'd recommend you allow at least a month in the country...and that you count on a series of follow-up visits. No matter how well prepared you think you are before you get on the plane, you'll likely find, once you're on the ground, that nothing plays out quite as you expect. "Thank you to you, your staff, and the professionals who participated at the event. It was a great experience for me and I am sure for all the other participants, as well. I am so happy I made the decision to join the group. I learned a lot about investments, offshore banking, living in foreign countries, and much more. Congratulations for your organization."
-- Janet K., United States You'll run around from banker to attorney...from developer to owner...from agent to broker...from tax advisor to insurance salesman...from visa specialist to customs agent...back to the banker...back to the attorney... You'll stand in lines...you'll struggle with the language...some appointments will show up hours late...others will never appear... You'll be batted around among bureaucrats...you'll wonder if you're getting a good price...if you're being presented with all the options...
Make plans to be in Panama City Feb. 24-26, 2010. Be in Panama City...and in the room for our Live & Invest In Panama Conference. We'll take care of the rest. At Home In Panama
At this point in our lives, Lief and I could be living anywhere. We choose now to be in Panama. We're making a home here. Our 9-year-old son is attending the Paul Gauguin French school. (This is but one of the many good schooling options in Panama City. If you're thinking of making a move with children, you have more than two dozen top-notch international schools to choose from.) We're building businesses. We're putting our money where our mouth is when it comes to the local real estate market. We've been investing in Panama property for more than seven years, and we continue to shop...and to buy.  As we've been reporting, Panama City is not the place to buy for investment...but, outside the capital, this country still hides some of the smartest property buys on the planet today. You just need to know where to look. We're also becoming part of the community. We have good friends in this country, some Panamanian, some American...others are Dutch, British, Russian... Our commitment to Panama is long-term. What's the point of all this to you? Well...all those years of experience...all those contacts and resources...and all those community connections? We'll be bringing all that...and then some...to the table over the two-and-a-half days of our Live & Invest in Panama Conference in February. We've put out a general call, and I'm pleased to report that all our top contacts have responded enthusiastically in the affirmative. They are ready for action. With their help, we've put together an A+ program.
"You are like the Babe Ruth of overseas living."
Join us in Panama City Feb. 24-26, 2010, and you'll learn everything you need to know about residency and taxes...bank accounts and corporations...holding structures and health insurance...employment opportunities (these are limited) and entrepreneurial options (these are not)... -- Sean A., United States Over the course of these two-and-a-half days, you'll also meet everyone you'll need to know to launch your new life in Panama. We're opening our personal rolodex for this event...live and on stage. At our Live & Invest in Panama Conference, we'll introduce you to:
Furthermore, we've been recommending Rainelda as the top legal resource in this country for 10 years. In that time, Rainelda has assisted thousands of readers with real estate purchase, residency applications, incorporations, bank accounts, and tax and business issues. Her track record is as good as they come...her reputation second to none.
Rainelda is the most knowledgeable attorney we've found in more than a decade of looking. She's the one you want on your side when you sit down at the negotiating table...or when you begin considering your full-time residency options.
As the founding editor of Global Real Estate Investor and Real Estate Editor for International Living for 10 years, Lief spent more than three weeks out of four on the road for an entire decade, traveling almost constantly in search of the world's top emerging real estate opportunities. "I wish to congratulate you for the quality of the reports I have received up to now--the plain, matter-of-fact, but essential and wise information we all need to make vital decisions, especially in these extremely difficult times."
-- Peter L., Italy Lief looks for one of two market situations when evaluating a potential investment: an abundance of opportunity created by a market distortion (crisis investing) or a chance to position yourself ahead of new infrastructure or some other local trend (the path of progress). For example, Lief told readers of his Global Real Estate Investor to buy in Argentina immediately after the 2001 financial crisis in that country, a time when CNN was showing riots in the streets and warning people to stay away. Lief saw not crisis but opportunity. Forward-thinking readers who followed his lead enjoyed appreciation rates of 100% and more in fewer than three years on buys in Buenos Aires. In recent years, Lief has also turned readers on to investments in Mexico, Nicaragua, and Romania, buys that have appreciated 160% in 18 months, 120% in 12 months, and 82% in 15 months, respectively. Lief retired from International Living at the end of 2006 to pursue his own real estate investment agenda. In the two-and-a-half years since, he has focused his attention on Panama. Lief made his first Panama purchase six years ago and continues shopping and buying today. In that time, he's covered every corner of this country. Lief knows where to buy now and how much to spend. He knows the pitfalls and the caveats and how to avoid them all. If your Panama agenda includes any real estate component, this is the man you want to speak with. Over the two-and-a-half days of our February 2010 Live & Prosper in Panama event...you'll have the chance to do just that. Where Should You Buy For Investment
In Panama Today? Panama's is one of the fastest-moving property markets on the planet. No, that's not true. Panama is many property markets...and they're all shifting so fast right now it can make your head spin. How do you keep your wits about you...buy smart...and come out on top? More to the point: Where do you look to buy in the first place? Our in-country Panama property experts will tell you. Join us in Panama Feb. 24-26 to find out...
