As part of the border posts improvement plan, the Government is proposing a toll, charging $25 per export declaration and $5 per person.
The charge would be implemented at the border crossings at Peñas Blancas, Sixaola, Paso Canoas and Las Tablillas (Los Chiles).
Proceeds will be used to pay back the $80 million loan granted by the Inter-American Development Bank to finance the construction, equipping and improving processes at these border posts and to create a fund to maintain them. Some 4% would be paid to the municipalities where the crossings are located.
The Foreign Trade Ministry announced on Wednesday morning a schedule for the "Modernization of border posts for 2013"
ElPaiscr.com reported that "After being abandoned for more than two decades, the border posts with Nicaragua and Panama will be granted to private companies, although $40 million more are required to complete works before closing the deal.
Lack of adequate customs infrastructure and delays to building of new bridge are hampering trade.
In addition to infrastructure problems, businesses describe bureaucratic hurdles with duplication of processes and responsibilities as well as contrasting office hours.
Costa Rica is the main Central American market for Panamanian exporters and the third largest at a global level. For Costa Rica, Panama is its fourth largest trade partner.
Due to the red tape in both countries they could not come to an agreement to build a new international bridge over the Sixaola river on the border between both countries.
More than three years ago, in April 2005, both governments agreed to build a 240 meter metal bridge to replace the current structure which is more than 100 years old and which is severely rusted and has completed its useful life.
President Oscar Arias of Costa Rica signed a law to use a US$9.2 million Inter-American Development Bank credit for the development of the Sixaola river basin, which Costa Rica shares with Panama.
Costa Rica's government is contributing US$2.8 million to make a total of US$12 million for a program of sustainable development in the region.