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.
France Shows Interest in Participating in Major Infrastructure Projects in Costa Rica
France has expressed interest in participating in major infrastructure projects in Costa Rica, including the intercity electric train, airport modernization, and other large-scale projects strategic to the country’s development. This initiative reflects growing interest among European investors and companies in the ambitious infrastructure modernization plans promoted by the Costa Rican government. The opportunity to draw on French expertise and technical capabilities in sectors such as rail transportation and airport development offers a strategic opportunity to strengthen the execution of these projects in accordance with international quality standards. Such diplomatic and business initiatives consolidate Costa Rica’s position as an attractive destination for foreign investment in infrastructure, opening the door to new partnerships that could accelerate the modernization of connectivity and public transportation in the country, thereby strengthening opportunities for economic development and international cooperation with Europe.
Costa Rica Makes Progress on a Key Project for Guanacaste’s Connectivity
Construction of the bridge over the Tempisque River in Guardia de Liberia has entered a new phase with the pouring of concrete for the foundations, marking 14% progress. The structure, located on Route 21, will connect Liberia with communities such as Carrillo, El Coco, Playa Panamá, Filadelfia, and Nandayure, with a total investment of ¢2,683 million. According to the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation, the new bridge will be a 121.5-meter-long, two-lane Waagner-Biró truss bridge and is part of a project involving two twin bridges that will expand the roadway to four lanes, in line with the future expansion of Route 21. Current work focuses on building a temporary pedestrian walkway to ensure pedestrian safety, while drilling continues for steel pile installation. The new bridge is expected to be completed in 2027, after which the current structure will be demolished and construction of the second twin bridge will begin, with the project set to be completed in 2028 and significantly improving access to the beaches of Guanacaste.
Juan Santamaría Airport Solidifies Its Position Among the World’s Best in Passenger Experience
Juan Santamaría International Airport remains among the top 12 airports worldwide for passenger experience, according to an international recognition that highlights the quality of its services and operational processes. This achievement reflects the airport administration’s ongoing commitment to improving the traveler experience through investments in infrastructure, technology, and customer service. The recognition builds on the modernization efforts the airport has implemented in recent years, including new immigration control systems, facility upgrades, and increasingly efficient service for domestic and international passengers. This ranking among the world’s best airports reinforces Costa Rica’s image as a reliable and attractive destination for international tourism and business, cementing Juan Santamaría Airport’s role as a key component of the country’s air connectivity and bolstering investment opportunities in the tourism and airport infrastructure sectors.
Costa Rica Sets an Environmental Milestone with Latin America’s First Certified Zero-Waste Construction Project
Costa Rica became the first country in Latin America with a zero-waste certified construction project that positions the country as a regional leader in sustainability and the circular economy within the construction industry. This certification recognizes the practices implemented during the construction process to minimize, reuse, and recycle materials generated on-site, preventing them from ending up in landfills. Such initiatives reflect a growing trend in the construction sector, where an increasing number of companies are seeking to incorporate stricter environmental standards as part of their corporate responsibility and international competitiveness strategies. This achievement reinforces Costa Rica’s position as an appealing destination for investment in sustainable construction, aligning with the demands of international markets increasingly focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. This pioneering certification paves the way for more projects in the country to adopt similar standards, solidifying Costa Rica’s status as a regional leader in sustainable construction and the circular economy.
Costa Rica Leads Central America in the Business Use of Artificial Intelligence
Costa Rica ranks as the leading country in Central America in the adoption of artificial intelligence by businesses, according to a recent regional study on digital transformation and technology in the productive sector. This leadership reflects the country’s progress in incorporating technological tools to improve operational efficiency, decision-making, and business competitiveness. The study highlights that Costa Rican companies have adopted these technologies at a faster pace than their regional counterparts, driven by a favorable ecosystem of innovation, specialized talent, and access to digital infrastructure. This positioning strengthens Costa Rica’s image as an attractive destination for investment in technology and digital services, consolidating the country as a regional leader in the integration of artificial intelligence into production and business processes, and opening new opportunities for the development of the national technology ecosystem.
