In April 2020, the Costa Rica Support and Promotion Office (OSPCR) and the Multilateral Chamber of Commerce and Cooperation Israel Ibero-America (now the Israel Ibero-America Chamber of Commerce) issued a press release with a proposed national protocol for the social and economic recovery of Costa Rica during the Covid-19 pandemic. Both organizations had been working on the proposal since March 6, 2020.
A proposal to reduce the economic impact of Covid-19 in Costa Rica
Aware of the serious situation that both Costa Rica and the world at large were facing due to the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, the OSPCR and the Chamber developed a formal, verified and objective proposal. Its purpose is to propose national guidelines to reduce as much as possible the economic impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the country.
SARS-CoV-2 is the coronavirus that causes the Covid-19 disease. The World Health Organization declared it a pandemic on March 11, 2020.
Recognition of institutions and first responders
The OSPCR and the Chamber expressed their highest appreciation for the work carried out by government institutions such as the Executive Branch and the Legislative Assembly. Above all, they highlighted the health workers, firefighters and police, who put their lives on the line every day, even risking the health of their loved ones, for the benefit and protection of national well-being.
Risk of recession: poverty and unemployment
According to the press release, the risk of Costa Rica entering a severe economic recession could lead to:
- an increase in the poverty rate of up to 32%;
- unemployment rising from 12% to 30%.
Faced with that scenario, both organizations considered that it was not possible to stand idly by or to shift all responsibility onto the branches of government. They therefore called on the public and on business owners to work together to support the authorities and become active players in solving the crisis.
Read the full press release and protocol
The full press release and the protocol that the organization proposes to implement or develop with Costa Rican society are available at the following link: National Protocol for Social and Economic Recovery during the Covid-19 Pandemic (PDF).
The press release concludes by expressing confidence that the private sectors will join forces to play an important and active role in the solution. It is signed by David O. Abraham, Secretary General of the Costa Rica Support and Promotion Office.
The Chamber and Costa Rica
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