Authorities from both countries met to review pending procedures related to the export and import of products such as tomatoes, beef, chicken, fish and sausages.
The bilateral agenda also addressed the issues of international cargo transport, smuggling at border crossings, streamlining procedures and efficiency in processes, as well as the provision of facilities and measures restricting the international transport of land cargo, reported the government of Panama.
The document reviews that, during the September 30 meeting “… The ministers of both countries were accompanied by technical teams in the areas of animal health, foreign trade and policy, standards, regulations and phytosanitary services, and international trade negotiations.
The authorities agreed to provide answers and pending information by Monday, October 14, as well as to present work schedules to attend plant inspections in both countries. In this regard, Costa Rican authorities also undertook to make the corresponding visits to two Panamanian plants this October.
Regarding customs difficulties, both countries agreed to adopt measures to overcome restrictions on international transport of cargo.”
In mid-September, CentralAmericaData reported that the absence of toxic waste laboratories at Panama’s meat processing plants is one of the obstacles preventing the product from entering the Costa Rican market.
According to representatives of the Panamanian Exporters Association (Apex), Costa Rican regulations require at least 14 toxic waste tests and Panamanian laboratories perform only 8.