Protest Action Confirmed
Costa Rican unions and social organizations confirmed their participation in a national strike against the Tratado Libre de Comercio (TLC) - Free Trade Agreement with the United States - that is currently being evaluated in Congress.

First Day of Free Market Exchange Called "Interesting and Positive" By Central Bank President
For the first day of the new free market currency exchange rate, the majority of the banks and financial institutions kept close to the "floor" and "ceiling" rates set by the Banco Central de Costa Rica (BCCR) - the Central Bank.

Heavy Rain And Flooding in Pacific Coast
The mid-Pacific coast and the Zona Sur (Southern Zone) are on high alert for the heavy ranin that is expected to cause some ¢200 million colones (us$385.000) in damages this season. The heavy rain during the past week has caused flooding in many areas around Quepos and Rio Claro de Golfito.

MedTech Inaugurates New Facility in Costa Rica
The MedTech Group, Inc, a leading full service contract manufacturer of medical devices and components, inaugurated the opening of its new 25,000 square foot plant in Costa Rica - MedTech Costa Rica, S.A.

Grupo Mundial to Buy 90% Stake In Costa Rican Insurance Broker
Panamanian financial group Grupo Mundial Tenedora has reached an agreement to acquire a 90% stake in Costa Rican insurance broker Círculo de Protección Total for an undisclosed sum, Mundial said in a filing with Panama's securities regulator.

Araya To Go Door Knocking For Votes
If you live in San José, the knock on your door during the next month and a half could be that of Johnny Araya, mayor of San José, looking for your vote in the December 3 mayoral elections.