Costa Rica News - May 21, 2006

Costa Rica Government Wants FTA

Despite the opposition of numerous national organizations, Costa Rican Foreign Trade Minister Marco Ruiz reiterated Friday he is willing to approve the free trade agreement with the US.

Those opposing the deal said the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) or Tratado Libre de Comercio (TLC) as it known locally, will destroy national sovereignty; privatize health, communications, electricity, water and internet services and further impoverish farmers, as well as small and medium producers.

>> Read here

Tough Negotiations With EU

According to the Costa Rican minister of Foreign Affairs, a FTA with the European Union would mean a historic opportunity to Costa Rica.

But the country will have to make a very serious and tough proposition, because smaller parties generally get swallowed up by others superior in size.

Therefore, Costa Rica would have to be tough in eventual negotiations, as the EU strongly protects its agriculture with subsidies.

The imports of cheap European agricultural products could be seen as a threat for domestic producers. That a FTA would result in more favourable conditions for banana exports, is not a guarantee of course.

Costa Rica:
A New Destination For Medical Care
By Melissa Francis, MSNBC.com

Imagine a place where you receive the best care in the world from some of the best doctors in the world, while having access to some of the latest medical technology. It’s a short plane ride from the U.S. and it’s about half the cost.

Look no further than Costa Rica. Here, doctors limit themselves to the number of patients they can handle at one time, making the patient feel special.

“I have all sorts of American physicians visiting us and seeing patients getting care here. . .the patients enjoy it and that’s what they want,” said Dr. Eduardo Huertas, a neurosurgeon at CIMA hospital here.

Doctors in Costa Rica perform many of the same procedures that are done in the United States, everything from back surgery to face-lifts. Insurance companies with international coverage will honor many of the surgeries, making it even more appealing for those ready to go under the knife.

"Between 75 to 85 percent of my patients are American - either retired or coming here looking for the same quality with better price," said Dr. Huertas. >> Read here / Also visit: Costa Rica Unique Tours

Brazilian Businesses Interested In Expanding Costa Rican Market

Within two weeks, some 50 Brazilian businessmen are expected to visit Costa Rica on a mission to explore the possibility of expanding commercial activities in the country. On May 30, the Brazilians are expected to meet with private industry leaders that will be part of a seven day tour across Central America.

The Cámara de Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica y de Representantes de Casas Extranjeras (Crecex) is the board made of private businesses that will help Brazilian and Costa Rican businesses come together.

According to Olga Rodríguez, executive director of Crecex, this is an important time for Costa Rican businesses in the face of globalization and the country (Costa Rica) opening up to competition and more markets for their products. "As a board we have been visionaries and consider the Brazilian market will open great opportunities for Costa Ricans", added Rodríguez. >> Read here

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Puerto Azul Resort and Marina