On August 12th, 2009 the UK Trade&Investment (UKTI) team in San José and UK company British Telecom (BT) organised a lunch for the British business community in Costa Rica.  Over 70 businessmen from UK companies established in the market and importers of British goods participated in the event entitled “New Horizons:  The Privatisation of the Telecom Industry and the Negotiation of the Association Agreement between Central America and the EU.”

Vice Minister for Telecommunications,  Hannia Vega and the Vice-President of the National Telecom Regulator, Maryleana Méndez, talked on of the privatisation of the Costa Rican telecom industry.  This industry, until recently a state-owned monopoly, was opened up for competition on June 2008.  The sector is now undergoing a transition period that will allow local and foreign companies to offer Internet, mobile phone and other services

The lunch also included a presentation from Fernando Ocampo, Lead Negotiator of the association agreement between the EU and Central America.  Mr. Ocampo explained that talks were expected to conclude by October of this year.  The agreement will eliminate or lower tariffs on more than 90% of the goods traded between the two regions.

Ambassador Tom Kennedy and BT Regional Director Jorge Marchena thanked the guests for their participation and celebrated the success of the event.

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