Costa Rica is the #1 exporter of medical devices

The 7% growth in exports of goods in the cumulative January – August 2024 is not the only reference to the good export performance of Costa Rica.

According to information from Trade Map – database of the International Trade Center (ITC) – Costa Rica is among the first positions in the exports of several products, mainly from the agricultural sector.

Trade Map indicates that Costa Rica is the 1st exporter of pineapple in the world and the 1st supplier of this product in the European Union, in addition, it is the 1st exporter of pineapple juice globally. Likewise, the country is ranked 2nd as a banana exporter in the world and is the 1st supplier of yuca (cassava) for the European Union and the 4th for the United States.

In addition to the already known export trajectory in the agricultural sector, Costa Rica has also positioned itself in the advanced manufacturing industry and this experience continues to open markets for it, this is the case of the life sciences sector.

Currently, Costa Rica is the 1st per capita exporter of medical devices in America.

“The export sector of goods and services represents 37% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Costa Rica and employs more than 600,000 people. These compelling data are a reflection of the success of this model in our country and the engine of development that it has become over the decades,” said Laura López, General Manager of the Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER).

Other positions that our products enjoy are: 2nd exporter of fresh lilies and 2nd exporter of palmito (palm hearts) to the United States, as well as the 3rd export performance of the member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and 2nd in Latin America.

Currently, the export sector of Costa Rica is made up of 2,400 companies exporting goods, which send their products to 168 destinations with 4,400 products.

What are the opportunities for improvement in the habits of debtors in Costa Rica?

QCOSTARICA — On different occasions, experts have mentioned the need for financial education in the Costa Rican population. From implementing and respecting budgets to having a conscious control of expenses, these are part of the habits that need to be improved.

This has an impact on the way debtors behave in the country and in the same way, experts have managed to identify opportunities for improvement for those who request loans from national financial institutions.

Ana Laura Bolaños, financial expert at Instacredit, explains that “Ticos lack conscious money management, this is essential to improve the health of our personal economy, for example, from the collection process we see how many process their loan but are not aware that they must pay it on time, as they do with other items such as public services.”

“This may be due to the fact that, contrary to the financing provided by the entities, the lack of timely payment of electricity or telephone bills entails an almost immediate consequence, which is the suspension of the service, while with loans the implications are seen more in the medium term, starting with the accumulation of interest,” Bolaños expands.

Thus, the following opportunities for improvement for Costa Rican debtors can be listed:

• Make the decision consciously and responsibly: On many occasions, Costa Ricans do not take enough time to review their monthly budget, which will be what guarantees whether there is a real need to request the loan and above all, whether current income covers the monthly payment of the installment. Otherwise, it can become more of an impulsive decision and attract negative consequences in the short and medium term.
• Carefully review the loan processing documents and make sure you understand all the terms: Collection experts have encountered cases in which financial users are not familiar with basic aspects such as the payment of current interest or sign the processing documents without understanding all the terms and conditions included. It is important that people take the time to read carefully and clear up any doubts, as each detail included is decisive in the entire process.
• In case of delay, answer calls or other forms of communication from the entities: There is a perception that financial entities become enemies of clients. However, if there are fees to be paid, creditors can offer payment arrangements and solutions to normalize accounts. The faster you answer the call or the different means of communication, the more attempts to contact people to reach an agreement will be avoided. It is worth remembering that each entity has different ways to make payment reminders.
• Understanding the implications of late payments: All financial institutions establish different late payment charges (in accordance with the law), but in general, in addition to current interest, late payment interest and administrative fees for debt management must be considered. This, together with the late payment or payments, adds up to a significant amount of money, significantly greater than the original debt. Those who do not reach any payment arrangement are exposed to legal proceedings or seizures. Likewise, their credit history is tarnished, closing doors to future financial tools.
• Ensuring that the payment was correctly recorded: Currently, there are a large number of channels for making payments, however, not all of them record the transaction immediately. For this reason, it is important to report the cancellation or send the receipt through the means established by each entity. Ensuring that the payment was made correctly is part of the commitments acquired when requesting a loan.

At the same time, experts call for people to stay alert to content on social media, where through videos and posts, they are suggested to stop paying loans, wait for the debts to expire or look for legal shortcuts to evade their financial responsibilities.

According to information compiled by Instacredit, September and October are precisely the months in which the highest number of defaults are reported.

If someone is having trouble making their payments, it is recommended that they approach their financial institution and explain their situation. In most cases, there are renegotiation options that will allow them to adjust their payments to a changing economic reality.

