Construction Sector Up 64% Driven By Tourism
The construction sector grew by 64% in 2006, driven mainly by construction of homes in tourist areas. According to information by the Cámara Costarricense de la Construcción (CCC), between January and December of 2006, some 5.95 million square metres (64 million square feet) of construction was recorded, a record in the history of the country.

TLC In Trouble Minister Arias Admits
With two major parties opposed to the Tratado Libre de Comercio (TLC) - free trade agreement with the United States,  Government Minister Rodrigo Arias, admitted Tuesday that it is difficult to approve the  deal in the Legislature.

Truck Driver in Accident Prohibited From Driving For One Year
The Juzgado Penal de Guápiles ordered yesterday the driver of the tractor trailer that killed a family of four last Saturday morning to not drive for a period of a year and allowed to remain free after he appeared in before the Fiscalía de Pococí.

TLC Document To Be Published On Jan 26
One of the many roadblocks facing the trade deal is the publication of the document, which according to the Imprenta Nacional, the publisher of the officials government publication, La Gaceta, it will not occur until January 26.

Chiquita Receives 2006 Contribution to Community Award
Costa Rica president, Oscar Arias, presented the "2006 Contribution to the Community Award" to Chiquita Brands International on behalf of the American-Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), in recognition of Chiquita's Nature & Community Project, an initiative designed to preserve biodiversity, promote nature conservation awareness among the local population and create new sources of income for people in the community.

Costa Rica On Alert For Pig Fever in Nicaragua
Costa Rican authorities announced Tuesday on the increased prevention measures in place at the border control point with Nicaragua due to an outbreak of "pig fever" in that country.