In recent years the government has liberalized the foreign trade regime, sharply reduced tariffs, and eliminated most non-tariff barriers and foreign exchange controls. The Aleman government is firmly committed to taking further market-opening measures. The National Assembly also enacted further legislation implementing the consumer protection law. The U.S. remains Nicaragua's largest trading partner by far. These figures have risen steadily in recent years and are expected to continue to do so.
Nicaraguan consumers maintain a decided bias in favor of American products and U.S.-style services.
Emblematic of this preference were the openings over the last year of several McDonald s and a TGI Friday s. Best investment opportunities exist in export-oriented manufacturing, tourism, mining, and agriculture. There may also be opportunities in road building, water system construction, and electricity generation. The enforcement of judicial rulings is often uncertain. The rules of the game are sometimes changed by sudden government decree or political considerations that can significantly disrupt business planning.