Costa Rica has temporarily suspended the signing of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership after Planning Minister Laura Fernández called for wider consultations with domestic industries. The government will assess the agreement’s potential effects on agriculture and manufacturing before moving forward.
Costa Rica’s Congress Gives Preliminary Approval to 12-Hour Workday Reform
Costa Rican lawmakers have approved legislation in an initial vote allowing four-day working weeks with 12-hour shifts. Business groups support the proposed reform as a way to attract multinational investment and improve competitiveness, particularly in medical device production and technology manufacturing.
Costa Rica Closes Key Caribbean Freight Route After Heavy Rain Triggers Landslides
Heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Wave 50 has triggered landslides along Costa Rica’s Route 32, forcing the closure of the main freight corridor between the Central Valley and the Caribbean port of Limón. The disruption is affecting cargo movements and international export operations.
Costa Rica Heightens Earthquake Monitoring as Aftershocks Continue in Panama
Costa Rican emergency authorities are maintaining heightened surveillance following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in neighbouring Panama. Continued seismic activity has raised concerns about infrastructure safety near the southern border and prompted coordination between the two countries.
Costa Rican Authorities Arrest 31 Suspects in Major Organised Crime Operation
Costa Rica’s Attorney General’s Office confirmed the arrest of 31 people linked to the Portus criminal organisation following a coordinated investigation. The operation targets suspected drug trafficking and money laundering networks operating through important national logistics centres.
Costa Rican Lawmakers Advance Bill to Abolish Ministry of Governance and Police
Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly has advanced legislation to eliminate the Ministry of Governance and Police as part of a broader restructuring of government institutions. The proposal would transfer migration and public safety responsibilities to other agencies while aiming to reduce administrative costs.
Costa Rica Proposes Stronger Data Protection Laws Following Cyberattacks on Public Institutions
A multiparty group of Costa Rican lawmakers has introduced legislation to strengthen digital privacy protections and cybersecurity requirements for government institutions. The proposal responds to repeated ransomware attacks and seeks to improve the security of public information systems.
Costa Rica’s Teachers’ Pension Board Warns Proposed 2027 Budget Cuts Could Threaten Contributions
Costa Rica’s teachers’ pension board, Jupema, has warned that proposed reductions to the Ministry of Public Education’s 2027 budget could affect government pension contributions. The organisation says the cuts risk placing additional financial pressure on the retirement system supporting public educators.
Costa Rica Approves $3 Million Emergency Funding to Sustain Red Cross Services
The Costa Rican government has authorised an emergency transfer of approximately 1.5 billion colones, equivalent to about $3 million, to the national Red Cross. The funding is intended to maintain ambulance and pre-hospital emergency services as regional branches face mounting financial and operational difficulties.
Health Authorities Warn of Increased Measles Risk During Major Gatherings in Central America
The Pan American Health Organization has urged Costa Rica and other Central American countries to strengthen measles vaccination programmes and disease surveillance ahead of major religious and cultural gatherings. Health officials warn that large crowds could increase transmission risks and the likelihood of outbreaks.
Costa Rica’s Pharmaceutical Federation Calls for Urgent Action on Breast Cancer Screening Delays
The pharmaceutical federation Fedefarma has urged Costa Rican health authorities to address administrative delays affecting mammogram readings in the public healthcare system. The organisation says faster diagnostic procedures are essential for early breast cancer detection and improving patients’ chances of survival.
Costa Rican Opposition Proposes Removing Legal Immunity for Officials Accused of Sexual Offences
Lawmakers from Costa Rica’s National Liberation Party have introduced a constitutional amendment that would remove legal immunity protections from senior public officials facing allegations of sexual abuse or harassment. The proposal seeks to strengthen accountability for political officeholders.
Belgian Business Delegation Visits Costa Rica to Explore Investment Opportunities
Representatives from 13 Belgian companies have begun a trade mission to Costa Rica to assess potential investments in renewable energy, logistics and digital services. The visit reflects growing interest in commercial partnerships between European businesses and the Central American economy.
Costa Rican Lawmakers Propose Municipal Tax Amnesty to Help Businesses and Local Governments
A bill under consideration in Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly would allow municipalities to temporarily waive accumulated tax interest and penalties. Supporters say the measure could help struggling small businesses settle outstanding obligations while improving revenue collection for local governments.
Mexico Deploys 22,000 Security Personnel as Category 4 Hurricane Simon Approaches
Mexico has mobilised 22,000 security personnel as Category 4 Hurricane Simon approaches its Pacific coast. Although Central America is not expected to face a direct impact, the powerful storm has renewed concerns about extreme weather risks and emergency preparedness along the wider Pacific region.
Wyndham Announces New Hotel Development in Costa Rica’s Grecia Technology Corridor
Wyndham Hotels has confirmed plans to build a hotel in Grecia, Costa Rica, targeting growing demand from business travellers. The project is linked to the expansion of free trade zones and technology parks in the western Central Valley, where industrial development is creating new hospitality opportunities.
Transnica Restarts Direct Bus Services Between Costa Rica and Nicaragua
International bus operator Transnica has resumed scheduled passenger services connecting San José and Managua, restoring a direct overland transport option between Costa Rica and Nicaragua. The routes are expected to support cross-border travel, commercial activity and mobility between the neighbouring countries.
Costa Rican Scientists Resume Fish Larvae Research to Protect Coastal Ecosystems
Marine researchers in Costa Rica have restarted studies of fish larvae populations along the country’s coastlines to improve understanding of marine biodiversity. The programme aims to support conservation efforts and the long-term sustainability of commercial fishing and coastal tourism.
Costa Rica’s State Electricity Utility Recognises 14 Companies for Energy Efficiency Projects
The Costa Rican Electricity Institute has honoured 14 private companies for initiatives involving electrification and more efficient electricity use. The awards highlight cooperation between the public and private sectors to improve energy performance in a country that relies heavily on renewable power generation.
Costa Rica Qualifies Three Gymnasts for World Championships in Rotterdam
Costa Rica’s national gymnastics federation has confirmed that three athletes will compete at the upcoming World Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands, following strong regional performances. Their qualification reflects the country’s growing participation in international competitive gymnastics.