After four rounds of intense talks with the economic authorities of Spain, Panama concluded negotiations for a treaty to avoid double taxation, in order for Spain to stop considering Panama to be a "tax haven". Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance, Frank de Lima, said that with this agreement Panama has now completed negotiations on a half dozen treaties with various countries, of a total of twelve they expect to sign to avoid double taxation. "Soon we are in process of signing treaties with Belgium, Holland, Barbados and Italy, the latter could be the next to be submitted to the Panamanian Assembly for ratification," said De Lima. (La Critica)