Canada-Nicaragua Relations

Fact Sheet: General country information, political and economic data.

Beginning of Diplomatic Relations

Canada and the Republic of Nicaragua established diplomatic relations in 1961. Relations are good. The Canadian Embassy in Costa Rica is responsible for managing Canada's general relations, and its trade and consular programs in Nicaragua, and it maintains an Office of the Canadian Embassy in Managua, Nicaragua.

Key Issues

• Development Assistance:
  Nicaragua is one of the largest recipients of Canadian official development assistance in Central America. CIDA's current bilateral program in Nicaragua is concentrated on helping reduce poverty, supporting economic revitalization and providing for basic human needs.

  Canada is currently chairing the Mesa Global, the highest forum of consultation, dialogue, harmonization and coordination between the donor community and the high ranking officials of the government of Nicaragua.

• Free Trade:
  Canada is negotiating a free trade agreement with Nicaragua and three other countries in Central America: El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. Parallel agreements on labour and environment are also being pursued.

Trade and Investment

International Trade Canada is responsible for positioning Canada as a world business leader and for promoting Canada as a dynamic place to do business. Visit the International Trade Canada web site for information about services for Canadian companies, non-Canadian companies, business development, and information relating to investment or trade policy.

Indigenous Relations

Learn more about the Aboriginal dimension of Canada's relations with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Development Assistance

CIDA supports projects in the Americas and around the world that are eligible for Canadian aid through development cooperation initiatives.

April 2005