The private sector has unimpeded access to foreign exchange. The last restrictions were eliminated in 1996. A legal parallel exchange market operates free from government restrictions and is growing. Remittance of profits generated through foreign investments, as well as original capital, is guaranteed for those investments registered under the former Foreign Investment Law. Investors who do not register their capital may still make remittances through the parallel market, although these transactions are not guaranteed by law.
Embassy is aware of no investor who has encountered remittance difficulties.
Interest rates are established by the market. Real estate mortgages are issued for terms up to 15 years, and chattel mortgages are generally unavailable without a guarantee issued by a foreign bank. OPIC offers loans and loan guarantees for projects with a minimum 25 percent U.S. investor beneficial interest, and political risk insurance covering currency inconvertibility, expropriation, and political violence. It also provides specialized coverage for leasing, oil and gas exploration, natural resources, and contractors. FNI manages a series of funds from international donors, including projects for non-traditional exports, small business support, renovation of coffee plantations, and assistance to the livestock sector.