Panama’s Foreign Minister reinforced the route’s independence, denying tariff negotiations with the US
The president-elect of the United States, Donald Trump (Republican Party), accused China of having control over the Panama Canal. The port authority’s CEO, Ricaurte Vásquez Morales, reacted to the statement and denied the Asian giant’s involvement in local operations.
The Republican also proposed preferential tariffs for North American ships. The proposal was rejected by the executive and the Panamanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Javier Martinez-Acha.
According to the CEO, the channel is managed by a state entity and any discrimination in tariffs would violate international treaties.
The minister said that national sovereignty to control the Panama Canal is an irreversible and non-negotiable achievement for the country.
Morales also denied Trump’s claims about Panama seeking $3 billion (R$18.3 billion) for repairs to the canal and charging higher fees to American ships.
He said fares are based on the size and type of ship, with the exception of priority passage for U.S. Navy ships.
According to , prior to the formal transfer of the canal, Panama offered contracts to operate cargo terminals, with companies from several countries, including Hutchison Whampoa of Hong Kong, winning bids for 2 contracts.