Mandatory insurance increases for Marchamo 2025

QCOSTARICA — Owners of vehicles that require the circulation permit or Marchamo for 2025 will pay a higher rate for the Seguro Obligatorio Automotor (SOA) – mandatory insurance – for 2025.

The increase, according to the national insurer, the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS), is due to the increase in accidents this year.

This policy represents 25% of the final value of the Marchamo.

The adjustment was requested by the INS and approved by the General Superintendence of Insurance (Sugese).

Passenger vehicles will pay 3.12% more, as the rate will go from ¢25,031 for the 2024 registration fee, to ¢25,812 in 2025. The rate is one for all vehicles irrespective of their value.

Owners of motorcycles will have to pay 5.47% more, going from ¢89,606 to ¢94,509, in the same period.

For light cargo vehicles (red license plates with CL) such as pickup trucks, the premium growth will be 8.96%, while for special equipment, 6.4%. Other types of vehicles such as buses (0.62%) and taxis (0.55%) will also see an increase, although to a lesser extent.

A greater number of traffic accidents, more injuries and deaths on the road motivate this increase in the SOA for the 2025 vehicle registration.

Road deaths due to traffic accidents went from 833 in 2022 to 922 in 2023 (this is the year used as a guide to calculate the SOA for 2025).

The number of injuries on motorcycles reached 23,583 in 2023, while a year earlier it had been 20,483. Meanwhile, in the case of light vehicles, the number of injuries went from 8,225 to 9,412.

Almost half of the accidents in the last year have been involving motorcyclists. The total number of injured people rose from 35,776 to 40,439, according to data shared on Tuesday by Sugese.

“The number of injured people is on the rise and seems unstoppable,” said Tomás Soley, insurance superintendent, in a press conference.

“The rates show an increase due to a higher number of accidents resulting in damage to the vehicles and personal injuries, which increased by 15.5% compared to 2022 and exceeded the total number of cases presented in 2019 (pre-pandemic period). This confirms that respect for traffic regulations, patience and prudence when driving are critical factors to reduce these numbers and avoid road deaths,” said Tomás Soley, insurance superintendent.

The official collection of the 2025 Marchamo will begin on November 1 and will extend until December 31.

Starting January 1, drivers behind the wheel of a vehicle that does not have the 2025 Marchamo are exposed to fines on the road.

Unlike in the years past, when the collection of the Marchamo meant long lines and payment only at authorized INS offices, unlike now that it can be paid at any financial institution and INS offices, there is no grace period.

It must be noted that to receive the 2025 Marchamo sticker, the vehicle has to have its vehicular inspection current. That is to say, owners of vehicles without the vehicular inspection, to avoid late fees and interest, can pay the 2025 Marchamo at any INS office but will not receive the circulation sticker and be subject to fines if found circulating.

Santa Ana residents and government clash: preserve the environmental legacy or build a mega Water Park?

The future of the land donated by Lorne Ross and Agnes May in February 1975, intended for environmental conservation in Santa Ana, is in the eye of the storm.

On the one hand, the neighbors and relatives of the donor, supported by the Partido Liberal Progresista (PLP), seek to preserve the land in its natural state, maintaining its environmental value intact, while the pro-government legislator Pilar Cisneros proposes the construction of a recreational water park that would generate employment in the canton.

The controversy has reached Cuesta de Moras (Legislative Assembly), where an initiative promoted by Catalina Obregón, former Santa Ana councilor and representative of some Santa Ana neighbors, is being discussed so that the administration of these lands be transferred to the Municipality through a bill.

However, Cisneros is opposed to this and points out that the land is owned by the Ministry of Environment and Energy (Minae) and could be used to build a recreation center.

“The water park would be a tribute to the vital liquid, promoting its respect and appreciation. The benefits would be enormous for the canton of Santa Ana in terms of employment,” said the legislator.

The land (the big empty lot east of PriceSmart) is comprised of 52 hectares (128 acres), crossed by National Route 27, which were donated to the State by Lorne Ross so that, after his death, they would be used for environmental conservation.

However, in 1993, the administration was granted to the Fundación Pro Zoológicos (Fundazoo), who managed the area for 30 years. Currently, the agreement has ended and the future of these lands remains uncertain.

The project promoted by the residents has already passed the legislative committee process and could be discussed in the Plenary in the next few days, although its approval is still in doubt, because it received more than 60 motions from the ruling party.

“We do not know in depth what Mrs. Pilar proposes for these lands. What is clear is that the residents want the original purpose of the donation to be maintained: conservation, recreation, and the benefit of the community,” said Obregón.

