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Panama Ports says it will discuss ports sale with Panama government

Panama Ports says it will discuss ports sale with Panama government

Straits Times01-08-2025
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An aerial view shows containers at the Balboa Port, operated by Panama Ports Company, at the Panama Canal, in Panama City, Panama, February 1, 2025. REUTERS/Enea Lebrun/File Photo
BEIJING - Panama Ports Company (PPC) said on Friday that it will communicate with the Panama government at an appropriate time in the sale process of two key ports that it operates near the Panama Canal.
"We affirm that we believe engagement with the Government of Panama is vital to discuss the way forward for PPC," it said in a statement.
Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison holds a 90% stake in PPC, which had a 25-year concession to operate the Balboa and Cristobal ports at both ends of the canal, renewed in 2021.
PPC's statement comes after Panama's Comptroller General's office this week filed two suits with the nation's Supreme Court aiming to nullify the contract on the basis that the renewal did not follow required legal steps. REUTERS
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