Costa Rica successfully begins its process of joining the Pacific Alliance.

The recent working meeting between the national coordinators of the Pacific Alliance and representatives from Costa Rica marks a significant milestone on the path toward the integration of this country into one of the most relevant economic cooperation mechanisms in the region. This meeting, which took place with the participation of Costa Rica's Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, laid the groundwork for the formal start of the Central American nation’s accession process to the alliance. During the meeting, Decision 16 was presented, which includes the creation of a specific Working Group to oversee the accession process. This group will be responsible for establishing a clear roadmap and a matrix of instruments that Costa Rica must adopt to align with the standards and objectives of the Pacific Alliance. The importance of these documents, approved during Peru's Pro Tempore Presidency, lies in the fact that they will provide a structured framework to facilitate Costa Rica's integration into the alliance. The national coordinators from Chile, Marcela Otero and Cristóbal Ramírez, led the meeting, representing Chile's Pro Tempore Presidency for 2024. Their participation underscores the Pacific Alliance's commitment to welcoming Costa Rica and working collaboratively on the necessary steps to ensure successful integration. This process not only opens new trade opportunities for Costa Rica but also strengthens the ties between the member countries of the alliance: Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. Adriana Castro, General Director of Foreign Trade at Costa Rica's Ministry of Foreign Trade, expressed the country's enthusiasm for joining this mechanism. Alongside her, Rolando Madrigal, Minister Counsellor for Foreign Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship, reiterated gratitude for the Alliance's hospitality and reaffirmed Costa Rica's willingness to collaborate in this process. This commitment is an indicator of the country’s intention to deepen its economic and political relationships within the Latin American context. Costa Rica's accession to the Pacific Alliance not only has economic implications but also represents a step toward greater regional integration. Marcela Otero emphasized that this process will strengthen Latin American integration and enable member countries to revitalize the regional cooperation mechanism. The Pacific Alliance is characterized by promoting a mixed economy model that seeks to address the inequalities generated by the market, which is vital for the sustainable development of the countries in the region. Furthermore, the Pacific Alliance has proven to be an ideal space for cooperation in various areas, from trade to innovation and sustainable development. The inclusion of Costa Rica will not only enrich the economic fabric of the Alliance but also allow other members to benefit from Costa Rica's experience and progressive approach to sustainability and social development. As the accession process progresses, it is crucial that both Costa Rica and the existing members of the Alliance maintain an open and constructive dialogue. Collaboration will be key to overcoming any potential challenges that may arise in Costa Rica's integration, as well as ensuring that the benefits of free trade and cooperation are accessible to all sectors of the population. The coming months will be crucial for the development of this process. The implementation of the roadmap and adaptation to the Alliance's instruments will require coordinated efforts between Costa Rican institutions and member countries. This not only implies regulatory and strategic alignment but also a commitment to transparency and the inclusion of various economic and social actors in this integration process. Costa Rica's entry into the Pacific Alliance promises to open new doors for trade and investment, as well as foster a collaborative environment that could serve as a model for other countries seeking to strengthen their ties in the region. Thus, the accession process becomes an opportunity not only for Costa Rica but for all of Latin America, in the pursuit of more inclusive and sustainable development in an increasingly interconnected world.