Business Law Perspectives – February 20 to 26, 2026

Costa Rica to promote electric train and mining revival to boost economy President-elect Laura Fernández held meetings with legislative leaders to accelerate strategic projects before the end of the current parliamentary term, highlighting the interurban electric train and the revival of gold mining in Las Crucitas. The US$800 million train project will connect Cartago, San José, Heredia, and Alajuela through 51 kilometers and 30 stations, financed by the European Investment Bank, CABEI, and the Green Climate Fund. The mining proposal contemplates regulated concessions without mercury use, allocating 5% of profits to the State under strict environmental supervision. The expansion of the San José–San Ramón highway, valued at US$770 million, is also being promoted. These initiatives aim to strengthen infrastructure, mobility, and economic development. Read more. Costa Rica shines at the “Tourism Oscars” with seven international awards Costa Rica won seven prestigious 2026 HSMAI Adrian Awards in New York, consolidating its position as a global benchmark in tourism marketing targeting the United States and Canada. The country received gold for its “Pura Vida Energy” campaign, along with four silver and two bronze awards for initiatives such as the Costa Rica AR Portal, partnerships with Starbucks and GoPro, activations in Canada, and the redesign of visitcostarica.com. In January 2026 alone, Costa Rica welcomed 162,010 U.S. tourists and 49,325 Canadian visitors by air, reaffirming both as its main source markets. The awards reinforce the country’s international positioning in innovation and destination branding. Read more. Guanacaste to receive first direct flight from Poland starting in October Costa Rica will mark a milestone in air connectivity with the arrival of its first direct charter flight from Poland to Guanacaste beginning in October 2026. Rainbow Tours will operate 11 flights aboard a 251-seat Boeing 787-8 from LOT Polish Airlines, departing from Warsaw and Katowice. In 2025, 8,837 Polish tourists visited Costa Rica, reflecting growing interest from this European market. Authorities highlight that the new route will strengthen European connectivity, boost employment, and stimulate the regional economy. Read more. Costa Rica’s 2026 economic environment may favor greater access to credit Costa Rica projects lower interest rates, reduced inflation, and a relatively stable exchange rate in 2026, conditions that could facilitate access to credit. According to the Central Bank and the Costa Rican Banking Association, lower financing costs create opportunities for debt restructuring and new investments. While exchange rate stability reduces pressure on foreign currency loans, currency risk remains a relevant factor. Experts recommend prudent financial planning and careful assessment of repayment capacity to ensure long-term stability. Read more. Costa Rican exports to the U.S. remain stable under CAFTA-DR following court ruling Costa Rican exports to the United States will continue to operate under the CAFTA-DR Free Trade Agreement after the U.S. Supreme Court declared inadmissible the tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX) confirmed that, once operational instructions are implemented in the U.S., national exports will maintain preferential treatment under the agreement. The government will continue monitoring developments and maintaining dialogue with the export sector. The ruling provides legal certainty and reinforces Costa Rica’s position as a reliable strategic trade partner. Read more.

El Salvador ranks as the leading tourist destination in the Americas with historic growth, according to the UN El Salvador recorded a 92% increase in international tourist arrivals compared to 2019, becoming the number one destination in the Americas in terms of relative visitor growth and ranking third worldwide, according to UN Tourism. The country also achieved a 211% increase in tourism revenue, placing third globally in foreign exchange generation. In 2025, the Americas welcomed 218 million tourists, reflecting 4% regional growth amid a broader global recovery. These results consolidate tourism as a key driver of El Salvador’s economy and highlight its growing international appeal. Read more. Salvadoran exports start 2026 with solid growth in value and volume El Salvador began 2026 with exports totaling US$559.4 million in January, up 8.5% in value and 33.8% in volume, reaching 385.7 million kilograms, according to the Central Reserve Bank (BCR). Sugar led shipments with US$44.5 million (+69.9%), while coffee stood out with record growth of 260.5%. The United States, the main destination with a 36.9% share, showed a 19.5% increase in purchases. Meanwhile, imports fell 4.4% in value to US$1.3586 billion, reflecting a dynamic start to the year for the export sector. Read more. CABEI allocates US$185 million to modernize San Salvador’s drinking water system The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) approved US$185 million to upgrade the Guluchapa drinking water system in the San Salvador Metropolitan Area, to be executed by ANDA. The project includes 25 water intake facilities, a new treatment plant with capacity of 650 liters per second, 37.4 kilometers of pipelines, seven storage tanks, and 25,000 new household connections. Coverage will expand from 61.5% to 100% in seven districts, benefiting more than 156,000 residents and generating 2,684 temporary jobs. The initiative strengthens universal and sustainable access to potable water. Read more. El Salvador streamlines foreign trade by eliminating apostilles for customs documents The Legislative Assembly approved a reform exempting commercial and customs documents issued abroad from apostille requirements, streamlining procedures and facilitating trade. The measure also applies to public procurement processes and allows exceptional cases to proceed without apostille until final resolution. Additionally, US$6.2 million was allocated to the Ministry of Economy for digitalization of procedures, and a decree was amended to modernize the International Airport through a US$195 million non-reimbursable loan. These actions reinforce administrative efficiency and trade facilitation. Read more. Remittances in El Salvador begin 2026 with historic growth Family remittances reached US$759.4 million in January 2026, a 12.3% increase compared to the same month in 2025, according to the Central Reserve Bank. This marks the highest January inflow since the 1990s, following a record US$9.9879 billion in 2025. The United States accounted for 92% of total remittances, while Spain and Italy posted notable increases. Remittances remain the country’s main source of foreign exchange, representing more than 20% of GDP. Read more.

