Nicaragua Reforms Law Governing State Foreign Trade Company (ENIMEX)

By Guy José Bendaña-Guerrero & Asociados

On June 18, 2026, Nicaragua's National Assembly (the country's unicameral parliament) approved a reform to Law No. 981, the law that created the Nicaraguan Import and Export Company, known by its Spanish acronym ENIMEX. The measure was approved with 91 votes and will take effect once published in La Gaceta, Nicaragua's official government gazette.

ENIMEX is a state-owned commercial enterprise responsible for handling public-sector imports and exports. According to the reform's explanatory statement, submitted to parliament by the country's co-presidents, the changes are intended to strengthen the government's capacity to participate in foreign trade, promote national exports, and facilitate the import of goods considered strategic for economic development. Lawmaker Wifredo Navarro, who read the explanatory statement during the legislative session, said the reform responds to an ongoing administrative reorganization of the state and is based on principles of institutional efficiency and more rational use of public spending.

Under the reform, ENIMEX will continue operating as a public company with its own legal personality, functional and financial autonomy, and indefinite duration, serving as the direct successor to the former Nicaraguan Import Company (ENIMPORT). Oversight of the company shifts to the Ministry of Development, Industry and Trade (known by its Spanish acronym MIFIC), replacing the previous arrangement under the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit.

The reform also changes the composition of ENIMEX's board of directors. Under the 2018 law, the board consisted of five members appointed by the president in consultation with private-sector representatives, including agricultural, cooperative, and small-business associations. Under the new structure, the board is reduced to three members: the Presidential Advisor for Investment, Trade and International Cooperation (or a designated representative), who presides over the board; the president of the Central Bank of Nicaragua; and the head of MIFIC. The reform also extends the required frequency of board meetings from every two months to every three months, and repeals two articles of the original law that had set specific eligibility requirements and conflict-of-interest restrictions for board members.

For readers unfamiliar with Nicaragua's political structure: the country has been governed since 2007 by President Daniel Ortega, with his wife, Rosario Murillo, serving as co-president since 2025. Legislative initiatives originating from the executive branch are generally approved by the National Assembly without significant modification, reflecting the ruling party's majority in that body.