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State Department says Washington is "glad" to see U.S. investors acquire Panama ports; refers questions to companies and Panama government
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Summary
The State Department told reporters it is aware of Beijing's antitrust review comments on CK Hutchison's proposed sale of two Panama ports to BlackRock and said U.S. investors acquiring a controlling stake is welcome.
The State Department said it is aware of comments by Chinese regulators about an antitrust review of CK Hutchison's proposed sale of two Panama ports — Balboa and Cristobal — to BlackRock.
A spokesperson said the U.S. government was not surprised by Beijing's reaction and that it is "glad to see U.S. investors acquire a controlling stake in the Panama Ports Company," which operates the ports at either end of the Panama Canal. The spokesperson directed reporters to BlackRock, CK Hutchison and the government of Panama for details about the transaction and how Panamanian law applies.
Why it matters: Control of port operations near the Panama Canal has geopolitical and commercial importance. The spokesperson's remarks reflect U.S. interest in the transaction but stopped short of policy prescriptions, deferring regulatory questions to Panama and to the transaction parties.
What remains unspecified: The gaggle did not provide further detail on any U.S. review, potential bilateral consultations with Panama regarding the sale, or expected timelines for approvals.
