BUSINESS LAW PERSPECTIVES | MAY 8–14, 2026

New Electric Train to Transform Transportation in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is moving forward with an ambitious electric train project that will modernize public transportation by connecting key locations such as Cartago, San José, and Alajuela via two rail lines. The initiative includes the construction of 30 stations, the addition of 28 electric trains, and the implementation of double tracks to improve efficiency and reduce wait times, with trains departing every 10 minutes. In addition, existing routes will be expanded, and urban connectivity will be improved, especially in downtown San José. With an investment of $800 million, the project aims to transform mobility, reduce congestion, and offer a more modern and sustainable transportation system. Read more

Costa Rica Strengthens Its Electric Grid with a $200 Million Investment

Costa Rica is moving forward with the modernization of its energy infrastructure following the signing of a $200 million financing agreement between ICE and the IDB. The program will improve electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, including the modernization of the Ventanas-Garita plant to extend its useful life by 30 years. In addition, 40,000 streetlights will be replaced with LED technology, reducing energy consumption for public lighting by approximately 35%. This investment reinforces the sustainability and efficiency of the national electricity system, ensuring a more modern and reliable service for the population. Read more

Costa Rica Promotes Smart Tourism Through a Strategic Partnership with the UNDP

Costa Rica is taking a key step toward modernizing its tourism sector through an agreement between the ICT and the UNDP to strengthen data management and utilization in the industry. This partnership will improve decision-making through digital tools, optimize data analysis, and develop more inclusive and efficient public policies. In addition, approaches focused on sustainability, equality, and human development will be incorporated into tourism management. The project aims to position the country as a leader in smart tourism, supported by innovation and digital transformation. Read more

Costa Rica Promotes Wellness Tourism as a High-Value Global Trend

Costa Rica is committed to strengthening wellness tourism, a growing segment focused on improving visitors’ physical, mental, and emotional health. The initiative promotes experiences that connect with nature, leveraging the country’s unique biodiversity as a competitive advantage. Additionally, public-private partnerships are driving specialized training to offer innovative, differentiated services. This type of tourism is growing rapidly worldwide and generates higher spending per visitor. Through these efforts, the country aims to position itself as a leading destination for transformative and sustainable experiences. Read more

Costa Rica Drives Economic Growth with Strong Momentum in Manufacturing and Construction

Costa Rica’s economy grew by a solid 4.6% in March 2026, driven primarily by manufacturing, construction, and services, which together accounted for more than half of the country’s growth. The construction sector stood out, with an 11.4% increase, driven by residential projects and investment in public infrastructure. Furthermore, growth remained robust during the first quarter, averaging 4.7%, reflecting a dynamic, diversified economy. Sectors such as tourism, financial services, and commerce also contributed to the strong performance. These results reinforce a positive trend in the country’s economic activity. Read more

El Salvador Strengthens Democratic Participation for Its Diaspora

El Salvador ratified a constitutional amendment that will allow Salvadorans living abroad to have direct representation in the Legislative Assembly, marking an important step toward greater political inclusion. The measure establishes a special constituency for the diaspora, with at least two representatives, depending on the number of citizens registered in foreign jurisdictions. With nearly one million Salvadorans registered to vote abroad, this reform aims to give them a voice in national decisions. This change strengthens the bond between the country and its community abroad, ahead of the 2027 elections. Read more

El Salvador Strengthens Its Financial Stability with Record International Reserves

In April 2026, El Salvador reached its highest level of international reserves since 2019, exceeding $5.106 billion and reflecting significant financial strengthening. This growth, driven in part by the agreement with the IMF, improves the country’s ability to meet external needs and ensure economic stability. Reserves have shown steady growth throughout the year, indicating a significant recovery following the pandemic. This progress positions the country with higher liquidity and greater confidence in its financial system. Read more

El Salvador Projects a Record Year for Tourism with Over 4.2 Million Visitors

El Salvador expects to close out 2026 with 4.2 million international visitors, consolidating sustained growth in the tourism sector following strong results in the first few months of the year. Between January and April, 1.7 million visitors were recorded, with April as the busiest month, reaching 473,000 arrivals. This momentum has been driven primarily by improved security, which has bolstered the confidence of tourists and investors. The main source markets remain Guatemala, Honduras, and the United States. This performance positions the country as one of the most dynamic tourist destinations in the region. Read more

El Salvador Boosts Its Economy with Strong Growth in Customs Revenue

El Salvador’s customs revenue grew by a robust 15.2% in the first four months of 2026, exceeding $923.9 million and reflecting increased momentum in foreign trade. This increase was driven primarily by operations at the International Airport and the courier system, which accounted for nearly half of the revenue. Additionally, the country recorded more than 361,000 commercial transactions, demonstrating sustained activity at its customs facilities. These results demonstrate strengthening in tax administration and trade flows. This performance solidifies customs as a key driver of the country’s tax revenue. Read more

Bank Credit Drives Economic Growth in El Salvador

Bank credit in El Salvador grew by 9% through February 2026, exceeding $19.238 billion and reflecting increased economic momentum. This increase was driven primarily by financing for businesses, housing, and consumer spending, with sectors such as construction, commerce, and services standing out. In addition, bank deposits also posted strong growth, bolstering the financial system’s capacity to extend loans. The improvement in portfolio quality, with a reduction in past-due loans, reinforces the sector’s soundness. These results point to a favorable environment for investment and job creation. Read more

