The president of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Chaves, expressed a strong interest on Monday in attracting foreign investment, highlighting the advantages of his country as a safe environment amid global geopolitical changes. During the inauguration of the first BCIE-Korea Business Forum, organized by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), Chaves emphasized that Costa Rica is in constant growth, undergoing reforms, and open for business. In his speech, he stated that Costa Rica stands out as a country without an army and for its focus on sustainability and equality of rights for women and minorities.
The president also underscored that Costa Rica is strategically positioned in the Western Hemisphere, with a time zone similar to that of the world's largest market, the United States. Chaves invited investors from Korea and other parts of the world to consider Costa Rica as a destination for their investments, mentioning existing and ongoing free trade agreements, aiming to promote greater growth and connection with other countries globally.
In his address, Chaves expressed Costa Rica's desire to learn from South Korea's experience and technological and managerial knowledge, as well as to collaborate for greater shared well-being. He highlighted the importance of competition, innovation, trade, and investment as engines for sustainable development. The Costa Rican leader insisted that isolation and protectionism are not effective strategies, advocating for cooperation and openness as fundamental pillars for the progress of nations.
The BCIE-Korea Business Forum focuses on key sectors such as technology and cybersecurity, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, vehicles and accessories, and precision agriculture. During the event, discussion panels, business rounds, and startup exhibitions are held where innovative proposals from emerging companies in Korea and Central America are presented. The participation of businesspeople and high-level government officials has been notable, and the presence of El Salvador's president, Nayib Bukele, is expected at this meeting aimed at strengthening trade relations and boosting investment between South Korea and Central America.