The government of Panama gave a Chinese consortium a US$1.4 billion contract to build a bridge over the Panama Canal, a day after a visit by President Xi Jinping on Tuesday.

That tour was part of China’s efforts to extend its political and economic influence in Latin America.

Panama China
Panama’s President Juan Carlos Varela (right) and China’s President Xi Jinping (left) shake hands after giving a joint statement to the press after holding a meeting, at the presidential palace in Panama City, on December 3, 2018. Photo: Luis Acosta/AFP.

“Panama is moving ahead in its relations with China and without a doubt, this project that begins its construction today is part of that message and trust between the two countries,” Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela said.

The order will allow a consortium called Panama Cuarto Puente, composed of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and its unit China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), to design and build a bridge over the Panama Canal.

The group outbid companies from Spain, Italy, South Korea and China.

It will be one of the largest construction projects in Panamanian history.

During his visit, Xi and Varela signed a score of infrastructure, tourism and development cooperation agreements as Panama became the first Latin American country to partner with Beijing’s giant multi-billion dollar “Belt and Road” development initiative.

AFP is a global news agency delivering fast, in-depth coverage of the events shaping our world from wars and conflicts to politics, sports, entertainment and the latest breakthroughs in health, science and technology.