• GDP: US$18.4 billion (2004).
• Main exports: Electronic components, fruits and vegetables.
• Main imports: Petroleum products, chemical products and alcoholic beverages.
• Main trade partners: USA, Central America and EU.

Electronics represent 27 per cent of Costa Rica's export revenues while 22 per cent of export earnings are derived from agriculture (melons, pineapple, coffee, bananas, meat, sugar and cocoa). Staple crops are also grown for domestic consumption. Manufacturing industry consists of food processing, textiles, chemicals and plastics and is steadily expanding with Government encouragement. New industries include aluminium production, following the discovery of a large bauxite deposit. Oil and hydroelectricity meet the bulk of the country’s energy needs. Tourism dominates the service sector and is the most important source of foreign exchange earnings. The economy is nearly static at present with annual growth under 1 per cent. Costa Rica receives some international aid through international bodies, such as the IMF and the Inter-American Development Bank, and from the USA, which is Costa Rica’s main trade partner. Costa Rica is also a member of the Central American Common Market.

Customs tend to be conservative. Advance appointments, courtesy and punctuality are appreciated. It is preferable to have some knowledge of Spanish, although many locals speak English. Best months for business visits are November and December; avoid the last week of September, which is the end of the financial year. Government office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600.

Cámara de Comercio de Costa Rica (Chamber of Commerce)
Apartado 1114-1000, 1000 San José, Costa Rica
Tel: 221 0005.
Website: www.camara-comercio.com

Cámara de Industrias de Costa Rica (Chamber of Industries)
350 metros sur de la Fuente de la Hispanidad, San Pedro de Montes de Oca, Apartado 10003, San José, Costa Rica
Tel: 281 0006.
Website: www.cicr.com

Costa Rican-American Chamber of Commerce
Apartado 4946-1000, San José, Costa Rica
Tel: 220 2200.
Website: www.amcham.co.cr

Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica (PROCOMER)
Apartado 1278-1007, San José, Costa Rica
Tel: 299 4700.
Website: www.procomer.com