The business sector in Costa Rica has demanded U.S. Congress to ratify the Association Agreement between Central America and the European Union before Easter, to ensure Costa Rica’s economic stability.
“The national industry vehemently requested the deputies make their commitment to employment, production and economic stability of the country, approving the agreement before Easter,” said a joint statement from the Chambers of Industries, Agriculture and Agribusiness, Exporters and Trade.
If the instrument is not ratified soon, Costa Rica would jeopardize the “exploitation of regional quotas, stability of products already on the market and the advantage of positioning products”
The organizations demanded that the deputies “responsibly exercise their duties, with a sense of urgency, pass the Association Agreement with the European Union”.
The Chambers said the deputies José María Villalta, the leftist Broad Front, and Luis Fishman, the Social Christian Unity Party, as those responsible for delaying the vote on the initiative with dozens of motions, although “a majority of deputies is favor of the agreement.”
Employers stressed that the Association Agreement contains a trade agreement that “covers 96% of tariff and includes immediate access to sensitive products”.
On February 13th, President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, visited Costa Rica and urged Congress to ratify the agreement, to “intensify trade that brings wellness” to all the participating countries.
This agreement, which also includes the two pillars of trade and political cooperation, has already been ratified by the European Parliament and the legislatures of Nicaragua and Honduras.
In Costa Rica the project already has the approval of the International Affairs Committee of Congress and is currently under discussion.
The Costa Rica News (TCRN)
San Jose Costa Rica