El Salvador Reports Record Investment in Construction, with More Than US$11,800 Million Approved
The Directorate of Land Use Planning and Construction has approved more than US$11,800 million in construction investment since it began operations in May 2025, according to its director, María Paola Bardi, who reported to the Legislative Assembly’s Infrastructure Committee. This investment corresponds to 2,984 approved applications, with US$8,220 million in nationwide integrated procedures and US$3,600 million in individual procedures in the San Salvador Metropolitan Area. The director highlighted a process to streamline procedures that reduced building permit requirements from 2,262 to just 336 today, in addition to digitizing 34 procedures and consolidating a registry of 9,089 registered professionals in the sector. Bardi noted that this process aims to facilitate investment by streamlining the end-to-end process for construction projects. The DOT also raised US$3.8 million for a pilot fund dedicated to urban and environmental compensation, which will be invested in restoring water resources in an ecological corridor. This performance confirms the sustained momentum of the construction industry as one of the main drivers of investment and economic growth in El Salvador.
El Salvador Is Pushing Forward with a Major Expansion of Airport Infrastructure
The Autonomous Executive Port Commission (CEPA) issued an international call for expressions of interest in expanding the passenger terminal at El Salvador International Airport, covering the supervision of the project’s design and construction. Interested firms may request the document through October 6, 2026. According to the Ministry of Finance, CEPA has a budget allocation of US$291.36 million scheduled for 2026, earmarked for various airport infrastructure projects, including US$210.2 million for the construction of the Pacific Airport and US$29.6 million for the expansion of the main terminal’s parking lot. The plan also includes investments in baggage carousels, improvements at Ilopango Airport, electrical infrastructure, and a wastewater treatment plant. This call for bids joins other recent tenders launched by CEPA, including the construction of the country’s largest parking garage and the renovation of the terminal’s north facade. This series of investments confirms El Salvador’s commitment to modernizing its airport infrastructure, strengthening its capacity to handle the growing flow of passengers, and fostering new investment opportunities in the sector.
Salvadoran Tourism Hits Record Numbers with More Than US$2.8 Billion in Foreign Exchange
Tourism generated more than US$2.8 billion in foreign exchange for El Salvador between January and August 2026, representing growth of more than 10% compared to the same period last year, according to Tourism Minister Morena Valdez. During those eight months, the country welcomed 3.2 million international visitors, a 22% increase compared to 2025, with the United States, Guatemala, and Honduras as the main source markets, while the number of travelers from Mexico, Colombia, and European countries such as Spain, the United Kingdom, and Germany continues to grow. The sector’s strategy aims to increase the number of visitors from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East—segments that stay longer and generate greater economic spillover in the Central American region. The minister also highlighted interest in new investments related to hotels, restaurants, and gastronomy, while the tourism sector supports approximately 300,000 direct and indirect jobs. El Salvador continues to strengthen its international appeal with events such as a surfing tournament featuring athletes from 56 countries, cementing tourism as one of the country’s main drivers of economic growth.
El Salvador Showcases Its Tourism Offerings to International Buyers from 17 Countries
The El Salvador Travel Market 2026 brought Salvadoran tourism companies together with international buyers, officials, and strategic partners from 17 countries at an event supported by the Ministry of Tourism and the Salvadoran Tourism Corporation, with the goal of generating new business opportunities for the sector. Now in its second year, the event allowed buyers from Europe, North America, and Latin America to explore the country’s diverse tourism offerings through six itineraries that included beaches, mountains, and cultural sites such as the Joya de Cerén and Cihuatán archaeological sites and the Historic Center of San Salvador. Casatur President Carlos Umaña emphasized that the positive response received demonstrates the growing interest in El Salvador as a tourist destination. Tourism Minister Morena Valdez emphasized the importance of continuing to create opportunities to showcase the evolution of El Salvador’s tourism offerings to those with the capacity to market them internationally. The government estimates that foreign exchange earnings from tourism will grow by 10% this year, reaching US$3.6 billion, thereby consolidating the sector as a key driver of the Salvadoran economy.
