Panama Gets $43m IDB loan

The IDB has agreed a $43m 20-year loan to the central region of Panama and a four-year grace period, at a rate of 5%. Local counterpart funds will total $9.7m. The central region includes the provinces of Cocle, Herrera, Los Santos and Veraguas. The program will help increase the productivity and income of small agricultural producers through technological innovation and to improve access to efficient water and sanitation services. In addition, the program will provide environmental protection for critical watersheds and coastal areas and strengthen coordination mechanisms and institutional capacities at the local level.