Country Article / Postcards

Interested in Offshore Investing? Read this Insider Report

Date: 05/18/2005

Dear International Living Reader,

Panama is a meeting place.

It's where North America meets South America. Where the Pacific meets the Atlantic in the world famous Panama Canal. It's where the cultures of Colonial Spain and ancient Native America met and mingled with Africans and Asians to create a lively mélange that's uniquely Panamanian.

But this week it's also the place where some of the most knowledgeable and sophisticated minds in the world of offshore investing are gathered to help members of the Sovereign Society and readers of International Living achieve their personal financial and lifestyle goals.

This is a brief report about the first day of the 20th Annual Premier Offshore Advantage Seminar in Panama. In a few moments, if you decide to read on, you'll learn about a one-time-only offer that will save you hundreds of dollars on the most up-to-date and complete information on offshore opportunities available today. This offer... at this price... will not be repeated... ever. Please take a moment to consider your options offshore. If offshore investing is in your future, then this offer is for you. Because what I am writing to you about today is the most important meeting of it's kind in the world.

Standing Room Only

The Grand Ballroom was packed--standing room only. They kept bringing in more chairs, but couldn't keep up with the gathering of investors. For the entire afternoon, people were always standing in the back of the ballroom... waiting for more chairs... but unwilling to miss a word.

At least 230 people registered for this event, but it looked like more than that to me. I noticed that some in the audience were seminar speakers from among the panel of 32 offshore investing experts scheduled to speak. Even they didn't want to miss a word of the opening sessions. That's unusual.

Additionally there are at least 35 exhibitors here with booths offering information about private banking, wealth protection, asset management, global real estate financing, developers, investment advisors, and more... It's a strong line up. And I want to make sure that you don't miss a thing.

You've Got a 'Friend' In Panama...

My name is Thom Hickling. For the next three days, I'll be your friend on the inside at the Offshore Advantage Seminar. I'll deliver the scoops from our team to you in a series of informative and (hopefully) entertaining reports.

This is my first time attending an Offshore Conference, so I'm just as curious and excited about what's to come as the other attendees. Maybe more. For three days I'll be your inside reporter covering the information packed sessions of private meetings at the InterContinental Miramar.

The Beauties of Panama!

No, I'm not talking about Miss Universe 2002, Justine Pasek, featured on this month's cover of ISLANDS magazine in a story called 'Hot Times In Panama', extolling the natural wonders of this place. (But Justine is one, for sure.)

From the hotel window overlooking the Bay of Panama, you can see rows of yachts docked in the turquoise water, pelicans fishing, women and children relaxing under the palms surrounding the hotel pool... large freighters and oil tankers waiting in line on the horizon for their turn to pass through the Canal. It's quite a view. Unfortunately, the weather today is a dull gray. It's raining off and on outside...but the speakers inside are anything but dull.

There was a frantic rush to get the conference materials ready as the attendees anxiously lined up to register. Fortunately the exhibit hall was already prepared and many people enjoyed just milling around, picking up information packs and introducing themselves to each other. The seminar kicked off right on time with a welcome to everyone from our emcee, the Director of the Sovereign Society, Robert Bauman.

Panama Is a Haven...

'Panama is a tax haven... a privacy haven... an asset haven... a residential haven and a haven for liberty,' declared Bob.

He went on to explain that Panama is a special situation. For a century it was virtually an American colony. Now the attitude of Panamanians towards the U.S. is one of respectful skepticism. But Panamanians like Americans. They are used to Americans. You'll like Panamanians too. They are friendly and open. They owe a lot to the U.S. Under Teddy Roosevelt, one of the wonders of the world, The Panama canal, was built.

Bob Bauman knows Panama. He first visited Panama in an official capacity in the mid-70s, as the ranking Republican member of the Subcommittee on the Panama Canal of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries (whew!). President Jimmy Carter had just signed the so-called 'Carter-Torrijos treaties' that would eventually turn over control of the American canal to Panama, a radical decision to which Bob, a Member of the U.S. Congress at the time, very much opposed. Now Bob admits he was wrong about that (a rare confession, even for a former Congressman). And he's spent the last four days flying around Panama observing the transformation that's taken place here.

'Panama is running the canal better than the Americans ever did,' according to Bob. 'Last year they made a $500,000 surplus, something that the U.S. never achieved.'

Besides the canal, Panamanians enjoy certain liberties they learned from the U.S. The laws that make Panama a tax haven were patterned after the State of Delaware in the mid 1920s. The only country with a similar length of history in tax haven banking is Lichtenstein.

