Page 269 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - FEBRUARY 2025 Part 2

UAE, Costa Rica promote trade, investment

opportunities

Story by KN
• 2w • 4 min read

DUBAI, 6th February, 2025 (WAM) -- The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Costa Rica have
reaffirmed their commitment to expanding economic ties and strengthening trade and investment
flows under their landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) during a high-
level business forum held in Dubai.

The event, organised by Dubai Chambers in collaboration with the Dubai-Costa Rica Business
Council and the Costa Rican Foreign Trade and Investment Agency (PROCOMER), brought together
senior government officials, business leaders and trade representatives from both nations.

It served as a platform to explore the benefits of the CEPA, which was signed in 2024 as part of the
UAE’s broader foreign trade strategy to deepen economic engagement with key global partners.
The forum was attended by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and
Manuel Tovar Rivera, Minister of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica, alongside key stakeholders from the
public and private sectors of both countries.

Other notable speakers included Francisco Chacon, Ambassador of Costa Rica to the UAE; Essa
Abdulla Al Ghurair, Chairman of Essa Al Ghurair Investment; William Reuben-Soto, President of the
Dubai-Costa Rica Business Council; Mrs. Laura Lopez Salazar, CEO of PROCOMER; and Mr. Julian
Aguilar, Coordinator for Middle Eastern Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica.

Speaking at the forum, Al Zeyoudi highlighted the strong potential of the UAE-Costa Rica CEPA in
boosting bilateral trade and investment flows, stating, “This CEPA is a catalyst for deeper economic
collaboration, opening new avenues in trade, investment, and innovation for both our nations.
Costa Rica is one of the most dynamic and forward-thinking economies in Central America,
recognised for its expertise in technology, advanced manufacturing, and commitment to
sustainable growth. Meanwhile, the UAE stands as a global trade and investment hub, offering
Costa Rican businesses unparalleled access to markets across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
By removing trade barriers, facilitating investment flows, and fostering cooperation in key sectors,
this agreement lays the foundation for a new era of mutually beneficial economic prosperity.”
On the Costa Rican side, Manuel Tovar Rivera said, “The CEPA with the United Arab Emirates
reflects Costa Rica’s strong commitment to market diversification and expanding our export
opportunities. As the first Latin American country to conclude a trade agreement with the UAE,
Costa Rica gains preferential access to a sophisticated and dynamic market while fostering
investment and collaboration in key sectors for national development. This milestone strengthens
our global trade position and opens new opportunities for strategic industries.”

https://www.msn.com/en-ae/money/economy/uae-costa-rica-promote-trade-investment-
opportunities/ar-AA1yxwMp