America Free Zone, located in Heredia, Costa Rica, plans to execute an investment plan in the next few years totaling close to $120 million and contemplates the implementation of electro-lane stations and the construction of new infrastructure.
Executives of the business complex informed that up to now they offer their clients 200 thousand m2 of space for business activities, but the medium-term plans are to add another 60 thousand m2.
In the Dominican Republic, contracts were approved for the development and operation of four parks in export processing zones and 13 permits for the installation of companies.
The National Council of Export Processing Zones (CNZFE) reported last May 21 that it approved permits for two new parks of processing zones to be built in Boca Chica, and another in Nigua.
There are currently 15 active zones plus five being installed, adding up to $50 million in investment.
They are dedicated to the production of goods and services, with exports totaling $500 million a year, and are located in the metropolitan area, but also in La Chorrera, Arraiján and Cocle.
According to Ricardo Muñoz, president of the Association of Panamanian Free Zones, the intention of the union is to promote its expansion across the country.
The Republic of China is to conduct a feasibility study for the construction of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the country.
A press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica reads:
COMEX and the China Development Bank have signed agreement to initiate a feasibility study.
On Thursday the President of the Republic, Laura Chinchilla, witnessed the signing of a Framework Agreement between the Ministry of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica and the China Development Bank to prepare a study to analyze the feasibility of developing a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in our country.
The Panamanian government has authorizing the establishment of Zona Franca Parque Industrial y Corporativo Sur, S.A. (Parque Sur), east of Panama City, with an investment of $8.2 million.
A statement from the Presidency of Panama reads:
The cabinet has given approval for the establishment of a free zone in the eastern sector of the capital.
The Cabinet Council gave approval for the National Free Zone Commission, to authorize the establishment and operation of a Free Trade Zone Industrial Park, Parque Industrial y Corporativo Sur, S.A. (Parque Sur),in the village of Juan Diaz, east of Panama City with a total investment in infrastructure and buildings of approximately $8.2 million.
Guatemala's President has also announced improvements in road infrastructure access from Mexico to the Ciudad de las Palmeras.
In a meeting with businessmen from the Guatemala Chamber of Commerce (GCC), President Perez Molina promised the projects as a way of reviving the economy of the southern provincial capital.
According to an article in Siglo21.com.gt, "Puerto Quetzal is also among the plans.
More businessmen are considering setting up in industrial zones in the Panamanian province, where with an investment of $250,000 and two hectares of land they can install themselves in a free zone.
Law 32 of 5th April 2009 allows holders of an area of two hectares, plus an investment of $250,000, to establish free trade zones, which, according to several businesses, is a good option for a province under development, reports Prensa.com.
The Nicaraguan Federation Chamber of Private Free Zones plans to install 15 companies in 6 new industrial parks within the country this year.
The secretary of the Nicaraguan Federation Chamber of Private Free Zones (FCNZFP in Spanish), Mario Zelaya, said the new industrial parks will be located in Niquinohomo, Masaya, Leon and El Viejo (all areas on the Pacific side).
The 2008 project to develop a business park in the north is still stalled.
Representatives of the project explained the reasons for the delay, from the global economic crisis which began in late 2008 to the lack of road infrastructure and energy.
On energy, Coopelesca plans to begin in February the construction of a 20 MW facility, which would be ready in 20 months.
Different areas of the country are offering benefits such as tax exemptions and assistance in getting patents and permits.
The municipalities of San Carlos, Pococí, Liberia, Grecia and Central de Puntarenas are developing different plans to attract domestic or foreign investors.
“They are offering varied benefits, from tax exemptions when companies invest in development, to less requirements for permits and patents”, reported Nacion.com.
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