Costa Rica: something happened

WHAT? Often criticized as indecisive and inactive, the government of President Laura Chinchilla got court approval last week for the concession to APM Terminals of the Netherlands of a $1 billion container terminal in the Caribbean port of Moin.

WHY? In a bold move, the administration signed the concession contract, while the court was still considering objections from the union, which operates the existing facilities.

WHAT NEXT? Chinchilla supports new taxes, opposed by much of Costa Rica’s corporate community. If a proposed new tax law passes, she will be able to point to the container terminal as evidence of her government’s commitment to business.

For more information, please contact Esteban Alvarez at ealvarez@cidgallup.com