Costa Rica Drops CPTPP Trade Bid and Sacks Minister
Costa Rica has withdrawn its application to join the CPTPP trade pact following domestic opposition from agricultural producers. President Laura Fernandez also dismissed the foreign trade minister, citing a lack of transparency during the negotiation process.
Costa Rica withdrew its bid to join the CPTPP and dismissed its foreign trade minister on Wednesday afternoon, president Laura Fernandez said. The move halts a multi-year accession process following intense pressure from agricultural producer groups. The trade bloc represents nearly 15% of global GDP across 12 nations in the Americas, Asia, Oceania, and Europe.
