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Costa Rica Launches Nationwide
Consultation On EU Deal
osta Rican President Oscar Arias
on Wednesday launched a
consultation process on an
accord negotiated between the
European Union (EU) and Central
American nations.
The process aims to create "a
solid national position, which
will allow us to underscore the
nation's competitive
advantages," Arias told
government officials and
business leaders at a ceremony.
He said privileged access to one
of the world's biggest markets
would also boost regional
integration. Costa Rican exports
to Europe are 60 percent of
Central America's total.
In 2006, Europe accounted for
us$1.28 billion dollars of
exports, 15 percent of Costa
Rica's overseas sales, according
to the Foreign Trade Ministry.
The planned agreement includes
trade, political dialogue and
aid between the EU and Central
American nations.
During a meeting on Monday in
Guatemala City, both sides
agreed to launch talks on the
agreement in June.
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