Petaquilla Minerals Ltd. (fka PTQMF)

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The boom in construction industry in recent years has greatly boosted economic growth in Panama, as demonstrated through a study of the construction sector by the Superintendency of Banks of Panama.

According to the study the construction sector accounted for in the first quarter of 2012 7.6% of gross domestic product (GDP) and 10.1% of employment.

It should be noted the contribution of banks in financing the construction.

The total of this portfolio at March 31 this year is about 2000 $ 895 million.

The study indicates that to date the portfolio remains healthy with an average of 98.6% in effect, a delinquent 0.54% and 0.81 up.

One of the conclusions of the study is that the apartment units, both completed and under construction unplaced had declined.