Macroeconomic development in the country
The start of 2021 was rather slow for many entrepreneurs, but since the November elections uncharacteristically brought little economic slowdown, the year was less dire than might have been expected. Nevertheless, thousands of Nicaraguans left the country disillusioned after the elections where many opponents were jailed. Nicaragua is completely oriented politically towards China, Iran, Cuba and Venezuela and accordingly faces more and more problems and sanctions from the USA and the EU. Currently, this actually affects the sanctioned individuals more than the economy. The consequences of the increasing tax burden as well as more rigorous fines and the effects of the 2018 unrest are somewhat affecting the economy in 2021. But the free zones, for example, have had record high employment numbers, probably because there have been no corona lockdowns in Nicaragua so far, making production relatively safe. During the second corona wave in August, life was far more normal than in 2020, with the population realizing that life must go on if they want food on their plates. Economic development is ambivalent; on the one hand, there are many job losses and struggling companies, while in other areas the economy is doing quite well. 2022 should be a somewhat better year due to the knowledge that everything will remain the same and life will go on if you focus on the economic aspects of life rather than the political ones.
BPN activities on site
All seminars could be held on site (with 1 exception), the number of participants met the targets despite the reduced capacity. The topics, speakers and logistics were well received and the ratings were almost 100% in the very good or good range. Due to economic and political uncertainty, entrepreneurs were somewhat more reluctant to plan, which also resulted in the number of selections for program participants being 23, below the targeted 30. In these times, the entrepreneurs particularly appreciate the motivational aspects of the events in the Entrepreneurs' Association, which they receive from each other and from speakers.