El Salvador Diversifies Its Economy Through Exports of Creative Goods
El Salvador exported US$93.61 million in creative goods between January and July 2026, according to statistics from the Central Reserve Bank, with manufacturing and books accounting for 91% of the total. Manufacturing exports led the way with US$72.80 million, equivalent to 77.8% of the total, including products such as textiles, leather goods, costume jewelry, and clothing. Books and publications emerged as the second-fastest-growing category, with US$12.31 million, while software, video games, and IT products totaled US$8.02 million, reflecting the growing development of the country’s creative technology sector. Exports of music and visual arts exceeded US$447,300, with the manufacture of musical instruments standing out. This trend confirms El Salvador’s productive diversification toward sectors with higher added value and intellectual content, consolidating new investment opportunities in the creative, technology, and publishing industries that strengthen the country’s economic competitiveness in international markets.
Guatemala Implements Its New Anti-Money Laundering Law with Immediate Effect
Guatemala has enacted its new Comprehensive Law Against Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing, with the Superintendency of Banks clarifying that regulated entities must begin complying with it immediately, without waiting for the publication of its implementing regulations. This implementation is part of the country’s efforts to strengthen its regulatory framework ahead of the Latin American Financial Action Task Force (GAFILAT) evaluation scheduled for 2027—a key process to prevent Guatemala from being placed on “gray lists,” which would affect correspondent banking and the flow of remittances. The SIB emphasized that the law’s immediate entry into force aims to send a clear signal of institutional commitment to international financial oversight bodies, while the implementing regulations continue to be developed with technical support from the International Monetary Fund. This regulatory progress reinforces Guatemala’s position as a sound and transparent financial system, consolidating the conditions necessary to attract investment and maintain the confidence of international markets in the country’s banking system.
Argentina Sets Its Sights on Guatemala with a Mission of Technology Companies
Fifteen Argentine tech companies arrived in Guatemala in search of business opportunities and strategic partnerships as part of a trade mission aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two countries in the technology sector. This visit represents an opportunity for Guatemalan companies to explore potential collaborations, knowledge transfer, and new technological solutions from Argentina, a country with a well-established tech ecosystem in the region. The mission comes amid growing interest from Latin American investors and companies in exploring the Guatemalan market, capitalizing on its strategic location and the dynamism of its business sector. These types of commercial initiatives help diversify Guatemala’s economic relations, opening up new opportunities for investment, technology transfer, and the development of commercial partnerships in the country’s innovation and technology sector.
Guatemala Identifies Opportunities and Challenges for Establishing Itself in Health Tourism
Guatemala has competitive advantages for attracting foreign patients interested in health tourism, including more affordable costs, geographical proximity to the United States, and a growing range of specialized medical services, according to an analysis of the sector. This segment represents a significant opportunity for economic diversification, complementing traditional tourism with high-quality medical and wellness services. However, the sector faces significant challenges in establishing itself, including the need to strengthen international certification for clinics and hospitals, improve specialized infrastructure, and develop more effective promotional strategies targeting international markets. Industry experts emphasize that overcoming these limitations would allow Guatemala to position itself as a competitive destination compared to other countries in the region that have already made progress in this niche market. The development of health tourism represents a strategic opportunity to attract investment in specialized medical infrastructure and generate new sources of revenue and skilled employment for the country.
Guatemala Makes the Prestigious List of Michelin Key-Awarded Hotels for the Second Consecutive Year
Guatemala has once again been included on the list of hotels recognized with the Michelin Key—an international distinction that honors excellence in hospitality—for the second consecutive year, solidifying the country’s position as a premier destination in the luxury tourism segment. This international recognition highlights the quality of service, the guest experience, and the operational standards of the selected Guatemalan hotels, positioning the country on the global map of high-end hospitality. Guatemala’s sustained presence in this prestigious guide reinforces the confidence of high-spending international travelers in the country’s tourism offerings, opening new opportunities to attract investment in the luxury hotel sector. Such distinctions strengthen Guatemala’s image as a sophisticated and diverse tourist destination, capable of competing with other markets in the region in the premium tourism segment, thereby consolidating new opportunities for economic development in the country’s high-quality hotel and service industries.
