Imports from Mexico and Colombia can ensure the supply of cement for the Gran Canal Interoceanico project in Nicaragua, according to the president of the High Council of Private Enterprise, José Adán Aguerri.

He added that steps were being taken to further research supply options in the wider region, including the Caribbean, with the help of the private sector. However, the area faces supply shortages, which are expected to require further capacity building by cement companies. For example, Cemex Latam Holdings SA, announced in recent months a US$55m investment over the next three years in the installation of a new grinding mill to increase its cement capacity from 0.44Mta to 0.88Mta.