Costa Rica aspires to join the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla on Tuesday reaffirmed the country’s intentions of joining the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

During a tour of Europe, Chinchilla participated in Paris as a speaker at a forum titled “A Better Quality of Life 2.0,” organized by the OECD. Chinchilla said her country is committed to participating in the group, where major economic and development decisions are made.

“The OECD has been a beacon in our journey towards development, and for more than half a century has provided guidance, analysis, reflection and inspiration,” she said.

The forum’s focus is discussing actions to achieve better living conditions for the world’s residents, and Chinchilla referred to three main areas that Costa Rica could work with the OECD: social investment, protection of the planet and free-trade promotion.

Chinchilla will be in Europe until May 31 to promote cooperation between Central America and the EU and to attract investment. After France, she is scheduled to visit Germany, Italy, and the Vatican, where she will meet with Pope Benedict XVI.

Last year, the OECD removed Costa Rica from its list of “tax havens,” where the country had appeared since 2009.