A Colombian delegation is in national territory to renegotiate the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Costa Rica, a measure that interests different sectors, especially those related to coffee, poultry and pork, As well as some dairy products.
Foreign Trade Minister Alexander Mora confirmed from Brussels that a few weeks ago authorities received the request from the Colombian Government, so they met with representatives of the industrial and productive sectors to analyze conditions and build the proposal that will be negotiated this week.
The official was emphatic that they will not touch sensible areas for domestic production. As explained, the negotiation includes the adjoining chamber modality from where the business, industrial and productive sectors will be able to follow up the process and where they will be able to be consulted by the Government in specific aspects when required.
Renato Alvarado, from the Chamber of Porculturists, said that it drew their attention the fact that Colombia initially raised interest in sugar products like sweeteners and some flours, but that the country wants to discuss about products for which the industriali sector requested immediate opening.
He reported that the pork is on the table, but the national sector is not happy with the proposal because there are no good conditions to compete.
In the case of the industry, foreign trade adviser Renzo Céspedes explained that some sectors related to pasta, corn flour and tires are interested in the renegotiation, but the Costa Rican industry said no.
Céspedes said that there are very long periods of tax exemption that, after 4 years of application, should be checked: there are cases, like the one of the refrigeration industry, that requires so due to the conditions of the internal market.