A business chamber formed late last year offers private-sector leaders in Costa Rica and Nicaragua a new forum for networking and mutual support across the border.
The Costa Rican-Nicaraguan Business Chamber was created in September 2005 as an initiative of the Nicaraguan Embassy in San José and business executives from both countries. Ambassador Francisco Fiallos is the organization’s honorary president.
According to a statement from the San José-based chamber, its goal is to facilitate the flow of trade and investment between the two countries and defend its members’ interests. The organization plans to offer services including a publication with information relevant to business and investment; a commercial directory for affiliated businesses; workshops, seminars and commercial missions; and expedited consular services at the Nicaraguan Embassy, including a special visa for affiliated executives.
These visas, made possible by an agreement between the chamber and the embassy, are good for unlimited trips from Costa Rica to Nicaragua for three months; each affiliated business can obtain a maximum of two visas, chamber spokeswoman Laura Zeledón told The Tico Times.
She added the new chamber has 30 members so far, both Costa Ricans and Nicaraguans, all with business interests in their neighboring country. An estimated 800 Costa Rican businesses have interests in Nicaragua, according to the statement.
Members pay $50 per month, with an initial membership fee of $200. For more information, call 257 2929, extension 231.
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