Costa Rican exporters are "very satisfied" with the conclusion of negotiations at the weekend on the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA).

Sergio Navas, vice-president of the Costa Rica Exporters Chamber told freshinfo, that the deal will generate a lot of new opportunities for fresh produce exporters in Costa Rica, but would not diminish the role of the EU market.

"Some 50 per cent of all our exports go to the US," said Navas. "But it is important to understand that the close relationship between specific markets and specific products. The EU is our second most important market taking 17 per cent of sendings. Producers and exporters have invested a lot, in EurepGap accreditation, for example, particularly for the UK market and it is very much in their interests to maintain the market which is strong especially for lines such as pineapple, melon, watermelon and tropical root crops."

However, he pointed out that Costa Rica feels disadvantaged on the EU marketplace this year as it is paying duty on sendings for the first time since its socio-economic success means it no longer qualifies for specific EU concessions. "Now that we are not covered by the preferential system, it feels like we are being punished for the gains we have made," said Navas. "We hope to redress the situation by January 1, 2005.

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