Guatemala and Mongolia Strengthen Cooperation and Bilateral Relations

Guatemala and Mongolia are making progress in strengthening their bilateral relationship following a working agenda that included high-level meetings between officials from both countries. During the meetings, cooperation projects were evaluated, and mutual interest in expanding dialogue and collaboration in various areas was reaffirmed. This initiative reflects Guatemala’s efforts to diversify its international relations and generate new opportunities for cooperation. The rapprochement opens the door to future agreements that could boost development and collaboration between the two nations. Read more

Guatemala Moves Closer to Investment Grade with Strong International Confidence

Guatemala reaffirms its economic strength by maintaining its BB+ sovereign rating with a stable outlook from S&P, leaving it just one step away from investment grade. The agency highlighted low public debt, macroeconomic stability, and a sound monetary policy as key pillars of the country. This recognition strengthens investor confidence and opens opportunities to access financing on better terms. Additionally, the government continues to drive strategic reforms to improve infrastructure and attract more investment. This progress positions Guatemala as one of the most stable and attractive economies in the region. Read more

Remittances Boost Economic Growth and Well-Being in Guatemala

Guatemala saw a 10.5% increase in remittances during the first four months of 2026, reaching $8.4316 billion and cementing its role as a key pillar of the national economy. These remittances, primarily from migrants in the United States, benefit 1.7 million households and directly impact millions of people, especially in vulnerable areas. Most of the funds are allocated to consumption, followed by housing and social investment, thereby boosting the domestic economy. This sustained flow reaffirms the strategic role of remittances in the country’s economic and social development. Read more

Guatemala Accelerates Economic Growth Driven by Trade and Industry

Guatemala’s economy posted a solid performance, growing 4.6% through March 2026, reflecting sustained expansion that exceeded the previous year’s rate. This momentum was driven primarily by key sectors such as trade, manufacturing, financial services, and real estate, supported by increased domestic demand. Cumulative growth also improved compared to previous years, demonstrating macroeconomic stability and a recovery in production. These results cement Guatemala’s position as one of the region’s most dynamic economies at the start of the year. Read more

European Union Boosts Development in Honduras with Multi-Million-Dollar Investment

The European Union announced the availability of more than L7.6 billion to support strategic projects in Honduras, focused on strengthening the energy sector and promoting sustainable financing. Part of these funds will be used to provide loans to MSMEs, boosting their growth and access to financing. A significant investment will also be directed toward improving the country’s electrical infrastructure and transmission lines. This initiative aims to modernize key sectors and foster economic development. The European support reinforces international confidence in Honduras’s growth potential. Read more

Honduras Opens New Opportunities in Europe by Boosting Trade and Investment

Honduras is strengthening its international standing by leveraging the Association Agreement with the European Union and the Global Gateway strategy to boost trade and investment. During a meeting among companies, government officials, and experts, the opportunities offered by the European market for Honduran exporters and investors were highlighted. The dialogue allowed for the sharing of success stories and helped build confidence in a challenging global environment. This initiative aims to facilitate access to new markets and attract foreign investment. In doing so, Honduras is advancing its economic integration and diversifying its trade relations. Read more

IMF Highlights Honduras’ Economic Progress and Bolsters Confidence in Its Financial Stability

The International Monetary Fund highlighted Honduras’ progress in building up international reserves and strengthening the Central Bank’s institutional framework, reflecting greater macroeconomic stability. The organization commended progress toward a monetary policy framework based on inflation targets and a more flexible exchange rate. It also underscored the importance of continuing to reform the energy sector, particularly given ENEE’s financial challenges. Authorities are promoting a market-oriented strategy, with the separation of functions in the electricity system and improvements in transparency. These advances reinforce international confidence in the Honduran economy and its modernization process. Read more

Nicaragua Projects Strong Growth in Agricultural Exports Despite Climate Challenges

Nicaragua expects to reach agricultural exports of more than $3.595 billion in 2026, driven primarily by beef and coffee, which account for the bulk of the sector’s revenue. The production plan also includes increases in staple crops such as corn, rice, and beans, as well as strong performance in the livestock and agro-industrial sectors. Although challenges are anticipated due to the El Niño phenomenon, which could affect some crops, the country is committed to maintaining its export momentum through climate adaptation measures. This growth reflects the agricultural sector’s competitiveness as a key driver of the Nicaraguan economy. Read more

Nicaragua Strengthens Its Economic Stability with a Stable Sovereign Rating

Fitch Ratings affirmed Nicaragua’s sovereign credit rating at “B” with a stable outlook, highlighting the country’s fiscal and external strength. The economy has maintained fiscal surpluses since 2022, reaching a record 3.5% of GDP in 2025, alongside a sustained reduction in public debt and robust international reserves. In addition, the country has a strong current account performance driven by exports and remittances. Although external and structural risks persist, projections point to sustained growth in an economy with solid macroeconomic fundamentals. Read more