Official statement of the Multilateral Chamber of Commerce and Cooperation Israel Ibero-America (now the Israel Ibero-America Chamber of Commerce) —CILIB—.
In March 2023, CILIB expressed its strong condemnation of the recent decisions adopted by the government of Nicaragua, which have resulted in the revocation of the legal status of 19 business organizations in the country. Among them is the Superior Council of Private Enterprise (COSEP), the leading trade association of the Nicaraguan private sector.
Nicaraguan Business Organizations Affected
The organizations whose legal status was revoked include:
- the Superior Council of Private Enterprise (COSEP);
- the Nicaraguan Textile and Apparel Industry Association (Anitec);
- the Nicaraguan Chamber of Urban Developers (Cadur);
- the National Chamber of Commerce and Services of Nicaragua (CCSN);
- the Chamber of Industries of Nicaragua (Cadin);
- the Nicaraguan Fishing Chamber (Capenic);
- the Nicaraguan Association of Sugarcane Producers (CNPA);
- the Union of Agricultural Producers of Nicaragua (Upanic);
- the Association of Producers and Exporters of Nicaragua (Apen).
In total, 19 organizations have been affected, each of them playing a crucial role in the country’s economic development.
A Serious Setback for the Nicaraguan Economy and Society
At the Chamber, we believe that these actions represent a serious setback for the economic and social well-being of Nicaragua. The business sector is a fundamental pillar of the growth and development of any nation: it creates jobs, drives innovation and strengthens trade relations both nationally and internationally.
The revocation of the legal status of these organizations directly undermines the stability of businesses, puts thousands of jobs at risk and, ultimately, affects Nicaraguan families who depend on the livelihood generated by these productive activities.
Respect for Private Enterprise as the Foundation of Democracy
It is essential to remember that a government that presents itself as democratic must always place the interests of the people who elected it above any personal or political interest. Respect for and support of private enterprise, the promotion of a favorable environment for investment and the fostering of economic growth must be the foundations of any administration that seeks the well-being of its population.
Any action that targets the business sector, in addition to being a direct affront to the rights of business owners, directly affects all citizens, increasing poverty, food insecurity and job insecurity.
In this regard, CILIB expresses its deep concern about the direction events are taking in Nicaragua and warns of the serious consequences that this policy of economic repression may bring to the country. Businesses not only represent the creation of wealth, but are also an indispensable engine for social cohesion and sustainable progress.
Solidarity with the Nicaraguan People
The Chamber expresses its full solidarity with the Nicaraguan people, who have been the victims of arbitrary decisions that affect not only the business sector but society as a whole.
We call on the international community, human rights bodies and all business organizations around the world to add their voices in defense of the private sector in Nicaragua and to advocate for an environment of respect, dialogue and peace that allows for the country’s economic recovery and social well-being.
The Chamber and Nicaragua
The Israel Ibero-America Chamber of Commerce reiterates its commitment to the values of freedom, democracy and respect for economic rights, and will continue to advocate for the strengthening of trade relations based on cooperation and mutual respect. See the Nicaragua country profile, learn about the Chamber’s mission or review its cooperation agreements.