Health insurance may be one of your biggest worries as you prepare to make a move overseas. Kevin understands that and is ready to answer all your questions.  In addition, though, he's also the most knowledgeable and experienced source of information and advice you're going to find in this country on title, automobile, fire, homeowners, and life insurance. Kevin can help you understand the costs and the product options in each case and make the most informed decision to suit your personal circumstances. Again, here in Panama in February, you'll have the opportunity to speak directly with Kevin and to have your particular questions and concerns addressed.
How can you know what's for sale or for rent? Which neighborhoods might best suit you? Which beach towns? How much should you expect to spend to rent an apartment? How much should you pay per square meter to buy in the mountains? Real estate professional Janet Novak has the answer. When it comes to real estate, Janet is our go-to woman. She knows the on-the-ground Panama property market better than anyone else you're going to find...and she speaks about it more directly. What should you buy and how much should you spend? Janet will tell you straight up. "Informative and factual, no bunk! I really appreciate that."
Janet knows the current per-square-meter cost to buy or to rent in every neighborhood of Panama City. She will help you get the lay of the land regarding this country's key real estate markets...she'll help you to set realistic expectations about what things currently cost...and then she'll do everything possible to make sure you buy or rent safe and for the best possible price. No other real estate agent in this town will work harder for you.
-- Judith D., United States
 You don't want to organize your live, retire, or invest overseas plans according to tax code, but you sure don't want to ignore it either. Especially when you're just starting out, but even after you've been at this a while, buying real estate in a foreign country or setting up an offshore corporation...these are intimidating propositions. You worry you'll end up running afoul of some tax law you didn't know existed.You need advice from an expert. The trouble is, a reliable, affordable international tax expert...who really understands the opportunities created by living and investing your money across borders...is hard to come by.
Every American living, retiring, or investing outside the United States needs two tax advisors--one in the country where he's spending his time or his money...and a second back home in the States. Chris is the guy you want working for you back home. In addition, over the course of these two-and-a-half days in Panama City, you'll also meet and hear from:
Managed timber has beaten the stock market over the past 30 years, returning about 15% a year, while stocks, during the same period, have returned only, on average, about 11% annually. "The honesty and realism of your information shines through. I am looking forward to continuing reading your offerings for a long time."
-- Carol C., United States Furthermore, not only is timber a good way to beat the markets, it's also a great way to hedge them. Timber operates blissfully ignorant of things like worldwide financial meltdowns. The demand for this commodity continues to grow, while the supply, especially for certain kinds of timber, like teak, the world's most valuable hardwood, is limited. Teak is indigenous to only four countries in the world (Burma, Thailand, Laos, and India), but it also grows exceedingly well down here in Panama, particularly in the Darien region, where Robert's 15-year-old plantation is thriving. Even if you aren't thinking about moving to Panama (and therefore shopping residency options), right now, given the current financial climate, this kind of investment is hard to beat. Robert will tell you all about it when we meet in February. Who's This Man Ricardo Martinelli?
