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 Costa Rica strengthens economic ties with the US by launching a new Business Council in Washington Costa Rica took a strategic step… Read more IMF…
Author Archives: BLP
13
Mar
Mar
Nicaragua Increases Minimum Wage for 2026–2027 On March 5, 2026, the National Minimum Wage Commission officially announced a 4% increase for most of the country’s economic sectors, with the exception of free trade zones, where a 6.7% increase was agreed upon. This adjustment sets monthly salaries in an approximate range of 6,188 to 13,848 córdobas….
At BLP, Blog, Guatemala, Tax
Newsflash – Guatemala: 100% Exemption of IGSS Surcharges (Agreement 1556)
06
Mar
Mar
Guatemalan Social Security Institute – Agreement Number 1556 Exemption from Surcharges on Social Security Contribution Fees Agreement Number 1556, issued by the Board of Directors of the Guatemalan Social Security Institute (IGSS) on January 28, 2025, regulates the exemption of one hundred percent of the surcharges on Social Security contribution fees that are paid or…
06
Mar
Mar
Regional News and Opportunities 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 Exports surpassed US$1.5 billion in January Costa Rica’s exports reached US$1.512 billion in January 2026, a 3% increase year-over-year. Growth was…
Analysis, At BLP, Blog, Costa Rica, Free Trade Zones
The Free Trade Zone Regime: Adapting to Change Beyond Investment Attraction and Job Creation
25
Feb
Feb
Simón Sauvé – Director, Costa Rica For many years, the Free Trade Zone Regime has been one of Costa Rica’s most important tools for attracting foreign investment, generating quality employment, and strengthening productive development. More than a set of tax incentives, this regime forms part of a comprehensive strategy to integrate the country into global…
Analysis, At BLP, Blog, Business Law, Competition & Antitrust, Dispute Resolution, Guatemala, Private Clients & Estate Planning, Real Estate & Hospitality
Good Faith: The Silent Pillar of Arbitration
09
Feb
Feb
Carolina Diab – Special Counsel, Guatemala In arbitration—as in life—not everything is written. Beyond rules, deadlines, and formalities, there exists a principle that silently upholds the legitimacy of the process: good faith. It is not always mentioned and is rarely expressly regulated, yet when it is absent, arbitration suffers and loses its essence. Revisiting this…
06
Feb
Feb
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 a glance. Costa Rica Economic growth outlook improves The Central Bank revised its growth forecast upward, projecting average GDP growth of 3.9% for 2026–2027, driven by domestic demand and investment recovery….
Blog, Business Law, Competition & Antitrust, Costa Rica, News
Newsflash: Issuance of the Competition and Antitrust Law Regulations
03
Feb
Feb
The Board of Directors of the Competition and Antitrust Superintendence in Guatemala issued, through Resolution No. 11-2025, the Regulations of the Competition and Antitrust Law (the “Regulations”), which entered into force on December 30, 2025, with a gradual and deferred implementation, as provided under the Competition and Antitrust Law. The Regulations are of general application…