On November 13, in Washington DC, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien held a phone conversation with Costa Rica’s Minister of Foreign Trade Manuel Tovar Rivera, who also serves as Chair of the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER).

The discussion took place in a friendly atmosphere, focusing on strengthening bilateral economic and trade cooperation, as well as exchanging views on Costa Rica’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

During the call, Minister Tovar Rivera underscored Costa Rica’s appreciation for Vietnam and personally for Minister Nguyen Hong Dien. He recalled his previous visit to Hanoi, during which he presented Costa Rica’s perspective on recognizing Vietnam as a market economy. He commended Vietnam’s proactive role and active efforts in promoting international economic integration and pledged to coordinate closely with partners to achieve bilateral and multilateral agreements.

In turn, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien expressed gratitude for Costa Rica’s cooperation, support, and goodwill throughout negotiations, while emphasizing that Vietnam is ready to exchange, coordinate, and seek practical solutions to remaining issues to ensure Costa Rica’s CPTPP accession progresses smoothly and effectively. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining transparent and substantive dialogue to enhance mutual understanding and trust.

Both ministers discussed and agreed to promote consultations on outstanding issues, committing to close, flexible, and practical coordination to implement negotiation steps effectively. Minister Tovar Rivera reaffirmed Costa Rica’s commitment to further strengthen bilateral economic and trade relations and to promote ties between Vietnam and countries in Central America.

During the call, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien highlighted the significance of the friendly relations between Vietnam and Costa Rica, which transcend trade issues, contributing to trust-building, and laying a foundation for sustainable economic cooperation and joint development initiatives within the CPTPP framework.

Both sides agreed to maintain regular exchanges, enhance cooperation efficiency, and shared experiences to support each other in economic and trade development programs.

The two ministers expressed confidence in the friendly and cooperative relations between Vietnam and Costa Rica, emphasizing a spirit of collaboration and friendship that opens opportunities for sustainable economic and trade development, while enhancing both countries’ international standing.

This online dialogue affirmed Vietnam and Costa Rica’s commitment to promoting economic and trade cooperation, demonstrating political goodwill and substantive cooperation, with a focus on concrete outcomes within the CPTPP framework and future multilateral collaboration.