Honduras Strengthens Its Macroeconomic Position with Record International Reserves
The Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Honduras agreed to raise the monetary policy rate by 25 basis points to 6.00% as a preventive and measured step to maintain the country’s macroeconomic stability. The decision comes amid a context in which short-term indicators of economic activity continue to show favorable performance, driven by robust consumer spending and private investment: the Monthly Economic Activity Index recorded 4.4% growth in July, while bank credit to the private sector rose 8.0% year-on-year in August. Foreign exchange inflows from remittances reached US$9,495 million, and net international reserves hit a historic high of US$11,515.6 million, equivalent to 6.6 months of imports of goods and services as of September 14, 2026. The Central Bank emphasized that this rate adjustment aims to keep economic agents’ inflation expectations anchored within the tolerance range, reaffirming its commitment to constantly assess macroeconomic variables to strengthen the country’s external position and maintain price stability in the medium term.
Honduras Records Its Lowest Country Risk Level in 13 Years
Roberto Lagos, president of the Central Bank of Honduras, presented the Honduran Association of Banking Institutions with a positive analysis of the Honduran economy’s performance, highlighting that the country’s risk level stood at its lowest in the last 13 years, at 1.46%, below the Latin American average of 2.52%. Despite the trade deficit, the current account shows a surplus driven by remittances from family members, complemented by consistent and balanced monetary and exchange rate policy management. The banking system continues to show positive growth in attracting funds from the private sector, with notable growth in household savings account deposits, driven by the inflow of foreign currency. Against a backdrop of increased liquidity, credit to the private sector also showed positive growth, driven primarily by financing for service companies, real estate, and agricultural activities. This favorable economic outlook strengthens confidence in Honduras’s macroeconomic soundness and consolidates conditions conducive to investment and credit growth in the country.
The IDB Supports Honduras in Developing a Strategic Logistics Roadmap
The National Logistics Council of Honduras made progress in developing a strategic agenda to improve connectivity, facilitate trade, and boost the country’s competitiveness through a new working meeting held at the Presidential Palace with the participation of Julia Johansen, the Inter-American Development Bank’s representative in Honduras. During the meeting, progress on the Council’s first phase was presented, along with CONFAC’s strategic vision, which aims to identify and promote actions that will make processes related to foreign trade more efficient. The agenda calls for continuing to coordinate efforts in infrastructure, connectivity, and trade facilitation, as well as identifying opportunities for technical and institutional cooperation that will accelerate strategic initiatives for the country. The government of President Nasry Asfura is promoting this coordination as part of its strategy to leverage Honduras’s geographic position, improve conditions for the movement of goods, and create a more competitive environment for investment, production, and international trade.
Honduras Boosts Its Fine Cocoa Production, Making an Impact on International Markets
Honduras has exported approximately 630 metric tons of cocoa so far in 2026, generating revenue of nearly US$2.8 million, according to industry data. The country produces between 1,700 and 2,000 metric tons of fine and aromatic cacao annually across nine departments, with the northwestern region accounting for a significant portion of this activity. There, 1,590 producers cultivate approximately 1,800 manzanas, 1,200 of whom are organized into associations that facilitate marketing and provide technical assistance. Of the total produced, about 80% is destined for Central American markets, primarily Guatemala and El Salvador, while the remaining 20% is exported to Switzerland. The processing sector is also growing, with some 70 companies dedicated to cocoa processing that generate greater added value for the product. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, through the National Agri-Food Development Program, works alongside producers to improve agricultural practices using organic fertilizers, thereby enhancing bean quality and fostering new opportunities for growth and investment in the Honduran cocoa value chain.
