The final steps to begin working with the approved TLC (Free Trade Agreement) Costa Ricaworked with the US government will be put on hold until November 6th, 2008 according to recent resolution between the Costa Rica government and the US. On that date a delegation that will be headed by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Carlos Gutiérrez, and the United States Trade Representative, Susan Schwab will arrive in Costa Rica to check on final details and operations required to start moving on with the proposal and the process and advances of approving the last of the 13 “complimentary” laws that are required to accompany the trade deal.
Costa Rica agreed with the TLC last year after several years of discussions and even and entire referendum to make sure that the agreement was a decision made by the majority of citizens, as the their democratic laws and government type requires. Costa Ricais much firmed on their democratic and peaceful way of living and decisions are often made taking into account the opinion of the people first.
Even development projects in Guanacaste, Puntarenas, Limon or any other province where natural reservations may be around have to be approved by a board or commission before hand. Properties in Costa Rica located in the surrounding areas of beaches, rain forests, volcanoes and rivers are carefully checked to make sure they comply with all protection requirements.
Regarding the Free Trade Agreement (TLC), Costa Rica has been the hardest country to sign, and now with this delay some countries that have already moved forward will stay on stand by until the agreement is finalized.
If you ask me, I am actually proud that this country work so fair with their people, laws and the government is actually handle by the word of the citizens. Costa Rica government model should be used as an example of democracy and taken into consideration for other countries, even the US government.
