Friday, August 22nd, 2008
Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer today reviewed the success from recent openings of U.S. beef markets into Costa Rica, Belize, Qatar and Ghana recognizing international trade standards for U.S. beef and beef products from cattle of all ages.
“The opening of these diverse markets demonstrates the global appetite for U.S. beef and the understanding and confidence nations place in America’s science-based international standards for safety,” said Schafer. “I think it is important to review this pattern of opened markets for their strategic placement in the world marketplace where surrounding nations and world travelers can once again enjoy the quality of American beef.”
Officials from the USDA and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative have made a concerted effort to restore markets for U.S. beef and beef products from cattle of all ages, in line with international standards of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). More than 100 countries currently allow the entry of U.S. beef and beef products.
Costa Rica and Belize are both Central American countries with strong tourism sectors. In addition, Costa Rica is an important port and gateway to other Latin American markets. In calendar year 2003, the United States exported more than $2.6 million in beef and beef products to Costa Rica.
Belize, the second smallest and least populated country in Central America, relies on foreign imports from countries such as the United States, Belize’s number one trading partner.
Qatar, bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia, has one of the highest per capita income levels in the world and blossoming hotel and tourism industries. Exports of U.S. beef and beef products to Qatar topped $1.2 million in 2003, and strong growth is expected.
The West African nation of Ghana has become an important trading partner in Africa due, in large part, to a stable and vibrant democracy, and economic reform. The Ghanaian market is a relatively new one for U.S. beef.
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Friday, August 22nd, 2008
Property development in Costa Rica is reaching out to previously inaccessible areas and offering investors different choices, according to a new guide.
The opening of previously non developed areas along with government investment could create a property boom, according to the publication, Costa Rica – The Owners Manual.
Developments underway or starting soon include the largest full-service marina in Central America, new hospitals, a new airport and new roads.
The massive government approved projects underway will catapult this area on to the world stage with blistering speed. Massive, government infrastructure projects like this don’t come around often. The last time we saw something similar was 10 years ago, a few miles down the coast, when property prices exploded by over 800%,’ it says.
Costa Rica has been popular with US retirees for almost 20 years but is only now coming into the mainstream. It has a stable government, plenty of foreign investment, a well-educated population, first-rate health care, and a thriving tourism sector.
With space running out in the most popular towns, the government is working furiously to open up previously inaccessible areas. Costa Rica now ranks as the most technologically developed country in all of Central America. The government has attracted several high-tech companies by offering tax holidays of up to 20 years. There are also many incentives for tourism companies,’ the book continues.
The workforce is well educated and most speak English. Costa Rica offers investors and relocated businesses plenty of advantages. Among the companies to open branches here are Acer America, Baxter Healthcare, Intel, and Panasonic.
The presence of offshore banks has grown exponentially in recent years. Within the last three years, the total amount of funds these banks have attracted has increased by 65%,’ it says.
Attractions include diving and snorkeling, walking, white water rafting, fishing and kayaking. Property consultants reckon that high in the Central Valley you can still find bargains but even on the Pacific Coast, the current Mecca for property investors, it’s still possible to find small fishing villages and unspoilt stretches of beach.
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