巴拿马：新港口开放竞标，“中企有意”

Core Viewpoint - The Panama Canal Authority is open to bids from various interested parties for the construction of two new ports, despite U.S. claims regarding control over the canal [1][2]. Group 1: Bidding Process and Participants - The Panama Canal Authority announced that it will maintain an open bidding process for the construction of two new ports, allowing all interested parties to participate [1]. - Companies interested in bidding include Orient Overseas Container Line, COSCO Shipping (Hong Kong) Co., and PSA International from Singapore [1]. - The bidding process is set to begin in the first quarter of next year, with contracts expected to be awarded by the end of 2026 and operations starting in 2029 [2]. Group 2: Expansion Plans and Investment - The new ports are part of an expansion plan aimed at enhancing the overall service capacity of the Panama Canal, including cargo transshipment, warehousing, and the construction of natural gas pipelines and freshwater supply facilities [2]. - The Panama Canal Authority plans to attract approximately $8.5 billion in investments over the next five years for infrastructure updates and expansions [2].