The Costa Rica News (TCRN) – Costa Rican presidential candidate, Luis Guillermo Solís, held a meeting with representatives of the export sector, to set lay out his plans in areas such as trade and energy.
Solis, of the center-left Citizen Action Party (PAC), met with representatives of the Chamber of Exporters of Costa Rica (Cadexco) to discuss issues such as free trade and the Pacific Alliance.
The presidential candidate reiterated his position to not sign more trade agreements, but rather to make better use of what Costa Rica already has in place.
“No need to keep signing treaties before leveraging what we have,” said Solis.
The candidate sympathized with Cadexco that the export sector needs greater dynamism and said 95% agreed with his approach.
Among the urgent issues identified by exporters: reducing red tape that prevents greater commercial dynamism, improved road and port infrastructure, and security.
The only point in which the presidential candidate differs with exporters is the opening of the electricity market to allow private sector participation.
Solis is of the view that the state should strengthen the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) and maintain the current law that allows private companies to only generate a maximum of 15% of the energy required by the country.
On the Pacific Alliance, he said that he supported the future inclusion of Costa Rica, but that the current government should expose all ranges of accession.
On April 6 Solis will face off against the ruling National Liberation Party (PLN) candidate, Johnny Araya, in a runoff election which will define who will preside over the country from May 8 for a period of four years. (ACAN-EFE)
The Costa Rica News (TCRN)
San Jose Costa Rica