But Why Go Offshore?

'For greater freedom and more privacy,' according to Bob. He explained many different options available for accomplishing this.

In the past several years, especially since the passage of the U.S. Patriot Act, Americans have seen their freedoms and privacy diminished. Today the U.S. government can put their nose into anyone's financial affairs. And believe it or not...it's illegal for your banker to even inform you that your accounts are being investigated by a government agency.

Not so in Panama.

Panamanian law guarantees corporate privacy and banking privacy. It's the 'poor man's Switzerland'. And in some ways it offers advantages even the Swiss can't, especially when it comes to tax reduction.

But Panama isn't the only option Bob discussed. He talked about Switzerland, Austria, Lichtenstein, and other havens, and explained offshore asset protection trusts and foundations.

These can be invaluable to professionals, like doctors and dentists, to insulate themselves from malpractice suits and other threats to their assets.

The Nuclear Option?

Bob discussed many ways to take advantage of freedoms offered by offshore structures and investing, including one he called 'The Nuclear Option.' This isn't for everyone.

Expatriation is the 'nuclear option' of estate planning. He explained how you could establish citizenship in another country. Some countries sell that service: Dominica and St. Kitts and Nevis. Once you've got a second citizenship, you let go of your U.S. citizenship and become a true expatriate. That's probably too radical for most folks, but I believe it's an option that Sir John Templeton found very advantageous.

I don't have time in this short letter to cover most of what Bob told us, but it's all included on our conference recordings that I want you to have as a free bonus (more about that in a second).

Bob wrapped up the introductory session, Offshore: A to Z, with this thought... 'We're not trying to sell you an international business corporation, a trust, or any investment. We are trying to stir up an enthusiasm for freedom--the kind of freedom that was promised by the U.S. founding fathers... but now is quickly slipping away.'

He also told us that currently there are no real estate taxes on new condos in Panama City, for a period of 20 years. But he added that the window of opportunity to get in on this option closes in a few months. In closing, Bob made it clear: 'You are in Panama at the right time... because this country is about to take off!'

Don't Feel Left Out This Time!

You may remember that I reported from the Global Real Estate Investment Conference in Washington, DC a couple of months back. Some of the speakers at this conference were also featured there, but this time the focus is different. Here the focus is single-minded, honed-in on offshore advantages and successful investing secrets, techniques, strategies, and opportunities designed for individuals to cash in the offshore boom. Overlooked international markets offer investors value and potential that is nearly impossible to find in the U.S. today.

I'm happy to share some highlights with you from what I believe will be one of the most informative, insightful, and profitable events that I've ever attended.

The attendees have paid as much as $995 to attend this conference--and that doesn't include the cost of airfare, accommodation, and all the rest. From what I've seen, it will prove to be well worth every penny. I wish you could be here. But I can help you even if you're not with us in Panama.

I'm privy to the inside scoop of what's presented here. And I'm certain that there's something here for nearly every IL reader--including you! Undoubtedly, you could learn at least one secret that could pay for itself many times over.

One great thing I've learned already is that it doesn't take millions of dollars to participate in offshore opportunities. True, there are quite a few high-net-worth individuals who would have little problem participating in big deals like that, but this conference isn't exclusively for the super rich, just the super smart. For example...

The State of The Offshore World Today

The next presentation came from the McKenna Senior Fellow at the Heritage Foundation in Washington DC, Dan Mitchell. He's an expert on U.S. and international tax policy and works with the Center for Freedom and Prosperity.

Why has the Heritage Foundation gotten involved in these issues and created the Center for Freedom and Prosperity?

Dan explained, 'We believe the politicians will only do the right thing when they have exhausted every other option.'

When Reagan and Thatcher reduced taxes in the 1980s it forced other countries around the world to follow suit. In the 90s Ireland cut corporate tax rates from 50% to 12.5%. So much business investment flooded into the Emerald Isle that it caused a great boom and created the Celtic Tiger. Other European countries followed suit, not because they wanted to or from some philosophical position. They lowered taxes to stop the hemorrhaging of jobs and businesses to low tax countries.

Now in Eastern Europe and even in Russia tax rates are being lowered. Not because of economic philosophy but because of the need to attract capital investment.

Tax competition is a good force driving better tax laws. But European welfare states, international bureaucracies, the UN and internationalists are promoting the idea of 'tax harmonization.'

