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The Panama Maritime Authority has agreed to pay a $195K monthly fee to Trump-tied Checkmate Government Relations to facilitate outreach to US officials and decision makers.
It is responsible for overseeing Panama's extensive shipping registry and ports.
Blackrock in March announced a $23B deal to acquire the Panama Canal ports of Balboa and Cristobal and dozens of other across the world from Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison.
The PMA is reviewing that transaction.
Checkmate managing partner Ches McDowell, a good friend of Donald Trump, Jr., handles PMA with partners Fritz Vaughan and Ryan O’Dwyer. The firm’s six-month contract began May 1.
President Trump has vowed to “take back” the canal, which handles 40 percent of US container traffic, that he claims "we foolishly gave away."
The Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq, which has been hit hard by the US/Iran war, has retained Continental Strategy to promote its interests among US policymakers, business leaders and key decision-makers.
Qorvis has signed a $35K per-month agreement to provide strategic communications to Morocco to further its effort to enhance its relationship with the US.
Ontario has retained Capitol Counsel to support its interests related to the free trade agreement between Canada, Mexico and the US. 
Mercury Public Affairs has agreed to perform PR, communications and government relations services for the 
Manchester Trade is working to promote US investment in the minerals-rich Democratic Republic of the Congo.
