The main sector of the Panamanian economy is the service sector, which employs over 60% of the active labor force and contributes more than 75% of GDP; the economy of Panama is based on services and is grounded on three components: the free trade zone in Colon, the maritime and logistics sector in the areas of the Canal and, finally, the financial sector with the international banking center in the capital.

The economy of Panama grew 6.19% last year, and this is due to dynamic sectors such as: construction, mining, quarries, transportation, container storage, communications, hotels, restaurants, trade, private health, and financial intermediation; other sectors influence the economy in a lesser scale (according to official figures). The industrial sector has less impact on the Panamanian economy, accounting for about 15% of GDP.