That's just an attempt to undercut the possible savings by moving businesses to low tax countries--so that individuals of high-tax countries can't benefit from the opportunities in low-tax countries. But there are still countries where you can find tax advantages, and the Heritage Foundation wants to take the high moral ground in protecting that freedom.

Profiting From a Correction in Commodities Market

Eric Roseman, Editor of Commodity Trend Alert, said that for the first time in three and a half years there's been a serious correction in commodity prices. He sees this as a buying opportunity, because commodities are in a long-term secular bull market.

He predicted that interest rate tightening would end sometime later this year. Then the dollar will resume its fall and commodities will come roaring back. This correction offers a great buying opportunity for commodities.

There are supply deficits in oil, uranium, nickel, aluminum, tin, zinc, copper, gold, silver, and even cement.

Oil is in a real bull market. This is a real trend... a multi-year secular boom with oil production waning.

Eric is an expert in global resource equities, equity options, and futures. He's a contrarian speculator in commodities markets.

Eric even offered attendees four specific recommendations to buy now. One is a Toronto-based uranium exploration company that's poised to skyrocket. When it comes to stocks, Eric recommends a conservative, buy-and-hold strategy with only quality company equities--similar to Buffett's strategy. Of all CTA picks, 75% are his winners.

'Nobody is looking at European stocks,' he says. Bank consolidation is gaining momentum in Europe. This presents great profit opportunities. Eric told us about two banks that are prime investment opportunities.

You can hear all four picks on the audio recordings of the conference FREE... so please read on.

Eric likes distressed markets... not expensive ones. That's why he thinks that property in Germany is a great buy now. Berlin real estate is selling at a 35% discount to other major European capitals. He reported that Goldman Sachs, among others, is busy buying distressed German real estate. It may be something you'd like to consider, too.

The Pros and Pitfalls of Investing in Real Estate Offshore

If you are interested in global real estate investing, there's no better person to listen to than Lief Simon, the next speaker. He's lived and worked in seven countries... bought property in 12 countries so far... and knows more about helping individual investors profit from the global real estate boom than any one else in the world.

His publication, Global Real Estate Investor, is essential reading for would-be international real estate buyers and it's developed a solid reputation for right-on-the-money recommendations. In fact, Lief has never made a losing recommendation, and he's helped many people build a winning portfolio of property that increases their profits safely with real diversification.

If you haven't heard Lief speak, I urge you to reserve your free conference recordings today.

'The Conrad Hilton of Panama'

Herman Bern owns the InterContinental Miramar, where we are meeting. His company built it, too! Speaking with a heavy but understandable Panamanian accent, Senor Bern welcomed us to his country and his hotel. Then this distinguished civil engineer and developer with a 30-year track record of successful projects behind him introduced his son, Jose Manuel Bern, for a presentation about their company and their most recent projects.

Juan has an MBA from Georgetown University. 'La Marca que construye Panama,'--the key to building Panama--he told us, is this: Location is everything.

According to International Living's contacts in Panama, one of the family's new development locations seems to have more people excited than any other: Gran Bay, an ultra modern high-rise condominium development on Avenida de Balboa. This is the most prestigious boulevard in Panama City, overlooking the Bay of Panama (like our hotel does). And in their opinion, it offers the best value for oceanview living in Panama.

Juan Bern welcomed us all to a cocktail reception sponsored by the family company Empresas Bern and the InterContinental Hotel.

They served an impressive spread of appetizers, and wine and beer flowed freely while a jazz trio entertained us. You could feel the good energy and excitement in the room as attendees and experts mingled and chatted. The Bern family were perfect hosts for the first social gathering. (¡Muchas Gracias!)

That's one pleasure I can't offer you in this report, but I encourage you to discover the friendly esprit de corps of our readers and members for yourself at one of our upcoming International Living or Sovereign Society events. It's always a highlight to spend time with our readers and friends.

What I can offer you is a one-time-only low price on a unique and useful package of offshore investing information.

Too Much Has Already Happened To Report It All!

And there's much more to come.

It would be impossible for me to write up everything that goes on here at the Hyatt during the conference. Many specialized sessions will be going on simultaneously to give small groups of individuals deep insights into specific strategies and opportunities. I'm only one person. (Plus, I am not a fast typist!) But I promise you that you'll get important highlights and useful insights from me each day of the conference.

However, I have some great news for you. For the first time ever the entire Annual Premier Offshore Advantage Seminar will be recorded. And you can have full access to the recordings online.

The complete seminar recordings can be yours for FREE if you take advantage of this offer to discover the world of offshore investing, asset protection, and the unique opportunities that Panama offers you now.

