www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I don't know if CR approved CAFTA yet but found this link: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/01/polit ... oo&emc=rss

Pax,
Sluthog

Yes, this is an important issue concerning development here in CR. Passage is still dubious because the House of Rep now must ratify, and there is more opposition there. Then it needs to be ratified in CR which is no piece of cake. All the syndicates and even the "church" are questioning free trade here in CR.

The only opposition I have to the free trade agreement here in CR is if that means american pros will be more free to come compete with our Delrey honies. Thats one america product we DONT want down here...

The Costa Rican President has not even submitted CAFTA to the legislators for discussion. CAFTA is a long way from being approved in CR.



But if works the other way imagine the smile on the faces of the gringos in the US.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Tman: Competition among sellers usually benefits the buyer! More suppliers, more aggresive competitive pricing. Only drawback is that I would run the risk of running into an ex wife or girlfriend while on the prowl in the gulch. Maybe I would settle a long overdue score by setting her up with the man of her dreams; the most handsome of all handsome; rico of the most weathy; a charmer of the aristocratic class... and set her up with Circus.

If she objected to that, on day two, Javier the shoeshine boy has offered his escourt services. That x of mine does like 'em young, and has a thing about shoes...so watch out Javier! Cafta may be your salvation!

On a serious tone: I've been through this process in Mexico and now in Central America. Both sides are scared of each other. Fear of the unknown. There will always be dislocations and sad stories. In reality free and open trade on an even playing field historically helps both sides. Most Americans don't realize the fear of competition local businesses have from the "collosus of the north." Most locals south of the Rio Grande don't realize the fear of the norteamericanos of being "overrun by cheap labor." I'm an economist and financial analyst by profession. Synopsis: A good fair free trade agreement ultimately helps the economies of both systems. The results sometimes take years to fully bear fruit.

Its a simple economic truth: we all do some things better, so let us export them to you, receiving goods as import which you do a better job at producing. Result: You get better coffee at a cheaper price; I get better machine parts at a cheaper price.

Those who might be tempted to argue economic isolationism might want to read about the history and the result of the Smoot-Hawley Tarrifs of the 1920's.