ISDS Case Map
CAFTA
US - Central America Free Trade Agreement
Tens of thousands of union members, farmers and political activists marched through Costa Rica's capital on Monday to protest a free-trade pact with the US they say will be harmful to local businesses.
The Free Trade Agreement with Central America and the United States has wandered into a state of limbo, notwithstanding statements by Industry and Commerce authorities here that the Dominicans have met all prerequisites needed to enter the treaty. Yet US authorities allege that there are issues pending.
With the Democrats getting ready to take charge of Capitol Hill in Washington, a multifaceted initiative designed to boost economic and political ties between the United States and CARICOM has been placed on the table. It's the brainchild of Manchester Trade, a private firm of international business advisors in Washington.
There is little probability that the Dominican Republic will enter the Free Trade Agreement with Central America and the United States next January, as scheduled, because at least seven legislative pieces are still pending approval.
The Costa Rican government ordered an information brownout and disinformation campaign against the mobilizations in that country protesting the free trade agreement with the US, denounced Deputy Jose Merino in a news release Tuesday.
Legislation proposed for implementing the Free Trade Agreement with Central America and the United States (DR-CAFTA), presented to the Congress by the central government, contemplates a three-year extension beyond the 20 currently in force, for invention patents protection established in the Industrial Property law 20-00.
Current state of play with intellectual property law reforms in Central America under the US-DR-CAFTA.
The Costa Rican people are in the streets and on a general strike Monday and Tuesday to challenge the free trade agreement with the United States, which President Oscar Arias has approved to accelerate.
Costa Rican unions and social organizations confirmed their participation in a national strike against the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States, currently being evaluated in Congress.
The withdrawal of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States and development of alternatives are some of the actions proposed by deputies, social organizations and sectors that oppose to the ratification of that agreement on Monday.