But the special offer is something even better than just getting these unique recordings for free.

A Complete Offshore Package, Never Before Offered--And Never Again To Be Offered--Can
Be Yours Now

The Sovereign Society has just released a brand new three-part report, authored by Bob Bauman, called 'Panama Money Secrets'. It's barely off the presses. There's nothing more up-to-date on offshore opportunities in Panama.

This e-mail is actually the first time this groundbreaking new publication has ever been mentioned publicly. You could call this the 'pre-release' announcement.

At the 20th Annual Premier Offshore Advantage Seminar, Panama Money Secrets will be officially introduced to our members. It's so new that there are no promotional brochures or material for it prepared yet, but I have seen one of the very first proof copies.

Panama Money Secrets is Bob's most recent report (he's written about 20 books) and the first full-length treatment of offshore investing strategies and insights exclusively focusing on Panama.

With over 150 pages, this is a complete course that teaches you--step-by-step--how to protect your assets, invest profitably, buy real estate, retire, or start a business in Panama.

** Learn how to use Panama as an Offshore Money Haven. Open a truly private bank account...set up an offshore corporation, trust, or private foundation and take advantage of privacy, tax, and asset protection benefits...You'll get the names and full contact details of banks, advisors, lawyers...

** Rake in tax-free profits in any tourism-related business. It's an undiscovered adventure wonderland...with almost limitless possibilities. You could start an eco- or adventure-tour company...a charter dive operation...a bed and breakfast...develop commercial property, coffee shops, restaurants, hotels...and the government will give you benefits to boot...

** Find out the best attorneys, banks, professional services, and more available to you in Panama.

These are just the briefest highlights. This powerful book will give you insights into the history and culture of Panama... it's laws and heritage and culture... and it will show you the best ways to take advantage of this beautiful haven.

This three-part report will retail for $249 when the conference is over. I have a deal that will let you own a copy for a small fraction of that price... but only if you act right now!

And that's not all...

You Also Get 'Panama: The Owner's Manual'

For many years, International Living's Owner's Manuals have been among our most popular publications... and the most popular of all has been 'Panama: The Owner's Manual'.

You'll find no other product like it anywhere in the world...

** You'll get to explore Panama in a way that the average tourist or travel reader would never be able to. You'll find out hundreds of important and valuable bits of information that you simply couldn't find in any other publication, and that would be almost impossible to collect on your own.

Everything you need to retire...obtain a residence or investment visa--even a Panamanian passport is in the Owner's Manual...

** How to apply for Panama's first-class and increasingly popular pensionado visa program. And even if you don't qualify under the pensionado visa program, don't worry (though most people could qualify easily). The Panama Owner's Manual for 2005 will introduce you to many other extremely affordable and attractive programs you may qualify under. For instance, with as little as a $150,000 investment you can start up your own business and within five years be eligible to apply for Panamanian citizenship. (By world standards this is an incredible opportunity). Or you can invest $40,000 in a government-approved and potentially very lucrative reforestation project. These are just some of the great ways in which you can qualify to live, retire, or do business in Panama.

** Discover Panama's Secret Shangri-La. This hidden valley sits in Panama's lush and beautiful highland region. You take a ten-minute walk from the nearby picture perfect riverside town...and as you pass through a narrow passage and beyond you'll gasp with amazement as you enter a real, secret Shangri-La... with it's own microclimate... where spring reigns eternal. The valley sits in an area Modern Maturity Magazine named the 'number one retirement destination in the western hemisphere'. Property is still incredibly cheap. We saw a property recently advertised for as little as $1,000 an acre. But the secret's out...and property prices have already begun to rise. Now is the time to get in.

** Discover Panama's Next Great Highland Utopias, including the five-million-year old ancient crater that's now become a retirement fantasyland.

** Find out the best area to buy property in Panama City right now. You can pick up a four-bedroom home in one of the most beautiful neighborhoods for $200,000. It's adjacent to the rainforest, and is very lush, green, and tropical.

** Reap tax-free profits in Colonial Casco Viejo. Find out about the enormous investment incentives you'll get if you buy property in Panama City's Casco Viejo. This forgotten treasure of a neighborhood was once the cultural and political center of Panama City. UNESCO has recently declared it a World Heritage Site. It sits out on the bay and is currently undergoing a great new renaissance...We'll show you ways to profit from this neighborhood poised to boom. It's an urban investor's dream!

Panama: The Owner's Manual regularly sells for $69. Quite a value when you consider that this information is not available anywhere else... at any price... whatsoever. It's totally unique.

