Department of Commerce Under Secretary for International Trade, Marisa Lago, came out of an important trade meeting in Costa Rica last week "heartened" by that nation's president.
Among other trade and elected officials attending the Central American Business Conference in San Jose, Costa Rica, Lago met with Costa Rica President, Rodrigo Chaves Robles, according to an Aug. 23 Commerce press release.
The conference's goal was to provide attendees an opportunity to explore markets in Central America, according to the International Trade Administration.
"President Chaves and I had a warm and productive meeting in which we discussed how our countries can partner to increase mutual economic opportunities that benefit our businesses, workers, and people," Lago said in the release. "I am heartened by President Chaves' enthusiasm for open and competitive markets and welcome his eagerness to collaborate with the United States."
The two officials discussed how to strengthen the bilateral commercial relationship, including reducing barriers to trade and implementing transparent business and regulatory practices, the release stated. Chaves and Lago also discussed expanding opportunities for U.S. companies in the region and ways to ensure mutual benefits of trade and investment are felt broadly and equitably throughout both countries.
Lago, who was appointed by President Joe Biden and sworn in late last year, led the trade mission of 32 U.S. companies during the conference, which took place Aug. 18–22, according to the release.
"Central America is home to crucial export markets that offer immense opportunities for U.S. businesses and workers across industries," Lago said, according to a press release from the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica. "I look forward to supporting our exporters and their workers, advocating for a stronger commercial environment, and working to ensure that the benefits of trade reach more broadly and equitably across both the United States and Central America."