President Chinchilla flies to Japan

President Laura Chinchilla began her tour of Japan on Monday. Chinchilla left for her 3-day trip on Sunday as Costa Rica marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Asian economic powerhouse.

The trip’s agenda has three main goals: strengthen political and economic bonds between the two countries, attract more investment by opening new markets for Costa Rican exports and improve cooperation with Japan in the areas of clean energy and digital television.

Throughout the trip, Chinchilla will be attending business and investment forums and a renewable energy exhibition. She will also participate in a conference about Costa Rica’s renewable energy successes.

Laura Chinchilla will attend a lunch with Japanese Emperor Akihito and a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda on Tuesday. The president also will visit the city University of Kyoto where she will receive an honorary degree from the university.