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Asia Charms Costa Rica
The strong increase in trade,
the possibilities for investment
and the training programs in
state-of-the-art technology have
captivated Costa Rica, which has
embarked in the conquest of
Asia.
A first major step is most
likely to be completed next
year, when Costa Rica is
expected to become a member of
the Asia Pacific Economic
Cooperation association (APEC).
This will enable the Central
American nation to partake in
joint programs with such Asian
powers as China, Korea, Hong
Kong, and Taiwan.
Also, Costa Rican exports to
Asia experienced a strong
increase last year. Thus, for
example, sales to Hong Kong went
up 267% , from us$137 million to
us$421 million; likewise, sales
to China increased by 61%, from
us$163 million to us$226
million.
While in the first 11 months of
the year 2004 Taiwan bought
us$35 million, the figure was
us$78 million for the same
period last year.
Foreign Commerce Vice-Minister
Doris Osterlof pointed out that
entering the APEC is part of
Costa Rica's long-term trade
strategy.
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