Japan’s Support for Costa Rican Accession to the Trans-Pacific Agreement (CPTPP)

Costa Rica Seeks Japan’s Support for CPTPP Accession

Costa Rica’s Vice President, Stephan Brunner, recently made a significant diplomatic push by requesting Japan’s support to secure Costa Rican accession to the Trans-Pacific Agreement, specifically the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). This request was highlighted during his August 2004 visit to Japan, where the Japanese government emphasized the importance of the CPTPP and firmly committed to strengthening economic cooperation with Central American countries. Brunner’s visit to Japan marked a crucial moment in Costa Rica’s foreign policy, focusing on expanding its trade partnerships and deepening bilateral ties with one of the world’s largest economies.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations with Japan

Accompanied by several ministers from the Costa Rican government, Brunner’s visit was designed to reinforce cooperation across various fields, including trade, technology, and environmental sustainability. The discussions with Japanese authorities underscored both nations’ shared values and interests, particularly in the context of Costa Rican accession to the Trans-Pacific Agreement.

During the diplomatic meetings, Vice President Brunner attended a working lunch in Tokyo with Yoshimasa Hayashi, the Japanese government’s Chief Cabinet Secretary and spokesperson. During this session, Hayashi highlighted that Costa Rica and Japan “share values and principles,” emphasizing Japan’s willingness to continue strengthening ties, especially as the two nations approach the 90th anniversary of their bilateral relations in 2025. The discussions featured Costa Rican accession to the Trans-Pacific Agreement, with Hayashi affirming Japan’s support for Costa Rica’s ambitions.

Shared Values and Strategic Interests

Hayashi stressed that Tokyo places “great importance on cooperation with Costa Rica,” describing the Central American nation as a country “that values peace supports free trade, and is a leader in environmental matters,” according to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This alignment in values and principles makes Costa Rica a natural partner for Japan in the CPTPP. This trade agreement facilitates economic cooperation and strengthens diplomatic ties based on mutual respect and shared global objectives.

Moreover, Hayashi underscored the importance of “maintaining and expanding a free, fair, and rules-based economic order,” a principle central to the CPTPP. He called for “strengthening cooperation to ensure economic resilience and security,” which is increasingly important in the current global economic landscape. The CPTPP is seen as a vital tool in promoting these objectives. Japan’s support for Costa Rican accession to the Trans-Pacific Agreement reflects its broader strategy of reinforcing alliances with like-minded nations.

Japan’s Endorsement of Costa Rican Accession

In the same vein, Hayashi reiterated that Japan “places great importance” on the CPTPP, of which 11 countries, including Japan, are members and to which Costa Rica aspires to join. He emphasized the strategic and diplomatic significance of the CPTPP in maintaining and reinforcing a free and fair international economic order. For Costa Rica, joining this agreement would open access to crucial markets and enhance its standing as a global player committed to upholding these principles.

Vice President Brunner also emphasized Costa Rica’s willingness to deepen bilateral cooperation with Japan. He thanked “the support of countries like Japan, with whom it shares values and principles,” and formally requested Tokyo’s backing “to achieve prompt access to the CPTPP.” The potential Costa Rican accession to the Trans-Pacific Agreement would grant Costa Rica access to important markets such as Japan, the world’s fourth-largest economy. For Tokyo, it would mean having a new Central American trade partner with whom it shares values and principles, according to sources from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Commemorating Shared History and Values

Hayashi further expressed his gratitude to Brunner for his participation in the peace ceremony in Hiroshima on August 6th, commemorating the anniversary of the atomic bombing of the city. This gesture of solidarity underscores the shared commitment of both nations to “work towards the goal of a world without nuclear weapons,” further solidifying the bonds between the two countries beyond just economic interests.

High-Level Meetings and Economic Cooperation

Vice President Brunner’s visit to Japan was marked by high-level meetings and discussions to foster deeper economic and technological collaboration. Accompanying him on this trip were Costa Rica’s Foreign Minister, Arnoldo André, the Minister of Foreign Trade, Manuel Tovar, and the Minister of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications, Paula Bogantes. Together, they engaged in discussions highlighting the strategic importance of Costa Rican accession to the Trans-Pacific Agreement.

