"This treaty is part of our country’s strategy to seek a closer relationship with the Asia-Pacific," said President Alvarado when signing the treaty at a ceremony.
Public Works and Transport Minister Germán Valverde said that the delay will not affect the country's commercial sector, as the Atlantic Port Authority will continue offering import and export cargo mobilization services at its terminal.
The World Trade Organization will grant Costa Rica ten days to file a response, and the countries will then have 60 days to negotiate a solution on the ban on Hass avocados.
The Agriculture Ministry said in a news release that officials are working on a protocol that would allow them negotiate the reopening of avocado imports from Mexico by midyear.
