The Central Bank of Nicaragua reported that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 2021 totaled 1,470.1 million dollars, which represents 10.5% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), representing an increase of 52.7% (507.2 million dollars) compared to 2021 when the country accumulated 962.9 million dollars and represented 7.7% of GDP.
“This increase came mainly from the reinvestment of profits, new investments that were financed through the parent companies, as well as the recovery of income from FDI investment,” reveals the report of the issuing bank.
“In 2021, the economic sectors with the highest net FDI flows were energy and mines, which captured 466.5 million dollars (38.2% of the total); manufacturing industry with 263.4 million (21.6%); communications with 174.8 million (14.3%); and trade and services with 146.4 million dollars (12.0%)”, highlighted the official BCN document.
Related news: Remittances from the US sustain 11% of Nicaragua’s GDP
Nicaragua is experiencing a sociopolitical, economic and human rights crisis unleashed by the bloody repression of the regime of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo since 2018. The crisis has lasted for several years and was aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the presidential elections that they were classified as an “electoral farce” by the international community. More than 40 countries were unaware of the votes carried out by Daniel Ortega and he was anointed as “winner” for a new five-year period.
United States and Canada the main investors
The FDI report details that the United States and Canada are the main investors in Nicaragua. Washington added 444.3 million dollars in 2021, higher by 180.7 million dollars compared to 2020 when it allocated 263.6 million.
Canada invested 213.8 million dollars in Nicaragua last year, which meant an increase of 122.5 million dollars compared to 2020 when it totaled 91.3 million. Panama follows with 185.2 million dollars, higher than 95 million dollars in 2020.
Mexico allocated 167.5 million dollars. In 2020 it had invested 110.3 million lots. Spain and Costa Rica totaled 108 and 41.8 million dollars, respectively, being higher by 74.6 and 31.1 million dollars compared to 2020.
States and Canada have applied sanctions to officials of the Ortega-Murillo regime for “undermining democracy” and being complicit in the violations of the human rights of Nicaraguans. Among those appointed is Rosario Murillo, her children Juan Carlos, Camila, Laureano and Camila Ortega Murillo; senior police officers; the army; Supreme Electoral Council (CSE); Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ); Sandinista deputies and allies of the dictatorship.