Panama's new President Ricardo Martinelli, voted into office by a wide margin in a record-turnout election, is a successful businessman. Martinelli didn't get himself elected President of Panama to line his own pockets. He doesn't need to steal government money; he's got plenty of his own. President Martinelli's agenda is simple. He wants to clean up government corruption and use the public's funds for the public good. What a concept! Especially down here in the Land of Fiestas and Mananas... Martinelli ran his campaign and won the election on the strength of these Big Ideas. When he entered office, though, I have to say that, just like everyone else, I was skeptical. I wondered if we'd ever hear tell of these bold promises again.  In fact, we've heard of little else since President Martinelli was sworn in. His first week in office, the new President, in work shirt and blue jeans, appeared, unannounced, at the waterfront site where a wealthy local businessman who owed the state of Panama US$11 million in unpaid rent was building a new marina for himself, without approval, on land he didn't own but was leasing from the government. President Martinelli, with his own hands, tore down the wall surrounding the marina construction site. Then Martinelli posted a police guard, who was instructed to arrest anyone who attempted to continue construction efforts on the leased land. Other business owners who owe back taxes and back rent are now scrambling to pay up. What's Martinelli doing with these windfall revenues? He's plowing them into infrastructure improvements and public services. The landscape of Panama City is being transformed before our eyes, and the rest of the country is soon to follow. Panama already boasts the best infrastructure in the region. But The Martinelli Plan calls for Panama to compete not regionally, but globally. President Martinelli is committed to building a First World Panama, a country to take its position on the world stage. Watching him at work is like watching time-lapse photography. Every day, The Martinelli Plan makes more and bigger news. Recently, the President showed up late to a meeting of investors, bankers, and businessmen, again in his work clothes. He offered his apologies, explaining that he'd been delayed handing out checks for his new "US$100 for 70's" program. Thanks to this new pension plan, the 11,000 of Panama's elderly population 70 years old or older who had not been eligible for any state pension previously are now receiving a monthly check for US$100. Meantime, since taking office, Martinelli has donated all but US$1 of his own US$11,000 salary each month to local charities. Day after day, we're watching along with everyone else in this country. And we, like they, are being won over. This guy is on a mission, and, after but a few months in office, already he's making dramatic progress toward realizing it. Martinelli is a showman, no question. But he's making his point. He's not only putting on a show and making speeches; he's taking action. And the good people of Panama are taking notice. Their new President has taken a zero-tolerance position against fraud, corruption, and theft in government, and his constituents are cheering him on. At a recent meeting of the UN General Assembly, Martinelli explained, "I have a vision of growth that rewards responsible business owners and requires business owners to be fair." Soon, everyone in Panama will enjoy lower electric bills. Until recently, the hydroelectric suppliers were charging the same price as other producers of electricity--even though hydro power produces electricity much more cheaply than other methods. The new administration has moved to mandate that the hydroelectric producers sell their product at a fair rate, saving consumers money. Increasing security was another big Martinelli campaign promise. The new President's first step to this end since taking office has been to raise the salaries of the country's national police officers. Where'd he get the money to pay these guys better? He cut the budget of the country's General Assembly. Didn't the General Assembly need the money? Not really. Maritnelli noticed that, over in that office, a bunch of folks were on the payroll and receiving salaries but not actually doing any work. Obviously, this is all good news for the people of Panama. But why am I so excited about The Martinelli Plan? More to the point, why should you care? Panama is a country loaded with potential. I've been making this point for years. The trouble in this part of the world is that potential is more often squandered than realized. Funds are misappropriated or misplaced. Money ear-marked for public services and infrastructure projects--everything from transportation to education and health care--often disappears before it can be spent. People look the other way, and usually no one is held accountable. I'm not interested in doing business that way, President Martinelli is not only telling his countrymen...he's showing them. "Law 49 of September 2009," Martinelli's reformation of the country's fiscal code, calls for a new tax on casinos and gambling. This is big business in this little country, and now the government's going to take a bit off the top. But, again, this new revenue stream isn't going into officials' pockets (as you might reasonably expect it would). Martinelli is making sure this new cash flow is being accounted for, because he has his own plans for it. His project list is long.  The infrastructure progress we're watching from our windows every day is hugely impressive for a country this size. The new Cinta Costera highway already has alleviated many of downtown Panama City's traffic bottlenecks. It's cut our daily commute time in half. Meantime, this highway-expansion project has also made the center of this city a whole lot more pleasant. The new 10-lane road system is bordered by an expansive palm tree- and wooden bench-lined park area along the bay that's greener with every passing day. Green...and tidy. Crews are out every morning picking up litter and tending to the landscaping. This important project, completed in less than two years, is just the beginning. President Martinelli has even more ambitious plans for easing Panama City's congestion woes as this city continues to expand and grow. The Martinelli Plan calls for a new city metro, and the President has sent delegations to Chile and Italy to study their systems and report back. To help with growth beyond the capital, The Martinelli Plan calls for two new international airports (likely in David and Colon). These mega-infrastructure expansion projects are exactly what this country needs at this important turning point in its history. I say again, Panama is a Land of Opportunity. And with President Martinelli calling the shots, a whole lot more of it is about to realized. In addition, during the two-and-a-half days we're together here in Panama City, we'll introduce you to a professional Panama mortgage broker. One of the most frequently asked questions from readers is, "Can I arrange financing locally to buy real estate?"  In most of the developing world, the answer is no. In Panama, the answer is, indeed. This is the biggest international banking center in the region, home to more than 120 international banks, and a number of them lend to foreign property buyers. Right now, when it's no longer an easy option to borrow against a real estate asset back home or to bring your equity with you, this is a more important than ever advantage to choosing Panama. Which banks offer financing? According to what terms? What paperwork will you need to apply? How will you qualify? Can you be pre-approved? Our preferred mortgage broker in Panama City will detail the answers to all those questions and every other one you have regarding financing in Panama. We'll introduce you to our preferred Panama City banker, as well. "Just great. Very welcoming and supplied answers to all questions very well. I'll see you again soon."
