NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) April 23, 2013--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services today said it assigned its 'BB' foreign currency senior unsecured debt rating on the Republic of Costa Rica's planned global bond. The total amount issued, under Rule 144A Regulation S, on the two tranches of 12 and 30 years is expected to be $1 billion in total. The ratings on Costa Rica balance the country's limited monetary and exchange rate flexibility and persistent fiscal pressures with good prospects for long-term GDP growth, stable political system, relatively high social development, and modest current account deficits largely funded by net foreign direct investment. The stable outlook on the ratings reflects our expectation that the government will take minor steps to
