Dissemination of the Transport and Logistics Study for Nicaragua
Overview
In January of 2004, CARANA Corporation completed the study titled “The Impact Of Transport & Logistics On Nicaragua’s Trade Competitiveness”. This study formed part of a larger research effort conducted under the Trade Enhancement Service Sector (TESS) project, under contract for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Washington, DC. (Contract No. PCE-I-07-97-00014). The Nicaragua case study was the first of four case studies scheduled to be conducted throughout the course of the project. It was completed by CARANA Corporation with the support of a local research economist and the Nicaragua-based transportation-consulting firm, CONSULMAR. At the request of USAID/Nicaragua, this study was widely distributed in the public and private sectors, including: port companies, airports, the Ministry of Transportation, shipping agents, customs agents, and other transportation and logistics firms. The study was well received, and raised the awareness level of transportation and logistics issues in the country. Counterparts
USAID, Ministry of Development, Industry and Trade, Private Sector Participants in the Transportation and Logistics sector. Timeframe
April through June of 2004 Activities
In May of 2004, CARANA organized a presentation of the study with the study’s authors to private and public sector officials. The study and the presentation resulted in a public debate and a series of public / private sector meetings which prioritized action areas and defined specific needs in order to remove constraints to more efficient transportation and logistics handling in Nicaragua: - Customs facilitation and modernization.
- An integrated information system for transport, cargo and foreign trade in general.
- Preparation of a feasibility study for a cargo and logistics consolidation center.
- Revision and/or drafting of a General Law on Ports.
- Training for personnel in entities responsible for borders, ports and airports to facilitate procedures to better serve customers.
- Logistics training for the private sector.
Results
The first of these needs listed above, (customs facilitation and modernization) was partially addressed through the LAC Trade Project, while the government agreed to find ways to address the third (feasibility study for a cargo and logistics consolidation center) and fourth points (revision and/or drafting of a General Law on Ports). Progress in other areas has stalled due to a lack of funding for these initiatives in Nicaragua. Relevant Documents
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Project Activities 
