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 approves its accession to the world’s most advanced digital economy agreement
The Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica has approved in its second reading the country’s accession to the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA), a pioneering agreement that includes New Zealand, Singapore, Chile, and South Korea. This milestone is particularly strategic given that services account for 46% of the country’s total exports, with nearly half of those conducted digitally. The agreement establishes a modern framework of rules in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital identity, cybersecurity, data protection, and technological innovation, providing greater legal certainty for businesses and consumers. For the private sector, it creates new favorable conditions for digital trade, attracting investment, and developing talent and emerging technologies. With this step, Costa Rica reinforces its image as a reliable partner and leader in the global digital economy.
Costa Rica Strengthens Global Ties with the Opening of India’s Embassy in San José
Costa Rica has announced the opening of a residential Indian embassy in San José, marking a milestone in bilateral relations and strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, and technology. India, the world’s fourth-largest economy, already has a significant presence in the country with companies in sectors such as software, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing, generating around 2,500 jobs. Bilateral trade has grown steadily, reaching US$339 million in 2024. This new diplomatic mission will advance a joint agenda in innovation, education, and technological development. The initiative consolidates India as a key strategic partner for Costa Rica’s economic growth and international presence.
Costa Rica Promotes Innovative Model to Revive Crucitas with a Regulated and Sustainable Approach
The Government of Costa Rica proposes to revive mining in Crucitas through a highly regulated framework to combat illegal mining and generate economic development in the area. The initiative includes concessions awarded through public auction, with strict technical, environmental, and financial requirements, as well as a minimum royalty of 5% for the State. The funds would be allocated primarily to security, the environment, and local development, while also benefiting nearby communities. The project incorporates clean technologies, prohibits the use of mercury, and establishes a multisectoral oversight system. This proposal seeks to balance environmental control, responsible investment, and the sustainable use of resources.
Costa Rica demonstrates economic dynamism and growth in imports
Costa Rica’s goods exports reached US$6.102 billion in the first quarter of 2026, while imports totaled US$6.549 billion, reflecting an economy that is highly integrated into international trade with partners in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The main export products were medical instruments and devices such as syringes, catheters, and orthopedic equipment, as well as fresh tropical pineapples and integrated circuits, demonstrating the sophistication and diversification of Costa Rica’s export sector. Air transport led exports with 44%, reflecting the high value added of the products leaving the country. The top five trading partners, located in the Americas and Europe, accounted for 64% of exports, consolidating Costa Rica’s strategic relationships with high-purchasing-power markets. This export profile positions Costa Rica as an economy specialized in high-tech and value-added sectors, highly attractive for investment in advanced manufacturing and life sciences.
Tourism in Costa Rica continues to boom, with strong growth in visitor numbers in 2026
Costa Rica continues to establish itself as a leading tourist destination in the region, recording a 10.5% increase in international tourist arrivals between January and April 2026. This momentum reflects the sector’s sustained recovery and the strengthening of the country’s air connectivity and tourism offerings. The increase in visitors also drives foreign exchange earnings and the development of tourism-related economic activities. Furthermore, this positive performance is the result of international promotion strategies and the country’s reputation as a sustainable destination. This growth reaffirms tourism’s role as a key driver of the Costa Rican economy.
El Salvador is moving toward nuclear energy as a strategic and sustainable initiative
El Salvador is making steady progress in evaluating nuclear energy as part of its energy mix, following a positive assessment from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The mission highlighted advances in infrastructure, regulation, and technical training, positioning the country as a pioneer in Central America in this field. With an energy mix already 69% renewable, the country seeks to incorporate nuclear energy to ensure stability and meet a demand that could double by 2050. The plan envisions this source contributing up to 15% of electricity generation through modern technologies such as small modular reactors. This approach reinforces the transition toward a more resilient, clean, and sustainable energy system in the long term.
El Salvador is improving its financial profile with a sustained reduction in country risk
El Salvador’s country risk has continued to show a positive downward trend since 2024, reflecting an improvement in investors’ perception of the country’s solvency and liquidity. Currently, the indicator stands at around 3.14%, well below the levels recorded in previous years, when it exceeded 30%. This trend reduces the potential cost of international financing and strengthens confidence in the Salvadoran economy. Although it remains the highest in Central America, the downward trend demonstrates progress in financial stability. This performance positions the country on a favorable trajectory to improve its access to international markets.