This story is marked by a series of events:

• 1975: Donation of the land by Lorne Ross and Agnes May
• 1993: The administration was granted to the Fundación Pro Zoológicos (Fundazoo) for 30 years
• 2022: The concession expires and Minae affirms that the contract will not be renewed
• 2024: The bill is presented for the Municipality of Santa Ana to administer it

The property has 227 species of fauna, 11 species in danger of extinction or threatened and 193 species of flora, among them:

• Yellow-naped parrot
• Tuberculous gecko
• Craugastor ranoides frog
• Golden-eyed tree frog
• Boa constrictor
• White-eared finch
• White-fronted parrot
• Double-collared plover
• Orange-billed toucanet
• Two- and three-toed sloths

Divided

The future of the land donated by Lorne Ross and Agnes May to the State in 1975 divides the community’s residents and some deputies.

With the approval of the bill, the Municipality of Santa Ana would allocate in its annual budget the necessary items for the management of the park, based on the principle of sustainability.

In addition, it would be empowered to establish agreements with public or private entities, national or international.

Likewise, the animals in captivity at the Conservation Center would be moved to safe sites, in accordance with current legislation.

Local businessmen are also attentive to the future of the property, concerned about the impact that any project could have on traffic.

“It is difficult to make value judgments at this time, as we do not know in detail what is intended to be done, nor the volume of visitors expected. What is clear is that, if something of great magnitude is developed, traffic will be affected, both in the area and on Route 27, which is already congested at certain times. The State does not have the resources to maintain these lands, and a clear example is what happens with the La Sabana Metropolitan Park, which is managed with difficulties,” said Fernando Peñaranda, a real estate businessman from the Costa Rican Construction Company S.A.

The area not only stands out for its rich biodiversity in flora and fauna, but also for the presence of important aquifers.

A technical report from the Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación de 2023 (National System of Conservation Areas) underlines that the “urban natural park reflects a social fabric that groups community interests and motivations around the site, which reinforces its cultural value for the community.”

For her part, biologist Melissa Rodríguez highlighted that the area is part of a biological corridor that extends from the Cerro de Escazú to the Virilla River.

“In a place like Santa Ana, which is growing rapidly, it is essential to protect this green lung. This site should not become just another ecotourism destination, but a refuge for nature,” she said.

For the fourteenth consecutive year, ULACIT is crowned the best private university in Central America

QCOSTARICA –The Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología (ULACIT) – Latin American University of Science and Technology – has achieved a historic milestone by being crowned, for the fourteenth consecutive year, as the best private university in Central America according to the prestigious QS Latin America University Rankings 2025.

This recognition reaffirms ULACIT’s position as a beacon of academic excellence in the region.

In a close competition that included 437 institutions in Latin America, ULACIT led in crucial areas such as:

• Employability
• Academic preparation of teachers
• Quality of research
• Academic and institutional reputation
• Digital presence

“This recognition is a reflection of the commitment we have maintained at ULACIT to offer quality education. “Their vision of training professionals prepared for global challenges has materialized through an innovative methodology,” said Marianela Núñez, rector of ULACIT.

ULACIT has implemented cutting-edge initiatives that have catapulted its success, such as a robust internationalization strategy, attracting students from around the world and facilitating educational experiences abroad for Costa Ricans.

In addition, its project-based methodology allows for the development of soft, academic and interpersonal interaction skills. And the institution has a cutting-edge employability office that provides essential tools for success in today’s labor market.

ULACIT not only shines in Central America but has also positioned itself among the top 20 universities in the world in employability, according to the QS World University Rankings. This achievement makes it the only private Central American university in this select group of academic elite.

In addition, it has been recognized by the Monitor Empresarial de Reputación Corporativa (MERCO) – Corporate Reputation Business Monitor – as one of the institutions with the best reputation and sustainability strategy; SUMMA magazine has also awarded it multiple recognitions for its business reputation.

The combination of a bold vision, innovative strategies and an unwavering commitment to excellence has consolidated ULACIT as an indisputable benchmark in higher education. Its upward trajectory promises to continue transforming lives and contributing to the development of the region in the years to come.

64 years after inception, San José ring road is finally connected

QCOSTARICA — In 1960 began the discussion on the idea of a ring road, known as a circunvalación, around San Jose.

When the idea was born, the country had an official population of 1.2 million and the exchange rate was ¢6 colones to one US dollar.

“It will be a fast transit route, outside the central area of the city of San José and inside the towns of Tibás, Moravia, Guadalupe, San Pedro, Curridabat, Desamparados, Alajuelita, Escazú and Pavas.

