Costa Rican and Nicaraguan business leaders met yesterday to hammer out a cooperation agreement to further trade between the two countries, said the Costa Rican Private Sector Business Union (UCCAEP, its initials in Spanish)

Members of Nicaragua’s Superior Private Business Council (COSEP, its initials in Spanish) traveled to San José for the 1-day session aimed at strengthening relations and cooperation between private businesses in the two countries.

“Joint efforts between Costa Rica and Nicaragua … in recent years in migration, tourism and investment … benefit the citizens of both countries with greater employment opportunities. Today we are finding ways to continue advancing … and strengthening relations between both business sectors,” said José Adán Aguerri, COSEP president.

Representatives discussed current issues of importance including border crossings, trade, investment possibilities, and joint opportunities in the tourism industry, among other themes.

The cooperation agreement penned by leaders of the two business chambers spells out ways to promote and expand relations in the areas of economics, trade, science and technology, said UCCAEP.

“Private companies play a leading role as the main actor and promoter of the process of integration and cooperation between the two countries. This meeting confirms the connection that exists between the sectors, that we are complementary and we have many synergies that benefit the inhabitants of the two nations,” said Franco Arturo Pacheco, UCCAEP president.

According to official trade statistics, Costa Rica exported over US$540 million in goods to Nicaragua last year, while Nicaragua exported more than US$140 million to Costa Rica.