Lower interest rates boost access to credit in El Salvador
El Salvador saw several interest rates decline in April 2026, particularly for short-term personal and business loans, improving access to financing. The rate for personal loans fell from 9.21% to 6.74%, reflecting a significant improvement in credit conditions. A slight decrease was also observed in the business segment, while mortgage rates remained stable. Meanwhile, deposit rates showed slight variations, maintaining balanced conditions in the financial system. This trend strengthens economic activity by encouraging credit and investment.
El Salvador strengthens its financial strategy with sustained growth in Bitcoin reserves.
El Salvador continues to solidify its commitment to digital assets by increasing its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve to 7,653 BTC, approximately $605 million. The purchase is part of a policy of periodic acquisitions initiated in 2022, which has shown sustained growth in recent months. Over the past year, the country has added more than 1,400 BTC, reflecting an active accumulation strategy. Transactions are conducted in a transparent and verifiable manner, reinforcing confidence in the process. This approach positions El Salvador as a global leader in the adoption and integration of digital assets into its economy.
El Salvador is boosting its global profile to attract high-end hotel investment.
El Salvador is strengthening its strategy to attract international investment by promoting opportunities in the luxury hotel sector, particularly to Asian investors in Singapore. The country highlighted its favorable investment climate, driven by improvements in security, stability, and pro-business policies. This initiative aims to attract high-end hotel chains that contribute to tourism development and job creation. Furthermore, it is part of a vision to diversify and enhance the sophistication of the national tourism offering. Through these efforts, El Salvador is moving forward in establishing itself as a competitive and attractive destination for global investment.
Guatemala on Europe’s radar: the EU reinforces its commitment to democracy, security, and trade in the country
The President of the European Council will visit Guatemala City for a meeting with the country’s president, sending a strong signal of international support for Guatemala’s democratic process. The meeting will formalize agreements in strategic areas such as the rule of law, cybersecurity, electoral integrity, and the circular economy—key areas for a secure investment environment. Both sides will also deepen cooperation on security and the fight against drug trafficking, thereby strengthening the country’s stability. The visit is part of a Latin American tour that includes the first EU-Mexico summit in eleven years, featuring the signing of a modernized trade agreement. All of these positions Guatemala as a top-tier strategic partner for the European Union in the Central American region.
Guatemala is projected to experience strong economic growth with mining investments of up to US$600 million
Guatemala could attract mining investments of up to US$600 million, reflecting the sector’s growing interest in developing projects in the country. This potential is supported by the availability of natural resources and an environment seeking to strengthen productive investment. The influx of this capital would help boost the economy, create jobs, and increase tax revenues. Furthermore, the development of the mining sector could drive productive linkages across different regions. This scenario positions Guatemala as a key destination for strategic investments in extractive industries.
The Aerómetro project in Guatemala is moving forward and paving the way for a new phase of urban development
The Aerómetro project in Guatemala continues to advance toward a new construction phase, establishing itself as a key initiative for modernizing urban mobility in the country. This aerial transportation system aims to improve connectivity, reduce travel times, and offer an efficient and sustainable alternative for thousands of users. The project’s development also drives infrastructure investment and boosts the local economy. Furthermore, it is expected to help improve the quality of life in areas with high traffic congestion. With this progress, Guatemala reinforces its commitment to innovative solutions in urban transportation.
Guatemala City is driving its growth with a boom in high-rise housing and urban development
Guatemala City is experiencing a new phase of urban expansion driven by the growth of high-rise housing, which increased by 8.3% in 2025, positioning construction as the country’s most dynamic sector. This model responds to the demand for greater density and a better quality of life, aided by changes to the Land Use Plan that provide legal certainty for new investments. The residential segment leads the market, with revenues expected to reach US$3.7 billion in 2026, with growth continuing in the coming years. Additionally, high-rise development is fostering the creation of new development hubs with nearby services. This approach is shaping a more modern, efficient, and sustainable city.
Honduras Strengthens Alliance with the U.S. to Boost Investment and Strategic Development
Honduras and the United States are making progress in strengthening their bilateral relationship following a dialogue focused on investment, energy, infrastructure, and security. During the meeting, U.S. officials expressed their interest in supporting initiatives that attract capital to key sectors such as ports, airports, and highways. The Honduran government highlighted its commitment to legal reforms and improvements in legal certainty to consolidate a competitive investment climate. Additionally, issues of cooperation in security, migration, and economic development were addressed. This rapprochement reinforces international confidence and opens new opportunities for the country’s sustainable growth.
