Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking Fuels $281 Million Project in Panama's Infrastructure
In a groundbreaking development for Panama's infrastructure, Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking (Natixis CIB) has stepped forward as a Joint Bookrunner and Joint Lead Arranger for a $281 million project financing focusing on the Ruta del Este project. This initiative represents a significant milestone, marking the very first concession awarded in Panama under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Law introduced in 2019.
The financing secured by Natixis CIB will directly support the Panamericana del Este road project, which is essential for the rehabilitation and repaving of an approximately 246-kilometer corridor that connects the eastern outskirts of Panama City to the Darien province, located near the Colombian border. By bridging this geographic gap, the initiative promises not only to enhance transport efficiency but also to symbolize an enduring commitment to social transportation goals in the region, which is at the heart of Natixis CIB’s mission.
Aitor Alava, the Head of Infrastructure and Energy Finance Latin America at Natixis CIB, expressed pride in supporting this innovative project. He stated, "We are honored to support ISA, ISA Vías, and the Ruta del Este project as it represents a significant milestone as the first-ever PPP concession in Panama. At Natixis CIB, we are dedicated to partnering with our clients in their efforts to expand into new markets, showcasing our underwriting capabilities in this pioneering financing."
The Panamericana del Este is not just a road; it is the lifeline for various communities. It serves as a primary road link that facilitates movement between Panama City and the Guna Yala communities along the coast, as well as the expansive Darien region bordering Colombia. One of the most promising aspects of the project is its potential to enhance access for agricultural producers to demand centers, which is anticipated to significantly improve local economies.
Construction of the project is projected to foster the creation of approximately 1,500 direct jobs, boosting employment opportunities during the road’s development phase. Furthermore, travel time on this crucial highway is expected to be reduced by about 1.5 hours, which will greatly benefit commuters and businesses alike.
ISA Vías, the concessionaire company formed by ISA (Interconexión Eléctrica S.A.) and previously known as Intervial Chile S.A., has established itself as one of the largest players in road concessions throughout Latin America. The substantial financial backing from Natixis CIB not only indicates a solid belief in the project but also highlights the robust business model of ISA Vías as it strives to become a leader in the region’s road infrastructure.
Andres Contreras, the Chief Executive Officer of ISA Vías, commented on the financing, stating, "This operation not only highlights the bank's confidence in Panama but also showcases ISA Vías’ robust business model, which continues to drive our goal of becoming a leader in road infrastructure across Latin America."
Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking stands out in the realm of global finance, offering a range of services including advisory, investment banking, financing, and capital market services to diverse corporate audiences and financial institutions. With presence in about 30 countries, Natixis CIB assists its clientele in strategic developments that maximize positive impacts while committing to a path of carbon neutrality by 2050.
As part of Groupe BPCE, one of France's largest banking groups, Natixis CIB enjoys robust financial strengths and ratings, further solidifying its position in facilitating major projects that align public infrastructure with innovative financing solutions. This project financed by Natixis CIB in Panama not only represents a pivotal infrastructural upgrade but also acts as a beacon for future developments leveraging public-private partnerships in the nation and beyond.
The financing secured by Natixis CIB will directly support the Panamericana del Este road project, which is essential for the rehabilitation and repaving of an approximately 246-kilometer corridor that connects the eastern outskirts of Panama City to the Darien province, located near the Colombian border. By bridging this geographic gap, the initiative promises not only to enhance transport efficiency but also to symbolize an enduring commitment to social transportation goals in the region, which is at the heart of Natixis CIB’s mission.
Aitor Alava, the Head of Infrastructure and Energy Finance Latin America at Natixis CIB, expressed pride in supporting this innovative project. He stated, "We are honored to support ISA, ISA Vías, and the Ruta del Este project as it represents a significant milestone as the first-ever PPP concession in Panama. At Natixis CIB, we are dedicated to partnering with our clients in their efforts to expand into new markets, showcasing our underwriting capabilities in this pioneering financing."
The Panamericana del Este is not just a road; it is the lifeline for various communities. It serves as a primary road link that facilitates movement between Panama City and the Guna Yala communities along the coast, as well as the expansive Darien region bordering Colombia. One of the most promising aspects of the project is its potential to enhance access for agricultural producers to demand centers, which is anticipated to significantly improve local economies.
Construction of the project is projected to foster the creation of approximately 1,500 direct jobs, boosting employment opportunities during the road’s development phase. Furthermore, travel time on this crucial highway is expected to be reduced by about 1.5 hours, which will greatly benefit commuters and businesses alike.
ISA Vías, the concessionaire company formed by ISA (Interconexión Eléctrica S.A.) and previously known as Intervial Chile S.A., has established itself as one of the largest players in road concessions throughout Latin America. The substantial financial backing from Natixis CIB not only indicates a solid belief in the project but also highlights the robust business model of ISA Vías as it strives to become a leader in the region’s road infrastructure.
Andres Contreras, the Chief Executive Officer of ISA Vías, commented on the financing, stating, "This operation not only highlights the bank's confidence in Panama but also showcases ISA Vías’ robust business model, which continues to drive our goal of becoming a leader in road infrastructure across Latin America."
Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking stands out in the realm of global finance, offering a range of services including advisory, investment banking, financing, and capital market services to diverse corporate audiences and financial institutions. With presence in about 30 countries, Natixis CIB assists its clientele in strategic developments that maximize positive impacts while committing to a path of carbon neutrality by 2050.
As part of Groupe BPCE, one of France's largest banking groups, Natixis CIB enjoys robust financial strengths and ratings, further solidifying its position in facilitating major projects that align public infrastructure with innovative financing solutions. This project financed by Natixis CIB in Panama not only represents a pivotal infrastructural upgrade but also acts as a beacon for future developments leveraging public-private partnerships in the nation and beyond.
Topics Business Technology）
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