Tariff reductions for medicines are contained within the plan.
The free transit of goods and people, effective coordination of controls at border posts, and prioritization of work towards the identification of logistic corridors, are part of the economic measures of the Regional Contingency Plan Central American Integration System (SICA) to counteract coronavirus.
The provisions of the regional body, which were endorsed by the presidents and heads of state of its member countries, during a virtual meeting on 12 March last, also include tariff reductions, in order to maintain the supply of medicines, supplies and medical equipment to treat the pandemic. To this end, the plan provides for coordination with the Council of Ministers of Health of Central America to determine the list of critical products, including food, beverages and hygiene products. In addition, the definition of a system of economic indicators to serve as the basis for the development of a study on the impact of Covid-19 in the region, which will support requests for cooperation from foreign financial bodies and the community as part of the contingency plan.
3 axes contains the plan: trade and finance, health and risk management, and security, justice
Mipymes
The plan also considers the preparation of a proposal for economic revival, with a view to reducing the negative impact that the crisis will have on the micro sector of small and medium-sized enterprises. Measures to be implemented include strengthening dynamic enterprises, regional value chains, e-commerce and women’s entrepreneurship.