State Minister Koga Holds Meeting with H.E. Dr. Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade of the Republic of Costa Rica

In the meeting, State Minister Koga stated that Costa Rica is an important partner that shares basic values with Japan, such as freedom, democracy and the rule of law. The state minister also expressed his high expectations for momentum toward the enhancement of bilateral economic relations, including collaboration in the WTO, the OECD and other international fora in addition to increased market entries and direct investments by Japanese companies in Costa Rica. Further, the state minister expressed his sympathy with people affected by the large volcanic eruption in Costa Rica and highlighted the importance of implementing disaster control measures.
In response, Minister Tovar stated that Japan is particularly important in both political and economic terms for Costa Rica, and that Japanese companies are making a significant contribution to his country.
Both sides also affirmed the importance of their collaboration in the WTO reform and work at the OECD, where Costa Rica is chairing the Ministerial Council this year, and of promoting cooperation for Costa Rica’s accession process in the Accession Working Group(AWG) of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Division in Charge

Latin America and Caribbean Office, Trade Policy Bureau