Two Costa Rican meat processing plants have received authorization from the Chinese authorities to export beef to the Asian country, and another two received minimal observations.
China's support for the export of beef by the companies El Arreo y Visión Comercial was reported last week by the authorities of the National Health Service. Ligia Quirós, director of the department of the Ministry of Agriculture, and Andrei Barquero, Commercial Vision representative, confirmed the news.
The Free Trade Agreement between Costa Rica and China will come into effect on August 1, 2011.
The Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Trade has indicated that they have fulfilled all the necessary operating procedures and exchange of diplomatic documents corresponding to the FTA with China which goes into effect on 1 August.
"China is the second largest importer in the world after the United States, it has a growth rate above 9%, its consumption capacity is increasing and it there is diversity of tastes and preferences, which means great opportunities for our country. We must now try to the get the maximum advantage from it, for which we have been preparing through the Foreign Trade Promotions (PROCOMER) office in Beijing and in San Jose through close coordination with other government agencies to ensure the agreement’s proper implementation", said Minister of Foreign Trade, Anabel Gonzalez.
The summit, which attracted about 200 businessmen from both countries, seeks to cement trade relations.
Business appointments are made based on interests presented by Chinese entrepreneurs in sectors such as industry, food, construction, technology and meat.
Additionally, the conference promotes Costa Rican exports with 11 booths which allow attendees to taste products such as palm and coffee liqueur.