Costa Rica's Legislative Assembly has ratified the country's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, opening the way for lower trade barriers on agricultural and technology exports and closer commercial ties with major Asian economies.
Costa Rica and US Seize Major Drug Shipment at Caribbean Port of Moín
Costa Rican security forces, working with US intelligence agencies, intercepted a large shipment of narcotics concealed in agricultural exports at the port of Moín in Limón province. The operation forms part of a wider effort to disrupt organised crime networks operating through Central American trade routes.
Costa Rica Secures Major Debt-for-Nature Agreement to Protect Marine Ecosystems
Costa Rica has finalised a debt restructuring agreement with the Inter-American Development Bank covering hundreds of millions of dollars in sovereign obligations. Savings from the deal will fund marine conservation around Cocos Island and measures to protect coastal communities from rising sea levels.
Costa Rica and Panama Launch Joint Border Plan to Manage Migrant Flows
Authorities in Costa Rica and Panama have introduced a coordinated border management framework to support the movement of thousands of migrants travelling north from the Darién Gap. The agreement aims to improve humanitarian transit arrangements while easing pressure on communities along Costa Rica's southern border.
Costa Rica Reports 300 Consecutive Days of Electricity Generated Entirely from Renewables
Costa Rica's national electricity institute says the country's power grid has operated for 300 consecutive days using only hydroelectric, geothermal, wind and solar power, strengthening its appeal to international businesses seeking lower-carbon operations.
Costa Rica Secures $400 Million Investment in Semiconductor and AI Facilities
Costa Rica's Ministry of Foreign Trade and international technology companies have confirmed a $400 million investment to expand semiconductor testing and artificial intelligence research facilities in Heredia and Alajuela, adding to the country's growing advanced technology sector.
Costa Rica Intervenes in Currency Markets as Strong Colón Hurts Exporters and Tourism
Costa Rica's central bank has intervened in foreign exchange markets to manage the colón's appreciation against the US dollar, responding to concerns from tourism businesses and agricultural exporters that the stronger currency is reducing their competitiveness.
Costa Rica Advances Anti-Money Laundering Reforms to Strengthen Financial Oversight
Lawmakers in Costa Rica have advanced legislation expanding the investigative powers of courts and financial regulators to trace illicit funds and combat organised crime. The proposed changes aim to strengthen financial transparency and address growing concerns about cross-border money laundering.
Costa Rica and Nicaragua Face Diplomatic Tensions Over Border Incursions
Costa Rica has lodged a formal diplomatic protest with Nicaragua following reported incursions by Nicaraguan security forces. San José also reaffirmed its commitment to providing asylum protections for political dissidents and journalists fleeing persecution in Nicaragua.
Costa Rica Launches Emergency Dengue Prevention Campaign as Infections Rise
Costa Rica's health ministry has deployed mosquito-control teams and launched public awareness campaigns across several provinces in response to a sharp rise in dengue cases. Authorities have linked the outbreak to prolonged rainy seasons, higher temperatures and changing regional weather patterns.
Medical Devices Extend Lead as Costa Rica's Largest Export Category
Costa Rica's investment promotion agency says medical devices have strengthened their position as the country's leading export category, supported by continued foreign investment in specialised manufacturing and research facilities across the Greater Metropolitan Area.
Panama Canal Restrictions Force Costa Rican Exporters to Adjust Shipping Routes
Shipping operators serving Costa Rica have revised freight schedules and introduced alternative routes in response to Panama Canal capacity restrictions linked to drought conditions. The changes are raising transport costs for agricultural and manufacturing exporters across Central America.
Costa Rica Secures Financing to Advance Electric Rail Network Around San José
Costa Rican transport authorities have obtained financing from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration to resume construction of an electric passenger rail network linking Cartago, San José, Heredia and Alajuela. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion and transport-related emissions.
Costa Rica Leads International Push for Moratorium on Deep-Sea Mining
Costa Rican diplomats have rallied Latin American and European countries at the International Seabed Authority in Jamaica to demand a halt to commercial deep-sea mining in international waters, citing concerns over potentially irreversible damage to marine biodiversity.
Costa Rica Attracts $50 Million in Investment for Fintech and Agricultural Technology Startups
Regional investment funds have committed a combined $50 million to early-stage companies in Costa Rica developing digital payments, blockchain-based remittance services and precision agriculture software, reflecting growing investor interest in the country's technology sector.
Costa Rican Coffee and Cocoa Producers Secure Compliance With EU Deforestation Rules
Agricultural cooperatives in Costa Rica have certified their coffee and cocoa supply chains under European Union anti-deforestation requirements, positioning exporters to maintain access to European markets and compete more effectively with regional producers.
Costa Rica Reports 40% Rise in Remote Workers as Coastal Communities Attract Digital Nomads
Costa Rica's tourism board says the number of international remote workers establishing long-term residences has risen 40% from a year earlier. Coastal destinations including Santa Teresa, Nosara and Puerto Viejo are benefiting economically, although the growth is raising concerns about housing affordability and local infrastructure.
Airlines Expand Direct Flights to Costa Rica Ahead of Peak Tourism Season
European and North American airlines have announced additional direct services to airports serving San José and Guanacaste, preparing for an expected increase in international visitors during Costa Rica's upcoming peak tourism season.
Regional Trade Dispute Between Honduras and El Salvador Raises Concerns in Costa Rica
Costa Rican trade negotiators and business groups have warned that rising tariff tensions between Honduras and El Salvador could disrupt Central American supply chains and push up consumer prices across the region.
University of Costa Rica Opens AI and Climate Research Institute With International Technology Partners
The University of Costa Rica has established a research institute with international technology companies to use artificial intelligence and advanced computing for climate forecasting, with a focus on improving agricultural planning and infrastructure resilience across Central America.