BLP’s summary of the most important regional news and opportunities offers an overview of the economic, social, and political landscape of Central America at just a click away.
Costa Rica
ICE begins construction of San Antonio Solar Plant, which will generate 10.3 MW of clean energy for Costa Rica
The Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) has begun construction of the San Antonio Solar Plant in La Uruca, San José, with an investment of $11.5 million. The project will feature 21,300 solar panels across 11 hectares and will contribute 10.3 megawatts of clean energy to the national grid starting in August 2026. It is ICE’s first solar project under its 2024–2040 Electricity Generation Expansion Plan. Read more
Costa Rica consolidates its export growth: medical goods and technological services lead the way in 2025
Costa Rica closed the third quarter of 2025 with 15% growth in goods exports, totaling $16.906 billion, driven by medical and precision devices, which represent 48% of total exports. Agricultural goods and processed foods also contributed significantly. Service exports reached $5.605 billion, led by business, technology, and financial sectors. The country’s innovation-driven model continues to position Costa Rica as a regional benchmark. Read more
Comptroller’s Office authorizes progress on radio and television frequency bidding in Costa Rica
The Comptroller General of the Republic rejected 29 appeals against the bidding terms for AM, FM, and broadcast television frequencies, enabling SUTEL to proceed with the tender process. The decision marks a key step toward modernizing spectrum access and promoting competition in broadcasting. Read more
Costa Rica manages to reduce poverty to 15.2% thanks to the recovery of employment and income
Poverty in Costa Rica declined to 15.2% in 2025, down from 18% the previous year—equivalent to 40,000 fewer households in poverty, according to the National Household Survey (ENAHO). Extreme poverty fell to 3.8% due to increased labor income and social support, though multidimensional poverty remains at 9.9%, particularly in rural areas. Read more
El Salvador
Unión Portuaria presents design for new Acajutla pier with capacity for mega-ships
Unión Portuaria del Pacífico (UPDP) has submitted the design for a new pier at the Port of Acajutla to the Government of El Salvador. The structure will accommodate the world’s largest vessels and triple the terminal’s operating capacity to 1.2 million TEUs. The $659 million project, led by Turkish group Yilport, includes a 510-meter-long, 17.5-meter-deep dock and aims to start construction in mid-2026. Read more
El Salvador surpassed $100 million in new investments and business expansion during the last year
El Salvador attracted over $100 million in new capital and reinvestments between June 2024 and May 2025. Read more
El Salvador will receive $835.8 million from CABEI in 2026 for new projects and key infrastructure
CABEI will allocate $835.8 million to El Salvador in 2026 to support major initiatives. Read more
Security and confidence drive economic growth in El Salvador
Economic growth reached 4.1% in Q2 2025, supported by exports, imports, and remittances. Read more
El Salvador will invest $7.5 million in the renovation of the National School of Agriculture
The project aims to modernize infrastructure and strengthen agricultural innovation. Read more
Guatemala
Guatemala ranks among the most dynamic economies in Latin America
GDP growth is projected at 3.7% for 2025, surpassing the regional average. Read more
Guatemala strengthens sustainable tourism
Tourism growth continues to support economic recovery and employment. Read more
Guatemala promotes artificial intelligence adoption
AI is increasingly used across industries, boosting efficiency and competitiveness. Read more
Honduras
Honduras and Saudi Arabia strengthen investment cooperation
A new agreement promotes joint investment in key sectors. Read more
Coffee exports reduce Honduras’ trade deficit
The deficit declined significantly due to export growth. Read more
Remittances reach record levels in Honduras
Remittances exceeded $9 billion, supporting domestic economic activity. Read more
Nicaragua
Nicaragua boosts Chinese investment through tax incentives
New policies offer extensive exemptions to attract foreign investment. Read more
Nicaragua expands mining concessions
Mining activity continues to grow as a key economic sector. Read more
BLP Insights
Special and transitory law granting facilities for voluntary compliance
El Salvador enacted a tax amnesty law allowing individuals and companies to regularize debts without penalties. Read more
New contribution rates and payroll deduction priorities in Costa Rica
New labor regulations will take effect in January 2026. Read more
BLP advises PROPARCO on sustainable financing
BLP supported a $50 million financing project promoting ESG initiatives. Read more
Events
BLP to Participate in the Compliance Latam Forum 2025 – Santiago, Chile
Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025
Venue: The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago
Our partner Alejandro Rojas will participate as a speaker at this regional event focused on compliance, ethics, and corporate governance.
Economic Index
| Country | Exchange rate (USD) | Basic passive rate | Monetary policy rate | S&P | Moody’s | Fitch | Inflation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica | 505.03 | 3.81% | 3.50% | BB | Ba2 | BB+ | -1.00% |
| El Salvador | 8.75 | 5.19% | N/A | B- | B3 | B- | 0.36% |
| Guatemala | 7.65 | 5.09% | 4.00% | BB+ | Ba1 | BB+ | 1.47% |
| Honduras | 26.25 | 8.73% | 5.75% | BB- | B1 | N/A | 4.55% |
| Nicaragua | 36.62 | 2.53% | 6.00% | B+ | B2 | B | 1.40% |
30/10/2025 | Source: SECMCA
For more information, contact us at [email protected]