Panama economic activity grows 6.8 percent in April, boosted by port activity

Panama's economic activity increased 6.8 percent in April compared with the same period a year earlier, boosted by port activity, air transportation and telecommunications.

Increased vehicle and gasoline sales, in spite of high fuel prices, boosted consumption, while mining, tourism and construction also helped the economy. Panama's economy is set to expand by 9 percent this year and 7 percent in 2012, the economy ministry said this month.

Original source: Reuters