Costa Rica’s Foreign Trade Minister Marco Vinicio Ruiz said that improved relations with China were a top priority for 2008 in a press conference held yesterday. Great strides were made to strengthen the relationship this year including a visit of President Arias to China, denouncing Costa Rica’s relationship with Taiwan in favor of China, and the beginning of negotiations for a free trade agreement between the two countries.

Costa Rica News — Chinese float at the Festival de la Luz 2007

In a show of good will, China also promised to build a new National Stadium in San Jose that would fit 1% of the country’s population, as well as help in disaster relief for the many areas of Costa Rica affected by severe flooding this rainy season.

Other plans include building a Technology Park and an Oil Refinery in Costa Rica. A more criticized plan involves China offering to help Costa Rica in the exploration for oil and natural gas. Costa Rica’s Environmental Minister stated that the country hopes to guarantee access to energy, but noted that some environmental dangers do exist.

The budding relationship was even illustrated in the winning float at the Costa Rica Festival de la Luz this past Saturday. “Viva la amistad China-Costa Rica” (Long live the China Costa Rica friendship), read the brilliantly lit float.

 Photo courtesy of La Nacion

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Filed under: Costa Rica News on December 19th, 2007