TODAY NICARAGUA – The Ortega administration may be taking up once again the port privatization project conceived of in 2000 and may be close to awarding a concession to an international operator.
In November 2000 an article in Laprensa.com.ni reported that “the privatization of the Port of Corinto which would serve as a model for a similar process in other ports in the country, was the center of discussion at a seminar in which the results of a preliminary study on the issue were announced, said Roberto Zelaya Blanco, chief executive of the National Port Company (EPN). ”
Now Nicaraguahoy.info is reporting that “…The government of President Daniel Ortega is concluding negotiations to privatize the management of the ports of Corinto and Puerto Sandino … the study was prepared two years ago when approval was given to the General Law of Ports of Nicaragua, Law No. 838 published in the La Gaceta No. 92 of 21 May 2013, which opened the door to the privatization of ports and airports. ”
“.. The fourth recital in the law states that “mechanisms for self-management of an efficient state, must conform to the requirements of the new environment, based on publicity, transparency, healthy complementarity and equality, and the incorporation of all the means of modern technology, for the purpose of updating and providing reliability to the processes of transformation and development of the state. However, the government remained silent about this possibility in 2013 and today when there is nearly complete agreement to deliver the award to a Dutch company with extensive experience in port management. ”
Article first appeared at Todaynicaragua.com