It's harder and harder to open a foreign bank account anywhere in the world. It pays to have a personal introduction...an introduction and all your banking questions answered. -- Charles M., United States If you're considering retiring to Panama, some of your most urgent questions likely have to do with the quality and the cost of health care in this country. When we meet in February, we'll make sure you get honest and direct answers from local health-care professionals. You could get by living in Panama without learning Spanish, especially if you intend to focus your time in Panama City. However, we strongly recommend you make an effort to learn the local lingo. Your experience living and spending time here will be greatly enriched once you cross the language barrier. And a little effort goes a long way. That's why we're also inviting a representative from one of the top language schools in Panama City. Also among our Panama Conference Team will be an international shipping agent (to help answer all your questions about shipping your belongings, importing your car, and mitigating your customs duty). Plus, at our February Live & Invest in Panama event, we'll also introduce you to the people behind the most appealing property developments on offer in the most appealing regions of this beautiful country.  One problem with Panama is that you're spoiled for choice. Panama City's, especially, is a mature real estate market. How do you choose among all the options for city living? And which beach developments make most sense for you given your personal preferences, priorities, and budget? We've been scouting, researching, and performing due diligence on real estate development projects in this country for more than a dozen years. We know who's doing what...and who's doing something he shouldn't be doing. "Thank you for all your hard work. You have made a lot of people dream and a lot of dreams come true. I enjoy all the e-mails from all your staff living all over the world. I am always telling people about you and how you started your publications years ago. In fact, I just today told my banker about how honest and smart you are, letting us know where to go. Wish I had listened to you more years ago..."
-- Marlene M., Alaska We know who is building dream homes by the beach and who's the subject of serial horror stories. For our February 2010 Live & Invest in Panama Conference, we've identified the top five developers operating right now in this country. I'm not exaggerating when I say that dozens of local developers have asked to be able to participate in this event. They're all willing to pay advertising or sponsorship fees. That's not the issue. The issue is: Who do we want to recommend? We understand that, when you're in the room with us over these two-and-a-half days, every speaker and exhibitor we introduce to you comes with our implied endorsement. Heck...he (or she) comes with our explicit endorsement. We don't take that lightly. Our reputation is everything. We want you to be wowed by the quality of this event...so that you might think about coming to another event somewhere sometime down the road. We're in this for the long haul. The same can't be said for all the real estate developers in this part of the world. We're careful, because we've learned you've got to be. That's why, for this event, we're inviting but a handful of developers. These are the guys we want you to know, for theirs are the development projects worth your attention...and your investment.  Who else do we want you to know? Others just like you who've already made the move: Expats already living, investing, or doing business in this country. In fact, these introductions...and your chance to mingle one-on-one, during cocktail receptions and over poolside lunches, with these folks...these alone are worth the price of admission. They could be the most important benefit of the entire event.  I'm not counting myself as part of this crew. Yes, I'm an expat living, investing, and doing business in Panama...but I understand if you'd like to hear about Panama from someone other than me for a change. These people have no agenda. They've agreed to participate in the event for no reason other than they'd like to help out fellow expats considering following in their footsteps. They receive nothing in return...have no ties to anyone (including me or Live and Invest Overseas)...and are hindered by no conflict of interest. Our only request of them is that they tell it like it is. What you hear from these Panama expats won't be all good. Maybe it won't even be mostly good. But it will be the real deal. "I particularly appreciated your information today about the joys (?) of international rental property. What I admire is your honest, tell-it-like-it-is approach. A lot of people have been hurt by nothing but glowing reports about offshore living from various sources. Your honest, direct approach is a real service."
