Maart 2008: Nieuwsflits Costa Rica
From Handelswijzer Midden-Amerika van de Koninklijke Nederlandse Ambassade te Costa Rica
IFAM proposes nationwide, obligatory recycling law
Costa Rican municipal development and evaluation institute IFAM is proposing a law to implement obligatory, on-site separation of solid waste throughout the country. The new legislation is scheduled to be discussed by the cabinet council in April. "We hope the legislative assembly can discuss and approve the project by the last quarter of 2008, so it can go into force in early 2009," IFAM chairman Fabio Molina said. The cost of implementing the law is budgeted at US$6.03mn and includes environmental programs to be developed by municipalities and communication campaigns, among other initiatives. "The bottom line is, there is no recycling without direct, on-site separation of waste at homes, companies, commercial establishments, tourist complexes, etc," he said, adding: "This will be mandatory by law. Civic and corporate responsibility play a big role in this and it is not subject to voluntary compliance." This new law presents opportunities for Dutch companies in the field of biogas and recycling of products such as paper, cardboard and glass, among others.
Costa Rica obtains seven month CAFTA extension
(Source: Reuters) Costa Rica has won a seven-month extension from its U.S. and regional trading partners to pass laws required for its entry into the CAFTA free trade pact, President Oscar Arias said. Costa Rica was about to miss a deadline to pass a dozen laws needed for it to implement the U.S.-Central American Free Trade Agreement. It now has until October 1 to comply. Only half the necessary legislation has passed a first hearing in Costa Rica's Congress, held up by the Citizen's Action Party, or PAC, but Arias said opposition parties had now agreed to try and get the required laws passed in 90 days. A clause requiring the country's state-run telecommunications industry and its insurance business to open to foreign competition has proved particularly difficult.
Costa Rica is the safest country in Latin America for business executives and multinationals
Costa Rica, Chile and Uruguay are the safest countries in Latin America, while Haiti remains the most dangerous country when it comes to security for business executives and multinationals, according to the latest Latin Security Index developed by FTI Consulting Ibero America. Last year, Chile was first, which shows Costa Rica has improved. The Vice-President of Costa Rica Laura Chinchilla pointed out that this is a very positive signal for anyone planning to invest here.
Costa Rica second best tourist destination
Costa Rica is the second best tourist destination in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to a survey by the World Economic Forum (WEF), which evaluated 130 nations. The Central American nation is 44th globally, but in the region it is surpassed only by Barbados, which places 29th. The WEF pointed out Costa Rica’s natural features, the large area protected, and its outstanding biodiversity among its top assets.
New security law send to Congress
A new set of laws seeking to reinforce the security of Costa Rica’s residents was submitted to the Legislative Assembly on March 11th. The proposed project was created and is backed by a high level committee from the Executive and Judicial branches of the government. The proposed plan covers multiple topics, among them fighting organized crime, protecting victims and witnesses of crimes, regulating gun ownership and strengthening municipal and neighbourhood security.
Costa Rica reaches agreement with the US regarding online gambling
The United States and Costa Rica have come to a settlement agreement in regards to the United States pulling out of its World Trade Organization agreement involving online gambling. As compensation for not allowing online gambling companies based in Costa Rica access to U.S. customers, the United States has offered Costa Rica greater access to other service markets, including research and development, storage, technical testing and analysis.