Honduran exports gain momentum with coffee and bananas in 2026
Honduran exports performed well in the first quarter of 2026, driven primarily by strong performance in the coffee and banana sectors, two of the country’s most representative products. These sectors have contributed significantly to foreign exchange earnings, supported by higher production volumes and sustained international demand. The strong performance of these sectors strengthens the trade balance and supports agriculture as an economic pillar. Furthermore, export growth reflects progress in competitiveness and market positioning in international markets. This performance reaffirms the agro-export sector’s potential to drive Honduran economic development.
Honduras: Remittances Exceed $4.1 Billion in the First Four Months of the Year, Up 14.3%
Remittances sent to Honduras between January and April 2026 totaled $4.1342 billion, a 14.3% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Honduran Central Bank. March recorded the highest peak with US$1.219 billion, while 85% of these funds come from the United States, where approximately 1.8 million Hondurans reside. Remittances account for more than 25% of Honduras’ GDP, the country’s primary source of foreign exchange, surpassing even exports of coffee, shrimp, and maquila. By 2025, the country had already received approximately US$12.212 billion in remittances, representing a 25.3% increase compared to the previous year. Monetary authorities project that this flow will reach US$12.7247 billion in 2026 and US$12.9792 billion in 2027, confirming a trend of sustained growth that strengthens the national economy.
Mining Drives Growth in Nicaragua Through Increased Gold Production and New Investments
Nicaragua’s leading mining company reported a sharp increase in gold production, cementing the sector’s position as a key driver of the national economy. This growth is accompanied by an announcement of a strategic merger to strengthen operations, attract investment, and expand its presence in international markets. The dynamism of the mining industry contributes to increasing foreign exchange and employment, as well as to the country’s positioning in the global extractive sector. Furthermore, the increase in production reflects improvements in efficiency and operational capacity. These advances reinforce Nicaragua’s potential to continue developing its mining industry competitively.
BLP Insights
Nicaragua. Foreign Investment and Free Trade Zones: Compliance and Benefits
Nicaragua has significantly strengthened the control and supervision of foreign investment through the implementation of the Single Foreign Investment Registry (Registro Único de Inversión Extranjera – RUIE), administered by the Ministry of Development, Industry and Trade (MIFIC). This registry has become an essential requirement for companies with foreign capital to operate formally in the country, including companies operating under the special Free Trade Zone regime, introducing new administrative and regulatory compliance obligations for foreign investors.
In practical terms, companies must pay special attention to the updating of their corporate documentation, tax compliance and other related obligations, as these elements now form part of the validation criteria for registration and maintenance of the registry. Likewise, certain projects considered strategic must formalize specific agreements with the State, which entails a more rigorous review of the legal and operational conditions of each investment.
At the same time, fiscal reforms have also been approved to strengthen the Free Trade Zone regime and encourage the attraction of foreign capital. Among the most relevant measures are the expansion of tax incentives, with renewable periods of up to 15 years, benefits dividends, and new customs and commercial supervision mechanisms. These provisions reflect a trend toward investment models with greater regulatory controls and higher standards of corporate transparency.
In this context, preventive legal advice is becoming increasingly important for companies and investors. Having solid corporate structures, internal compliance policies and proper legal planning not only facilitate business operations but also reduces regulatory risks and provides greater legal certainty for the development of projects in Nicaragua.
Importance of Email Registration for Labor Judicial Notifications in Costa Rica
All commercial companies must register an official email address with the National Registry to receive electronic notifications by June 5, 2026. For employers, it is essential that this address be active and constantly monitored, as judicial and labor-related notices with short response deadlines may be served through this means.
Economic Index
| Country | Exchange Rate (USD) | Basic Passive Rate | Monetary Policy Rate | S&P | Moody’s | Fitch | Inflation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica | 454.82 | 3.64% | 3.65% | BB | Ba2 | BB | -1,63% |
| El Salvador | 8.75 | 4.60% | N/A | B- | B3 | B- | 2,16% |
| Guatemala | 7.62 | 4.78% | 3.50% | BB+ | Ba1 | BB+ | 3,24% |
| Honduras | 26.62 | 6.67% | 5.75% | BB- | B1 | N/A | 5,56% |
| Nicaragua | 36.62 | 1.10% | 5.75% | B+ | B2 | B | 3,99% |
22/05/2026 | Source: secmca.org
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