Bermuda-based Tribley Asset Management Ltd. has announced the upcoming launch of its Panama Real Estate Fund in early October.

The Fund will focus on satisfying a growing demand for investment in residential and commercial properties in and around Panama City, Panama; while maximizing short-term rental yields as it seeks strong, mid-to-long-term capital gains.

Christopher Tribley, managing director of Tribley Asset Management, believes there are a number of compelling factors that make Panama and the Panama Real Estate Fund attractive investment choices.

"The International Monetary Fund expects the economic growth rate in Panama to be the highest in Latin America and one of the highest globally over the next five to10 years," he said. "The Panamanian economy is very diverse with growth expected to occur in a number of sectors, including tourism, mining, banking, the Colon Free Trade Zone, Canal traffic and other ancillary business associated with the Canal expansion."

Tribley Asset Management knows Tribley Asset Management knows of at least 50 international companies which have recently moved to Panama and the list is growing.

Kim Carter, director of Tribley Asset Management, said: "There continues to be a large influx of people moving into Panama City as large multinational companies such as Caterpillar, Hewlett Packard, Dell, General Electric, Proctor and Gamble, Maersk Group, Sanofi Adventus and 3M have all established their regional headquarters in Panama.

"A stable government committed to controlled, sustainable, economic growth is just one of the many reasons cited for their move. Also, a large number of people are choosing Panama as their destination to retire and are attracted by factors such as the low cost of living, warm climate and a generous government retiree programme."

Mr. Tribley said: "An increasing population in the city will raise the demand for both residential and commercial space in the key central and waterfront areas. This growing demand will drive these property prices higher over time. Simultaneously, the projected growth in the economy is also likely to maintain an upward pressure on wages and construction costs. This upward inflationary pressure will increase replacement costs, causing both new and existing buildings to appreciate in value."

Tribley Asset Management has employed an experienced full time, bi-lingual, Panamanian manager to join its team in Panama City. Their remit is to identify properties for possible inclusion in the fund.

Mr. Carter said: "The focus of the Panama Real Estate Fund will be to purchase good quality properties, in targeted growth areas, to maximise the rental yields in the short term, while seeking strong capital gains over time."

The fund has been developed for both sophisticated individuals and institutional investors, with a minimum investment of $100,000.

Anyone interested in learning more about the Panama Real Estate Fund can e-mail info@tam.bm or call Tribley Asset Management at 292-4826.