Meetings between Nicaragua and China at the “Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation” (held in Bejing) have resulted in progress on a variety of projects in Nicaragua.
Joining the Foreign Minister Denis Moncada at the forum was Laureano Ortega Murillo – Presidential Advisor for the Promotion of Investments, Trade and International Cooperation, Óscar Mojica – Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI) and Ernesto Tiffer – Executive President of ENEL (Electricity Generation).
The projects include public transportation, infrastructure and logistics, a new airport, two “three city” railway connections (a local commuter and a cross country route) and electricity power plants.
The stage of each project varies in progress from agreements in principal and feasibly studies up to actual contract negotiations with a Chinese company.
New International Airport
The jewel in the crown of the collection of projects is a contract signed with the Chinese company CAMCE Engineering for a total reconstruction of the Punta Huete Airport known as “Panchito” and turning it into the new International Airport.
The location is northwest of Tipitapa (ICAO: MNFC) in the Municipality of San Francisco Libre in the Department of Managua. The nearest town is San Benito, 14 kilometers (9 miles) to the east.
The Augusto C. Sandino Airport (MGA) has expansion limitations and the government has decided that Punta Huete offers a better prospect as it’s replacement.
Pan American Highway Expansion
The group also signed a “Cooperation Agreement” with the Chinese company CCCCI for the completion of the Pan Am Highway expansion from Guanacaste, through Nandaime all the way to Rivas, as well as the section from Rivas to Sapoá (Costa Rica Border). This is known as the Inter-American corridor that connects the country with North and South America.
Railways
There were two “Memorandum of Understanding” signed with the Chinese company CCECC for railway projects. One was the study with a view to construction of the Managua-Masaya-Granada Railway and the other was the formulation of the Corinto-Managua-Bluefields Railway Master Plan.
Electricity Generation
ENEL secured a memorandum of understanding for the Mojolka and Tumarín Hydroelectric Projects with the Chinese state company; Huadian Overseas Investment. The Mojolka project should produce 120 megawatts and the Tumarín Project 253 megawatts. Also being considered is the completion of the San Benito-Managua Geo Thermal plant capable of producing 150 megawatts.
Phase II Coastal Highway
A “Framework Agreement” was signed with the Chinese company CSCEC for Phase Two of the Coastal Highway Project connecting Masachapa with Poneloya. Currently groundwork has started on all sections of Phase One of the Coastal Highway from the Costa Rica border to Masachapa.
Diplomatic Relations
On Thursday 9th December 2021 Nicaragua recognized China as having a claim over Taiwan by announcing “There is only one China”. As such, the Nicaraguan government cut all ties with Taiwan and immediately announced that bilateral relations with the People’s Republic of China would resume. Since then, officials from both countries have wasted no time in pursuing and developing business opportunities.
