Costa Rica was politically stable in 2009 although the economy slumped and reported a negative growth rate of -1.2%. The government launched a Shield Plan （Plan Escudo） to counter negative impacts of the financial crisis. Unemployment and crime rate rose up. The CAFTA-DR or Dominican Republic-Central America FTA came into force. President Arias actively mediated Honduras political crisis. Costa Rica continued its traditional friendship with the US and recovered diplomatic relations with Cuba after 48 years of breaking off. Its relationship with China deepened further and the fifth round of China-Costa Rica FTA negotiations was concluded.