The lack of a competition law in Guatemala could expose the country to sanctions from the European authorities, since it is a requirement demanded in the regulations of the Association Agreement with the European Union.
Since the end of 2016, the Association Agreement (AdA) required Guatemala to have a law on the matter, since in 2019 a Central American competition authority would have to be created. However, it cannot operate, because there is no legal framework.
Guatemalan exporters report that President Trump's warning about export tariffs and taxes on remittances and transfers is raising doubts among U.S. buyers.
Uncertainty prevails among most Guatemalan businessmen after President Trump reacted to the provisional protection established by the Guatemalan Constitutional Court, which limits the functions of the Executive Branch to negotiate or sign any foreign policy agreement.
Guatemala's business sector responded with concern to President Trump's warning about imposing export tariffs and levies on remittances and transfers.
The announcement made by the president of the United States comes after the Guatemalan Constitutional Court issued a ruling in which it limits its foreign policy functions to the Executive, by granting a provisional injunction that prevents the negotiation or signing of any agreement.
In the NAFTA review carried out by the Central American and U.S. authorities, it is ruled out that the U.S. government will apply trade sanctions in retaliation for the deepening of the migration problem.
After the Trump administration pressured Mexico with the threat of increased tariffs on Mexican imports, the region has generated expectations for the planned review of the NAFTA with Central America.
The Legislative Assembly approved a moratorium of three non-extendable months, in sanctions, arrears, interests, fines or any other sanctioning disposition, related to the collection of the value added tax, which became effective last July 1.
Taxpayers qualified by the Tax Administration as large national taxpayers and large territorial companies are excluded from this moratorium, explains a statement from the Legislative Assembly.
Some days after having initiated the administrative procedure against Aldesa Puesto de Bolsa, the judicial authorities of Costa Rica carried out several raids in the homes of the directors of the entity and its offices.
On May 24, through a relevant fact, the General Superintendence of Securities (Sugeval) explained that investigations would be made to determine whether or not the stock exchange carried out the necessary accounting records of accounts receivable payment operations for nine months.
In Costa Rica, the General Superintendence of Securities initiated an administrative sanctioning procedure against Aldesa Puesto de Bolsa, arguing that the company would not have kept the necessary accounting records.
On May 24, in a relevant fact published by María Luisa Fernández Garita, head of the General Superintendence of Securities (Sugeval), it was explained that investigations will be made to determine if the stock exchange post did not keep the necessary accounting records of accounts receivable payment operations during nine months.
On December 5th, will begin the period in which the taxpayers who pay their debts in the first three months after the publication of the Law will be absolved of arrears and sanctions.
The publication of the Law to Strengthen Public Finances in the official newspaper La Gaceta marks the beginning of the three-month period for taxpayers with debts to the Ministry of Finance, the Instituto Mixto de Ayuda Social (Imas), the Instituto de Fomento y Asesoría Municipal (Imas) and the Instituto de Desarrollo Rural (Inder) to update their accounts without charging interest and penalties.
In Costa Rica, a law project proposes to disable construction companies that do not comply with contracts with state entities for a period of five years.
The proposed law is analyzed by the Economic Affairs Committee of the Congress, and according to representatives of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT), if approved, the law would allow sanctioning construction companies that do not complete the works agreed with the State.
In Costa Rica a hotel entrepreneur is confronting the Solis government, after it warned that companies carrying out commercial promotions in alliance with Uber will be penalized.
EDITORIAL
Can it be that businesspeople in Costa Rica nowhave to consult the government to validate their marketing plans and strategies for their products and services?
The Smugglinglaw approved on its first reading includes penalties of 3-10 years in prison for those who illegally sell goods infringing animal, human or plant health.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Associations of Private Business Sector (UCCAEP):
In Costa Rica the majority of MPs are opposed to the bill which would give the Treasury the ability to penalize delinquent taxpayers, a measure considered unique to the judiciary.
The Government will have to amend the draft law to improve the fight against tax fraud if it wants the Legislature to approve it. The opposition is mainly relted to the fact that the project would grant the ability to make charges and put in place embargoes without a court order, and there are also "... objections to tax advisers being made to pay part of the taxpayers debts, if the Administration considers that they gave the wrong advice."
The bill presented to the Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica eliminates 219 tax exemptions and authorizes the Ministry of Finance to revoke them and impose sanctions for their abuse.
The Ministry of Finance has announced the sending to the Legislative Assembly of a bill which eliminates 220 different tax exemptions.
The bill already has the signature of the president, Luis Guillermo Solis, and besides eliminating 220 tax breaks also establishes penalties for those who enjoy them without a right to do so.
Entrepreneurs are demanding an acceleration of discussions in the Assembly to approve a bill which introduces the concept of "fractional smuggling" and toughens penalties.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Associations in the Private Business Sector (UCCAEP):
Recognized Brazilian company of backhoe loaders, telescopic, articulated and other types of cranes looking for companies interested in representing the brand and distributing their machinery in Central America and Mexico. The company manufactures and sells telescopic,...
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