VOICED : Reanudan ampliacion del Canal de Panama

The consortium responsible for expanding the Panama Canal will resume work after a two-week halt. This decision follows negotiations led by Jorge Quijano, the canal's administrator. The consortium, led by a Spanish company, will continue work while an interim agreement is developed. As a sign of progress, $36.8 million will be sent to the group once work resumes. The dispute began in December over $1.6 billion in cost overruns, 50% more than the original contract for constructing a third set of locks. This delay has postponed the project's completion, impacting Panama's economy, as the canal accounts for 10% of the country's fiscal revenue and handles 5% of global trade.

What event led to the resumption of work on the Panama Canal expansion?

• A new contract was signed.

• The completion of the third set of locks.

• The consortium received additional funding.

• Discussions between the canal administrator and the consortium.

What is the purpose of the interim agreement mentioned in the transcript?

• To finalize the expansion project.

• To increase the budget for the project.

• To allow work to continue while negotiations proceed.

• To resolve the dispute over cost overruns.

How much money will the canal authority send to the consortium as a sign of progress?

• $100 million

• $1.6 billion

• $36.8 million

• $50 million

What is the claimed amount of cost overruns by the construction companies?

• $800 million

• $500 million

• $1.6 billion

• $2 billion

What percentage of the world's trade passes through the Panama Canal?

• 10%

• 20%

• 15%

• 5%