Conference Zones in PanamaMonday, October 27, 2014 From 12 to 14 November representatives from free zones in Latin America will be gathering together in Panama City to discuss issues such as changes in legislation and the role of free zones in the logistics chain.
Problems Ahead for Costa Rica Free Port LawTuesday, July 7, 2009 Three points exist that could complicate the approval of the Free Port law in the Costa Rican Congress. Politicization of the benefited companies, creation of a fiscal paradise and transferring the favorable impact of investment to less developed areas are points doubted by several congressmen. Costa Rican President Signs Free Zone LawTuesday, January 12, 2010 President Oscar Arias signed a law modifying the Free Zone regime in Costa Rica. The bill was introduced by the Executive on April 2009, and was finally passed on December 17th by the Legislative Assembly. Free Trade Zone Reform in GuatemalaMonday, August 23, 2010 If proposed reforms are approved, the country should find it easier to attract foreign investment. The reform to the Free Trade Zone law is expected to be approved by the end of the year, stated congressman Mariano Rayo. Costa Rica Modifies Free Zone RegulationsTuesday, October 27, 2009 Free Zone companies are now allowed to use facilities outside industrial parks for performing similar processes to those done in their central unit. Many free zone companies need to expand their facilities, but there is little space available for doing it inside industrial parks. That is why the regulation was modified, enabling these companies to operate external 'satellite' facilities. Guatemalan Free Zones Forbidden From Selling In CountryWednesday, March 10, 2010 The Tax Authority prohibited the sale of products originated at Free Zones within the country’s borders. The ruling will come into effect on May 1st, and is part of the current Free Zone Law (Article 4). Guatemalan Free Zones Press for LawThursday, March 11, 2010 The Free Zone Association is putting pressure on Congress to pass the bill that will regulate the sector’s activities. This legislation would authorize Free Zone companies to sell their products to Guatemalan companies. Agricultural Free Zones ActFriday, November 25, 2011 The government of El Salvador is discussing with the private sector a bill to create specific zones for agricultural activities. Once the Assembly approves the amendments to the free zones law, which will modify the industrial free zone scheme, negotiations will begin for the creation of a specific regime for the agricultural industry. Costa Rica: Modifications to Free Port Law ProjectThursday, August 13, 2009 Suppliers selling at least 40% of their production to free port companies will enjoy the benefits of the tax regime. Previously, the benefits were granted to suppliers with "a significant portion", without establishing percentages, a far too wide concept. New Duty Free Zones to Open in GuatemalaFriday, July 15, 2011 Six new free trade zones will operate in Guatemala, making the total 24 nationwide. The new zones are located in Guatemala, Villa Nueva, Zacapa, Quetzaltenango, Puerto Quetzal and Tecun Uman, according to Economy Minister Luis Velasquez. Guatemala: Free Port Law StuckMonday, August 17, 2009 Exporters consider the country is losing competitiveness against the rest of Central America. The decrees modifying Free Port and Maquilas Laws have been waiting in Congress for over 4 years. Free Zone Bill Moves Forward in Costa RicaTuesday, December 8, 2009 If the act is approved in the Economic Matters Commission, the bill would move on to the Legislative Assembly. The idea is for the bill to be passed before the end-year recess, which starts December 18th. Free Zone Law Moves Forward in Costa RicaWednesday, September 9, 2009 The Economy Commission approved the project, which now moves on to the legislative plenary. Companies located in the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) will have to pay 6% income tax for the first 8 years and 15% for the following 4. Guatemala Discusses Changes to Free ZonesThursday, February 18, 2010 The Tax Authority and Free Zone Users are seeking an agreement to regulate the nationalization of goods through free zones. Current legislation forbids commercial users of Free Zones from exporting goods to Guatemala, so these transactions have been done as re-exports. El Salvador: Free Zones Law Generates ControversyWednesday, October 12, 2011 If a reform of the law is approved, tax exemptions enjoyed by members of the scheme would be limited. Although the purpose of the law reform is to modernize the free zones scheme and meet the requirements established by the World Trade Organization, companies currently operating under the scheme would be affected. |
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