-- Arlean K., United States No place is perfect, and we understand that a rose-colored view does you no favors. There's a reason these folks (and Lief and I) are in Panama. We're fans. But we're not fools. We know the good, the bad, and the ugly of day-to-day life and of trying to do day-to-day business in this place. We're enjoying the advantages...and we're reconciled to the downsides. An important part of our agenda during our February 2010 event is to show you these downsides...so you can decide whether you can live with them, too. To this end, we've invited three expats who chose Panama. One is running a business...one has invested in real estate with near-disastrous results (he'll tell you all about it when you meet him)...and each one is excited to share his (or her) story with you. And, of course, I'll be there, too. You hear from me every day...but perhaps this would be a good time for a more formal introduction. "This was a 10! Great event. Awesome job by the Live and Invest Overseas team!"
My name is Kathleen Peddicord. For more than 23 years, I was Editor and Publisher of International Living. In 2007, I decided to take a break, during which I did two things.-- Edward T., United States First, I began work to launch this new publishing group, Live and Invest Overseas, and the new free e-letter service, the Overseas Opportunity Letter. In addition, my husband, Lief Simon (yes, the guy I introduced to you above), and I made an important geographic decision. We decided to make a third international move with our family and my new business, from Paris to Panama City. In other words, I've been covering this beat, researching, writing, speaking, and presenting on the opportunities for living, retiring, and investing overseas, for more than a quarter-century. I have moved children, staff, enterprises, household goods, and pets from the East Coast of the United States first to Waterford, Ireland...then, five years ago, to Paris, France...and, most recently, last summer, to Panama City.
I look forward to sharing details of our long experience in this little country with such an abundance of upside. More than that, I look forward to the chance to meet you face-to-face and one-on-one. For me, this is one of the best parts of these live events. "The level of experience, knowledge, and competence is top-shelf. Primarily, I appreciated the sincere and honest approach of the organizers and all the presenters, as well as the obvious desire to give participants complete, accurate, timely, and appropriate information and to answer questions thoroughly."
-- Andrew F., United States This will be a high-energy, full-throttle two-and-a-half days. But we'll do everything we can to make sure it's also a whole lot of fun. We're building in cocktail receptions, lunches, open-air parties, and other special events to give you as much opportunity as possible to mingle and mix with your fellow attendees and your Live and Invest Overseas panel of experts. You never know where these cocktail and poolside conversations might lead. Over the years, we've known readers who've met business partners...roommates...equity investors...language tutors...and, certainly, great friends at our conferences. We've even known some conference introductions that have led to much more than friendship. You know...Lief and I met, a dozen years ago, at a conference in Ireland... Sincerely,  Kathleen Peddicord Publisher, Live and Invest Overseas P.S. From my vantage point here in the center of Panama City's banking district, I can tell you that this is a moment of opportunity in this country that, more than ever, qualifies as the world's top retirement, investment, business, tax, and offshore haven. The market has softened. Not dramatically, but real estate sales and prices are down. It's a window of calm between one bull run and what I predict will be another. I don't mean to pretend that Panama has been completely unaffected by the global financial meltdown, but the effects have been marginal and, from where I sit, welcome. The Panama City market, especially, both for sales and rentals, was running on overdrive. It's settled down now, creating a window of opportunity for both the retiree and the investor. The better acquainted I become with this country, the more convinced I am that this is the place to be (as a retiree, an investor, and an entrepreneur) for the coming decade. Here's your chance to stake your claim here while prices are down and sellers are more negotiable than they've been in a half-dozen years. P.P.S. Of course, Panama Circle Members attend free this Live & Invest in Panama event free...as do their spouses, significant others, or guests. In addition, we'd like to invite Overseas Retirement Letter subscribers to join us at a special discounted price. Other important discounts are available. See below for full program and cost details.
"I have to say that you seem to dig deeper into the feel of a particular place and to do comparative analysis between alternative places. Your approach is more sophisticated and thoughtful and therefore more useful than that of other information sources covering these same subjects."
-- John W., United States
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The Martinelli Plan calls for a First World Panama, and the new pro-business, pro-investor President has worked aggressively every day since taking office in July to progress that agenda. Martinelli's plan is all about cleaning house and creating competition, two ideas that aren't always welcome in this part of the world. 
We're holding our event at the centrally located Four Points Sheraton Hotel, where we've negotiated a very special rate for our attendees, including both full breakfast and free wireless Internet. If you've researched the cost of international-standard hotels in this town, you appreciate what a bargain this is. Internet alone can cost you US$30 a day at some hotels! 
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June 2010
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