Costa Rica

Political relations

France and Costa Rica have traditionally enjoyed good relations, thanks to our converging views on many multilateral issues, including environmental protection, combating climate change, combating terrorism and corruption, and human rights. Today, Costa Rica is one of our closest partners in Latin America as can be seen in the many joint multilateral initiatives regarding the promotion of multilateralism and global issues, as well as joint organization of the upcoming UN Ocean Conference in 2024-2025.

In December 2021, Jean-Yves Le Drian made the first visit of a French Foreign Minister to Costa Rica in 40 years. He was received by President Carlos Alvarado Quesada. President Rodrigo Chaves visited France in March 2023 and met with the President Macron.

Economic relations

Costa Rica is France’s second-largest trading partner in Central America, after Panama. France’s 92nd trading partner, Costa Rica is its 118th customer, its 81st supplier and its 53rd deficit. In Latin America, Cost Rica is France’s 13th customer, 9th supplier and 4th deficit.

France’s presence is limited, with 22 French subsidiaries working in Costa Rica, employing approximately 3,000 people. However, some French companies are well represented: Total (the leading French investor), Schneider Electric (electricity distribution, process automation and building controls), Legrand (electrical equipment) and Engie. Costa Rica’s diversification of energy sources (to include geothermal and wind energy) and major development projects (transport infrastructure, introduction of electric vehicles) are a source of opportunities for our companies.