When you put this whole package together--Panama's Money Secrets, Panama: The Owner's Manual, and the FREE conference recordings from the 20th Annual Premier Offshore Advantage Seminar--you have a remarkable package of offshore information.

A 'Jaw-Dropping' Opportunity for You to Have It All...

Because it's International Living's Silver Anniversary Year, we're making a special offer for those of you unable to hop a plane and attend this conference.

All of the information...all of the secret tactics... all of the unique strategies... all of the hard-earned experience...and all the ways to make international property the driving force in your investment portfolio will be delivered to your door right away--if you take advantage of the 20th Annual Premier Offshore Advantage Seminar special offer now.

Here's what you'll get:

Panama Money Secrets (value $249)

Panama: The Owners Manual (value $69)

The complete 20th Annual Premier Offshore Advantage Seminar recordings online (value $149)

Total Value: $467!

If you order today--and today only--you'll save $278! You can have the whole package for the low price of $189. But this discount price expires at midnight tonight.

If you have read this far, I know that you are interested in offshore investing and Panama. Since we're agreed on that, I urge you to place your order now. If you miss the deadline, you miss this deal. Click here to get your $278 discount and reserve your copy now.

Here's The Deal!

* Order within the first 24 hours of the 20th Annual Premier Offshore Advantage Seminar Special (i.e. right now) and you can enjoy it all for the low price of price of only $189! Offer expires at midnight tonight.

* Order on the next day of the special and you get the second lowest price of only $209! Offer expires at midnight on Friday, May 20.

* Wait until the third day of this exciting event and you get the third lowest price of only $229! Offer expires midnight on Saturday, May 21.

* On the last day, you can order this special and you'll pay $249. This is still a great deal. You'll save $218 off of retail prices. That expires at midnight on Sunday, May 22. If you procrastinate and then forget to order before the final deadline, the only way to get all three items that make up this special kit will be to pay full price for each...$467 all combined.

If you think that you might want to take advantage of this very best deal, I strongly suggest that you order it right now and lock in your savings of $278. We'll happily sell it to you later for up to $249, but why pay more?

Take advantage of this early bird special while you can. If this kit were selling at retail price, $467, it's still worth every penny. You could easily save or make ten times that--or even 100 times that--by putting these valuable strategies to work for you.

But the only time you can get it at the $189 price is now.

Unfortunately, I can't give you the insights about tomorrow's sessions until they're finished, and by then the price will have gone up. But if you order today, you will get all of the speakers featured over the full three-day conference (not just the ones I mentioned today. You'll get access to Eric Roseman's investment recommendations and much more...)

And you have our money back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. If you aren't completely satisfied--for any reason--simply return the package to us within 60 days and we'll promptly send you a refund. No questions asked.

This deal rewards people who act quickly... the go-getters. So, I suggest that if you want it, you act now.

The people who order earliest get the best price... I hope that you are one of them.

The Inside Scoop is Yours Every Day in My Free Reports

Even if you choose not to take advantage of this offer today, I'll continue to file my daily reports and you can have access to the seminar insights for free.

I know that not all readers are interested in offshore strategies. Some just like the idea of retiring in the sun... or getting away from it all for a while... or maybe reinventing themselves in a new place... with a brand new life.

But... most of our readers are investors too. It's hard for me to imagine that any reader who cares about investing at all couldn't benefit by putting some of their assets (even if it's simply home equity) into a more profitable--and perhaps even safer--investment offshore.

Many readers won't give the opportunity a second look, because they think it's too complicated. But this special package makes it easy.

There's no better time to learn about your options offshore than now during the 20th Annual Premier Offshore Advantage Seminar.

Click here to reserve your copy now.

Sincerely,

Thom Hickling
'Your Conference Insider'

P.S. Please Read My Forum Report Tomorrow! Tomorrow, I promise you highlights from more seminar sessions. I'll be your eyes and ears for the few days, bringing you on-the-ground reports from Panama City. I'll try to keep you in the loop of this exciting event because I know that if for some reason I couldn't make it, I'd want someone to do the same thing for me. Someone who knows what's important and who will clue me in on what I missed.

I'm going to meet with our team members one-on-one to prepare for tomorrow's sessions. I'll dig up some real 'inside scoops' that you'll want to read tomorrow.

But in the meantime, don't hesitate. Learn about the exciting offshore opportunities in Panama and save a bundle of cash today. Your Offshore Advantage experience starts now. Grab this 20th Annual Premier Offshore Advantage Seminar special before the price goes up!