Chilean entrepreneurs looking for business partners in Costa Rica

A group of small- and medium-sized Chilean companies – mostly providers of health and cosmetics products and services – this week are visiting the country to seek business opportunities.

Companies offering specialized products such as eyeglasses, dentist chairs, radiation devices, lenses and cosmetics are interested in linking up with potential distributors or representatives in Costa Rica, according to the Chilean Commercial Office in Costa Rica (ProChile).

Chilean companies consider the Central American region a natural market for its exports, due to current free trade agreements that facilitate access of goods and services from the South American country.

ProChile Director in Costa Rica Marcela Aravena confirmed that President Michelle Bachelet plans to support small- and medium-sized businesses that currently do not sell their products abroad to target markets in Central America.

Costa Rica and Chile have a free trade agreement in force since 2002. According to ProChile, Chilean exports to Costa Rica in 2013 totaled $263 million, an increase of nearly 300 percent over 2002 figures. Chile in 2013 imported some $25 million in products from Costa Rica, mostly electronic components, mineral oils, medicines, metal and food.

Representatives of several companies from El Salvador also will participate in meetings throughout the week.