Costa Rica Opens New
York Trade Office
While in New York to
attend a session of the
United Nations Security
Council, Costa Rican
president, Oscar Arias,
took the opportunity to
inaugurate the latest
Oficina de Promoción
Comercial (OPC) -
foreign trade office,
the 12th around the
world, four of which are
in the United States.
Attending the
inauguration was Costa
Rican's Chancellor,
Bruno Stagno, the
director of the
Promotora de Comercio
Exterior de Costa Rica (Procomer),
Ricardo Solera,
Procomer's general
manager, Emmanuel Hess
the director of the OPC,
Maykool López.
The objective of the New
York office is to
promote Costa Rica's
services sector,
investment and to take
advantage of niche
export market
potentials.
New York is home to many
companies already
established in Costa
Rica, such as CitiGroup
and Pfizer.
Arias said that the
decision to open the New
York office is one of
the best the government
has made in terms of
commercial trade in
years and with the
Tratado de Libre
Comercio (free trade
agreement) that goes
into effect in January,
it will be a vital tool.
"Without fear of being
wrong, I dare to say
that in a few months it
(the trade office) will
be one of the main doors
of transit for many of
the goods we produce and
the services we provide
from Costa Rica. It will
be a showcase of immense
proportions, to
publicize the talent and
hard work of our farmers
and our entrepreneurs,
our craftsmen and
merchants." said Arias.
In 2007, New York as the
entry point for 15% of
all Costa Rican goods
exported to the United
States.
Costa Rica exports to
the US, pineapple,
banana, melon, pencils,
tires, parts and
accessories for
cinematographic cameras,
beef, pallets for
packing, electronics,
electrical equipment,
textiles, computer
parts, palm, iron
structures and glass,
among other items.
Hess added that the New
York office not only be
to promote exports by
small and medium sized
companies, but will help
to further promote
growth sectors..
|