Nicaragua Confirms Its Commercial Vitality with Heavy Weekly Port Activity
The National Port Authority handled 13 international vessels and moved 132,895 metric tons of cargo at Nicaragua’s commercial ports between September 14 and 20, according to the institution’s general manager, Carlos Aburto. At Puerto Corinto, five container ships imported 1,146 containers of oils, lubricants, fertilizers, machinery, and electrical goods from Germany, Spain, China, and Malaysia, while 903 containers of liquor, sugar, peanuts, and coffee were exported to Mexico, Peru, Colombia, and Japan. Container ship movements totaled 2,049 containers, equivalent to 25,354 metric tons of cargo. The port also handled two tankers that imported fuel and gasoline, as well as a ro-ro vessel that brought 585 new vehicles from China and Japan. In total, the Port of Corinto handled 57,285 metric tons of cargo during the week, confirming the diversity of Nicaragua’s trading partners and the dynamism of its international trade through its port infrastructure.
The Northern Triangle Is Experiencing a Significant Economic Boost Thanks to Growth in Remittances
Family remittances received by El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras totaled US$29,064 million in the first seven months of 2026, a 7.1% increase compared to the same period in 2025, according to data from the International Organization for Migration. Guatemala solidified its position as the region’s largest recipient, with US$15,447.1 million—equivalent to 53.1% of the total—followed by Honduras with US$7,692.1 million and El Salvador with US$5,924.9 million. Honduras recorded the highest year-over-year growth, at 11.2%, followed by Guatemala at 6.6% and El Salvador at 3.7%. The United States remains the primary source of these funds, thanks to the large Central American community residing there. This steady flow of remittances drives domestic consumption and economic stability in the three countries, reinforcing their appeal as economies with solid consumer bases and significant foreign exchange reserves.
BLPodcast.
When the Government Changes the Rules (Spanish audio – English subtitles)
BLP INSIGHT
Costa Rica Pauses Its Public-Private Partnership Law: Key Takeaways for Companies
Costa Rica’s Constitutional Chamber has declared several core articles of the Framework Bill on Public-Private Partnerships (Legislative File No. 24,009) unconstitutional. As a result, the bill returns to the Legislative Assembly to rectify flagged provisions before a potential second vote. Key concerns include issues regarding the autonomy of public institutions, the sanctions regime, access to justice, and equal treatment of bidders. While the revised text is being finalized, the existing public works concession framework remains the applicable mechanism for projects relying on this structure. Companies involved in infrastructure or financing projects in the country should monitor the modifications the Assembly has introduced, as well as any potential changes to procedures, requirements, and risk allocation for future PPP projects.
EVENTS
Law 10.889 in the Constitutional Arena: Implications for Banking and Financial Institutions
BLP, in collaboration with the Chamber of Banks and Financial Institutions of Costa Rica and the Central American Banking Academy, presents a session to analyze the scope and implications of the new strict liability regime regarding electronic fraud for banking and financial institutions.
The event will take place on Friday, October 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at the Real Intercontinental Costa Rica Hotel. Participation costs US$80 for members and US$95 for non-members.
The session will address the constitutional challenge filed with the Constitutional Chamber, its suspensive effects, and potential precautionary measures, as well as the regulatory response from SUGEF and the legal and procedural criteria applicable to handling claims while the merits of the case are being resolved. Luis Ortiz, Andrés López, and Eduardo Ramírez will chair this analysis.
ECONOMIC INDEX
| Country | Exchange Rate (local currency per USD) | Basic Passive Rate (local currency) | Monetary Policy Rate | Sovereign Debt | Year-on-Year Inflation | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S&P | Moody’s | Fitch | |||||
| Costa Rica | 448.21 | 3.58% | 3.00% | BB | Ba2 | BB | -0.17% |
| El Salvador | 8.75 | 4.79% | N/A | B- | B3 | B- | 3.19% |
| Guatemala | 7.62 | 4.63% | 3.50% | BB+ | Ba1 | BB+ | 3.37% |
| Honduras | 26.88 | 6.70% | 6.00% | BB- | B1 | N/A | 6.20% |
| Nicaragua | 36.62 | 1.14% | 5.75% | B+ | B2 | B | 4.00% |
23/09/2026 | Source: secmca.org
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