Trade & Investment Diplomacy: New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay says the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership (FIT-P) has expanded to 19 members as Korea, Peru and Thailand formally join in Auckland, with Costa Rica among the founding economies—aiming to reduce barriers and set practical rules on digital trade and supply-chain resilience. Tourism Demand Watch: Costa Rica’s ICT reports a 1.2% drop in air arrivals in June (214,518 visitors), with North American arrivals down and Europe up, as World Cup timing and higher jet fuel prices weigh on travel. Tax & Customs Crackdown: President Laura Fernández announced a plan to fight smuggling and tax evasion without new taxes, including reforms to the General Customs Law to tighten controls on containers and retail imports. Local Business & Jobs: Pollo Campero named Karla Patino vice president of marketing and sales, targeting growth in the U.S. Hispanic market as it pushes toward 250 restaurants by 2030. Wellness & Environment: Costa Rica’s IMN warns Saharan dust plus the midsummer heat wave and El Niño-linked conditions will intensify late July into August, raising temperatures and reducing rainfall while worsening air quality. Regional Crime & Compliance: A U.S. senator cited a case involving a sports betting operation using an offshore server located in Costa Rica, renewing pressure on enforcement against illegal online gambling.