President Rodrigo Chaves pushes aside the roadblock to officially open the completion of the circunvalación, ring road of San José

“And its purpose is to adequately distribute the movement of vehicles in the Metropolitan Area,” says Article 1, section a) declaring the to built road as a public interest.

Due to the lack of resources, including obtaining expropriations, the work on the important road had not yet started. Progress was made in obtaining rights of way, some of which were ceded by the Dent family and others had to be purchased.

Eduardo Jenkins who was in charge of designing the ring road, recalled Rodolfo Méndez Mata, who was the then Minister of Public Works and Transport (MOPT), from 1978 to 1982, moved the project along with the decision to build, at least the section between Hatillo and the San Sebastián intersection with MOPT machinery.

Over the next decade or so, the construction of the circunvalación advanced from San Pedro to Pavas and then stalled again with the 1980s economic crisis in Costa Rica.

“All administrations had enormous limitations in allocating resources to the country’s infrastructure,” Méndez said.

Méndez returned to head the MOPT in the 1998 – 2002 government of Miguel Angel Rodriguez, under the banner of the Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC), to complete the project. However, the project didn’t advance enough for its completion.

Méndez once again returned to the portfolio in the 2018-2022 government of Carlos Alvarado, of the Partido Accion Cuidadana (PAC), during which period the circunvalación project advanced, however, the northern section (between Tibás and Calle Blancos) was left unfinished.

To get the job done this time, four phases were designed that go from La Uruca to the junction with Route 32.

“It had to be divided into 4 sections in order to be able to start section by section,” said Méndez.

“The task of obtaining the rights of way was enormous because among the expropriations that had to be obtained were the slums of the Triángulo de la Solidaridad and it constituted a gigantic problem,” Méndez said.

“There I have to recognize that this would not have been achieved if Mrs. Claudia (Dobles, First Lady 2018-2022) had not intervened, who assumed the coordination of all the government institutions to be able to clear the right of way and be able to have access to the lands occupied by that slum,” he added.

Moving forward, with all the stops out of the way, the inauguration of the Northern section of the circunvalación was scheduled for November 2022.

However, it was not until June 2023, that the four Functional Units were inaugurated by Luis Amador, the then MOPT minister, along with President Rodrigo Chaves.

Important to note that the “functional units” were not the four sections detailed by the previous government. They were:

• Functional Unit I: This work separates traffic from the Uruca Radial and the circunvalación, allowing both to flow directly. It is 600 meters of a four-lane overpass.
• Functional Unit II: From the bridge over the Rivera ravine in León XIII to Colima de Tibás.
• Functional Unit III: It begins in Colima up to the Triángulo de la Solidaridad.
• Functional Unit IV: In this section, people will be able to move towards route 32 or towards San José.

Amador later revealed a Functional Unit V (5), from Tibás to Calle Blancos, that would truly convert the road into a real ring road. The original completion date for the last section was for early 2023, less than a year into the Chaves administration.

However, that reality did not occur until last Friday, October 4, when, 46 years after the start of the work, the road is now complete. Curiously, the works began in October 1978, the same month in which the last section was inaugurated.

In 2022, before leaving office, Méndez said that it was only fair for the Alvarado government to cut the ribbon for the inauguration.

Now, he points out that it does not matter who inaugurates the works, because the satisfaction of the work done is enormous.

“It is an enormous satisfaction that the work is completed, it does not matter who completes it or celebrates it, that is not the important thing, the important thing is putting the works into service, I am fortunate to have had many years in public service, part of which I dedicated to the Ministry of Public Works and therefore, I am used to the fact that one has to finish works of an administration and that others finish works in which one was,” Méndez said.

However, the Partido Accion Ciudadana has a different perspective. On Thursday afternoon, the day before the inauguration, they released a video acknowledging the contributions of the two previous administrations (Luis Guillermo Solis – 2014-2018 and Carlos Alvarado – 2018-2022) in completing the project.

They point out that the current administration was involved only in the 1.5 km viaduct between Route 32 and Guadalupe and that the intersection of Calle Blancos and marginal roads in the area is not yet finished, the PAC video points out.

Mauricio Batalla, the current MOPT acknowledged that the minor and marginal works are missing, “that is, at some points there are no accesses to enter or leave the circunvalación”.

Editor’s note: Currently, the vehicular restrictions of San Jose DO NOT include the northern section of the circulvación. The traffic law has yet to be amended to include the section between La Uruca and Calle Blancos.