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US Ambassador to Costa Rica,
John J. Danilovich |
| Courtesy US Embassy |
Since 1851, Costa Rica and the United States have
enjoyed a strong and vibrant relationship. Our nations
are united by common values, which include democratic
stability, a commitment to human rights, and an
emphasis on education. This century promises to
strengthen our ties and expand and stimulate the
growth potential for the region, beginning with
the upcoming US-Central American Free Trade Agreement
(CAFTA) negotiations which will kick off in January
2003.
As with the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA),
the US-CAFTA agreement will benefit all member states.
Those members include the United States and the Central
America nations of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala,
Honduras and Nicaragua. Whether through cultural,
educational or economic ties, these nations, like
all of the Americas, grow increasingly important
to the US every year.
Today, the US sells as much to Latin America and the
Caribbean as we do to the European Union. In Costa
Rica alone, more than half of all trade and direct
foreign investment is now from the US. And about 59
million airline passengers are expected to travel
between the US and the rest of the Americas this year,
more than across either the Atlantic or the Pacific.
These are strong indicators of a positive relationship
with the region that promises further growth and benefit
from a free trade agreement. |
