Minister Ng welcomes Costa Rica’s Minister of Foreign Trade to Ottawa
News release
December 4 - Ottawa, Canada - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, today welcomed Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica and President of the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter, to Ottawa.
Minister Tovar joined Minister Ng in a discussion with stakeholders, key businesses leaders, Indigenous partners and Canadian parliamentarians, during which they highlighted the strong bilateral relationship between the 2 countries and their shared commitment to sustainable and inclusive trade. Minister Ng discussed Canadian leadership in environmental sustainability, cleantech and infrastructure, and noted how Canadian innovation and investment can help to enhance key Costa Rican initiatives in the green economy.
During bilateral meetings, the ministers explored avenues for greater cooperation in key areas, such as the empowerment of women and Indigenous entrepreneurs, notably through the Global Trade and Gender Arrangement and the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement.
The ministers underlined their commitment to working constructively toward a successful 13th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference, to address current challenges and further strengthen the multilateral trading system.
Minister Ng underscored Minister Tovar’s leadership on issues related to inclusive trade as well as addressing climate change. She also thanked him for his ongoing commitment to promoting democracy and advocating for the rule of law, creating a strong foundation on which to continue advancing the robust Canada-Costa Rica trade relationship.
Quotes
“It was a pleasure to welcome Minister Tovar to Ottawa. This has been a great opportunity to advance the trade relationship between Canada and Costa Rica, especially on the issues of inclusive trade and investment, and to diversify and reinforce our supply chains, enhance business partnerships and promote Canada’s expertise in clean energy.”
- Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development
Quick facts
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Costa Rica is Canada’s second-largest trading partner in Central America.
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Canada and Costa Rica celebrated 21 years of bilateral trade ties in November and have committed to work together to reach $1 billion in bilateral trade in 2024.
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In 2022, 2-way merchandise trade between Canada and Costa Rica totalled $914.7 million, with Canadian merchandise exports valued at $274.2 million (up 46.8% from 2021) and imports from Costa Rica valued at $640.5 million.
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Canadian exports consist primarily of cereals, fertilizers and scientific and precision instruments, while primary import products include scientific and precision instruments, fruits and nuts and electronic equipment.
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The Canada-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement entered into force in November 2002 and enabled the development of trade relations between the two countries.
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Parallel agreements on the environment and labour cooperation were also signed at that time.
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Costa Rica joined the Global Trade and Gender Arrangement in May 2023.
Associated links
Contacts
Shanti Consentino
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development
343-576-4365
shanti.cosentino@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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