The Panamanian government announced that it had reached an agreement with the Costa Rican authorities that Panamanian heavy transport units would be given a 72-hour period to load and unload goods in tax offices.
Arguing that it was an attempt to mitigate the spread of the covid-19, the Costa Rican presidency decided that from 18 May only transporters carrying out direct border-crossing would enter Costa Rican territory, whose units would be subject to police surveillance. In response to this announcement, Central American business and transport associations have spoken out against it and called for the restrictions to be lifted.
See “Cargo Transport: Nicaragua Closes Border”
In this context, Panamanian and Costa Rican authorities decided to address the issue and reached agreements to continue trade by land, reported the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Panama (Mici).
Also see “Cargo Transport: Request to Suspend Restrictions”
From the Mici’s statement:
May 20th, 2020. Panamanian transporters will be able to load and unload merchandise in Costa Rican fiscal precincts that are previously designated and will have a total of 72 hours to do this operation, after the National Government and Costa Rican authorities negotiated the implementation of a pilot plan to facilitate bilateral trade while the COVID-19 pandemic lasts, informed today the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Ramón Martinez de la Guardia.
Amidst diplomatic efforts and negotiations, where also participated the Foreign Minister Alejandro Ferrer and the General Director of the National Customs Authority, Tayra Barsallo; an agreement was established that contemplates better health and safety conditions for Panamanian cargo transporters, and to guarantee the supply of food and medicines.
“The National Government is optimistic about the agreement, since it will facilitate the flow of goods and regional trade in such a sensitive period in terms of health. In fact, this agreement includes the establishment of controlled routes, traceability and the use of authorized stops, as well as strict monitoring of health guidelines by the authorities of the sister country of Costa Rica,” he said.
Minister Martinez reiterated that “our countries see it as imperative to seek temporary solutions that can be adapted to health and trade circumstances, but implemented quickly to make the border congestion will be reduced.”
Last Monday, Panamanian and Central American authorities participated in a Special Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Economic Integration of Central America, where the formation of inter-institutional commissions per country was determined to present proposals that would help counter.
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