The irresponsibility of two states

Conflicts of interest between carriers and the apathy of the authorities of Costa Rica and Panama have kept the border blocked for all regional trade.

It's not just that immigration and customs officials do not provide a 24 hour service, as is needed, and as occurs at other Central American borders, but that in Paso Canoas, the governments of Costa Rica andPanama are not exercising their authority in a responsible manner, resulting in conflicts for one reason or another, with consequent blockades and closures that produce serious economic losses not only for Panamanians and Costa Ricans, but also for all Central American companies whose imports or exports pass through this bordersays an editorial in CentralAmericaData

In relation to the current closure of Paso Canoas caused by blockades by some Costa Rican truckers, an article in Prensa.com reports that "Regarding the situation at the border, Foreign Minister Fernando Nunez Fabrega said "the diplomatic part has been done. I think the minister [Jose Raul] Mulino will at some point talk about this subject "… and that "Deianira Ramirez, in charge of business affairs at the Embassy of Costa Rica in Panama, said that Costa Rica has reiterated its adherence to the law and is even proposing amendments to be submitted to the Assembly, in order to ensure the dynamic movement of people and vehicles at the border. "

For its part, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Costa Rica issued an innocuous statement which affirms its "willingness to take the necessary measures, including modifications that will be forwarded to the Legislative Assembly, to ensure, definitively, the dynamic flow and mobility of people and traffic along its border with neighboring Panama. "

We only see a lot of talk, rather than specific actions being taken to ensure ongoing efficiency in the movement of people and goods, at a border crossing of prime importance to the regional economy.