Dozens of Costa Rican business owners yesterday participated in a seminar to prepare them for a commercial mission to China in October.

Chinese Ambassador Wang Xiaoyuan attended the activity and motivated the business leaders to get to know the Chinese market, which he says has “opportunities for all products,” especially near the country's coastline, where there are higher per-capita incomes.

Costa Rica and China established diplomatic relations June 1 (TT, June 8), a move President Oscar Arias has said was partly aimed at increasing trade with this Asian giant.

Another key factor in increasing commerce with China is carrying out “good promotion so that consumers get to know Costa Rican products and accept them,” he said.

Finally, the ambassador said it is fundamental to “cultivate a relationship of friendship and trust between businessmen from both sides,” and that forums and commercial missions are a way to achieve this.

Sergio Nava, Vice-president of the Chamber of Exporters (CADEXCO), said exporting goods to China is a difficult challenge and that the chamber will step up its efforts to support local businesses.

Although the Chinese market will not be open to the entire range of Costa Rican products, there are opportunities for products such as coffee, banana and pineapple, Xiaouyuan said.

Also, because of its geographic positioning, Costa Rica is an attractive destination for Chinese investors who aim to sell their products to the rest of the world.

China is the second largest trading partner with Costa Rica; last year, it exported $1 billion worth of goods to China and imported $600 million from that country.

-ACAN-EFE