Expanding Collaboration with Japanese Institutions

Foreign Minister André met in Tokyo with his Japanese counterpart, Yoko Kamikawa. The discussions between the two foreign ministers covered topics similar to those addressed by Hayashi and Brunner, with a particular focus on the CPTPP. Kamikawa expressed Japan’s support for Costa Rica’s bid to join the agreement, highlighting the mutual benefits that would arise from Costa Rican accession to the Trans-Pacific Agreement.

In addition to diplomatic meetings, the Costa Rican delegation met with representatives of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) on Wednesday, including its Governor, Nobumitsu Hayashi. During this meeting, a memorandum of cooperation was signed to promote projects in sustainable development, climate change, green hydrogen, semiconductors, and other areas of common interest. This memorandum reflects the shared priorities of both nations, particularly in advancing environmental sustainability and technological innovation, which are critical aspects of Costa Rican accession to the Trans-Pacific Agreement.

Expanding Technical Cooperation with JICA

The delegation also met with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), where another memorandum of cooperation was signed to extend the areas of technical support. This agreement includes topics such as gender equality, security, green economy, and blue economy, aligning with the broader goals of Costa Rican accession to the Trans-Pacific Agreement. These agreements underscore the multifaceted nature of the partnership between Costa Rica and Japan, extending beyond trade to encompass a wide range of global challenges and opportunities.

Attracting Japanese Investments to Costa Rica

As part of their visit, the Costa Rican delegation also engaged with some of Japan’s leading companies that have business interests in Costa Rica. Among the companies visited were technology giants Hitachi and Panasonic and the medical device manufacturer Terumo. These visits are part of a broader effort to attract Japanese investments to Costa Rica, particularly in sectors such as semiconductors, where Costa Rica has established itself as a competitive player in the Latin American market.

Costa Rica’s Semiconductor Industry and the CPTPP

Semiconductors is one of the key sectors in which Costa Rica seeks to attract Japanese investments. This effort aligns with Costa Rica’s accession to the Trans-Pacific Agreement, as the CPTPP provides a framework for enhanced trade and investment in high-tech industries. Costa Rica already hosts facilities for companies like the American firm Intel, and the government is keen to expand this sector by leveraging the benefits of joining the CPTPP.

This push aligns with the broader strategy of the Japanese government and private sector to regain a leading position in the global semiconductor industry. Japan has been actively supporting critical investments from global giants like Taiwan’s TSMC as part of its efforts to decouple from China, a strategy the United States and its allies are promoting. Costa Rican accession to the Trans-Pacific Agreement would give Japan a valuable partner in this endeavor, further strengthening the economic and technological ties between the two countries.

The Road Ahead for Costa Rican Accession to the CPTPP

The discussions and agreements made during Vice President Brunner’s visit to Japan highlight the significant progress towards Costa Rican accession to the Trans-Pacific Agreement. As Costa Rica positions itself as a leader in environmental sustainability, technological innovation, and free trade, its potential membership in the CPTPP represents a crucial step forward in its economic development and global integration. With Japan’s support, Costa Rica is well on its way to achieving this important milestone, which will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for both nations and the broader Pacific region.

In conclusion, the strengthening of bilateral relations between Costa Rica and Japan, marked by high-level meetings and strategic agreements, underscores the mutual benefits that Costa Rican accession to the Trans-Pacific Agreement would bring. Both nations are committed to free trade, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation. Therefore, Japan’s support for Costa Rican accession to the Trans-Pacific Agreement is pivotal to solidifying these shared values globally. The potential for enhanced economic cooperation, particularly in the semiconductors and green technology sectors, highlights the strategic importance of Costa Rica joining the CPTPP. This partnership promises to bolster Costa Rica’s economic development and contribute to the stability and prosperity of the broader Pacific region.