Guatemala consolidates preferential access to the U.S., with more than 72% of its exports tariff-free Business leaders confirmed that 72.5% of Guatemalan exports to the United States, equivalent to US$3.6766 billion, continue to enter duty-free despite new trade provisions in effect since February 24. Only 27.5% (US$1.3924 billion) are subject to a temporary 10% tariff under Section 122, a measure that will remain in place for 150 days. Key sectors such as traditional agriculture, apparel, textiles, and various manufactured goods maintain zero-tariff treatment, including products such as bananas, coffee, and cardamom. Authorities emphasize that Guatemala strengthens its position as a reliable and competitive trade partner in this new commercial phase. Read more. Puerto Quetzal begins strategic dredging to streamline operations and strengthen trade Dredging work has commenced at Puerto Quetzal with an investment of approximately Q25 million (US$3.3 million), financed through a public-private partnership without direct state disbursement. The project will remove 180,000 cubic meters of sand and restore key depths, enabling the handling of 3.9 million metric tons of cargo. Waiting times—previously reaching up to 37 days per vessel—are expected to decrease by an average of five days, reducing daily overruns of up to US$45,000 per ship. The initiative will also allow larger vessels, such as Panamax and Handymax, to dock, enhancing the competitiveness of the port, which manages 49% of the country’s cargo. Read more. IMF begins economic assessment of Guatemala with solid 2026 growth projections An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission is conducting a five-day visit to Guatemala to assess macroeconomic performance in 2025 and the outlook for 2026, when growth of 4.1% is projected, matching the previous year’s rate. Meetings will be held with government authorities, private sector representatives, Congress, and academia to review indicators such as exports, remittances, and foreign direct investment. Preliminary data show FDI reached US$1.865 billion in 2025, inflation closed at 1.70%, and remittances surpassed US$25.53 billion with growth above 18%. This preliminary review precedes the IMF’s full annual evaluation scheduled for May and June. Read more.

Honduras promotes new economic policy to boost credit and strengthen investment The Central Bank of Honduras presented an economic policy proposal aimed at facilitating incentives in the credit market through mechanisms such as reciprocal guarantee funds, productive microcredit, Fintech financing, green loans, and the reduction of interest rate asymmetries. The strategy includes strengthening financing through BANHPROVI, easing credit regulations, and promoting products such as leasing and credit lines with grace periods, particularly for MSMEs and rural producers. It also prioritizes improving national logistics by strengthening the Dry Canal and Puerto Henecán, expanding port capacity, and reviewing transportation rates to enhance competitiveness. The plan seeks to foster growth, job creation, and macroeconomic stability. Read more. Honduras: IMF highlights economic resilience and backs structural reform agenda An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission underscored the resilience of the Honduran economy after reviewing its recent performance and meeting with President Nasry Asfura. The IMF noted that the country maintains solid growth despite global uncertainty, with inflation within the Central Bank’s target range, exports and remittances strengthening reserves, and a declining sovereign risk premium. The Fund emphasized the importance of advancing structural reforms focused on transparency, accountability, and fiscal governance, while supporting greater investment in infrastructure and social programs, as well as energy sector adjustments to reduce fiscal risks. Honduras maintains a US$823 million agreement with the IMF through September, considered key to sustaining stability and inclusive growth. Read more. Honduran sovereign bonds gain attractiveness in international markets Honduras’ sovereign bonds have gained traction in international markets, supported by improved country risk perception and solid macroeconomic fundamentals. The 2034 bond reduced its risk premium from 350 to 265 basis points and offers a yield of around 6.6%, presenting an efficient balance between return and risk. Analysts highlight stable sovereign yield curves, controlled volatility, projected growth near 4%, reserves exceeding US$9 billion, a fiscal deficit of 1.5% of GDP, and public debt around 47%. Experts conclude that Honduras is evolving from a tactical bet to a structural option in Latin American fixed-income portfolios. Read more.

Nicaragua strengthens road infrastructure with US$97 million CABEI financing The National Assembly approved a US$97 million loan from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) to support the 11th Road Expansion and Improvement Program, to be implemented by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. The funds will allow the continuation of strategic road projects across various regions of the country, enhancing connectivity and logistical development. This financing complements other CABEI-backed initiatives, including bypasses and expansions at key border crossings. In addition, Parliament authorized a further US$25 million loan from the OPEC Fund to upgrade more than four kilometers of the Masaya–Sabana Grande highway. These investments advance the modernization of Nicaragua’s road network and support national economic dynamism. Read more.