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Flows of Money
This section reviews the efficiency and security of trade-related flows of money across borders. The primary focus of the section is on the ability of importers and exporters to provide and receive payments with as few complications and with as much security as possible across borders as they trade their goods and services. (It is not the purpose of this diagnostic to encompass the macro financial issues of Costa Rica’s account balance or trade balance.)
In well-functioning trading systems, the movement of payment is often a minor administrative detail in the trading scheme. Yet, in some countries, because of such issues as legal restraints on electronic payments and restrictive currency exchange policies, the mere payment for goods and services creates yet another obstacle for legitimate traders. On the security side of money flows, this assessment addresses illegitimate money flows that place stress on the system, such as money laundering, counterfeiting, and other financial crimes. These issues, when intensified, can lead to instability in the payment system and the trading environment as a whole.
Overall, the efficiency and security of trade-related money flows in Costa Rica is quite strong. The banking system offers contemporary methods for traders, and there is a well-developed market of banks that offer the appropriate banking and finance tools.
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