Posted: Saturday, August 2, 2025. 7:58 am CST.
By Zoila Palma: On Thursday, July 31, 2025, President of Panama Jose Raul Mulino said that public-private partnerships could take over the Balboa and Cristobal ports if courts nullify the current contract with Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison.
The company, which holds a 90% stake in Panama Ports Company, had its 25-year concession renewed in 2021—a move now facing legal challenges, Reuters report.
The contract has drawn criticism from Panama’s Comptroller General and is under Supreme Court review for alleged irregularities in the renewal process.
President Mulino said that he does not foresee the continuation of the existing agreement and will await the court’s ruling.
The ports’ future is further complicated by geopolitical tensions, as CK Hutchison looks to sell its global port assets to a U.S.-led consortium, a deal welcomed by Washington but opposed by Beijing.
Mulino also mentioned the government is exploring similar state partnership models for other strategic assets, including a major copper mine previously operated by First Quantum Minerals, whose contract was overturned last year.
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The post International News: Panama considers state partnerships to operate key ports following legal battle appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Saturday, August 2, 2025. 7:58 am CST. By Zoila Palma: On Thursday, July 31, 2025, President of Panama Jose Raul Mulino said that public-private partnerships
The post International News: Panama considers state partnerships to operate key ports following legal battle appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
