TBEA plans for Costa Rica export sales mission following Canada trip

December 8, 2015

 
 
Earlier this month, the Tampa Bay Export Alliance (TBEA) reported an estimated $4.1 million in sales from companies that participated in its October trade mission to Toronto, Canada, along with several foreign direct investment leads. The top export market for Tampa Bay goods and services, Canada also stands as one of the region’s most strategic partners for trade, investment, and tourism, with Tampa Bay currently trading nearly $2 billion with our northern neighbor every year.
 
The bi-county international organization is now looking to take their business mission success south.
 
On April 12-15, 2016, TBEA will be hosting an Export Sales Mission to San José, Costa Rica. The four-day event will be heavily focused on the trade agenda, as Costa Rica is a prime export market for Tampa Bay businesses.
 
The United States is Costa Rica’s main trading partner, accounting for roughly 40 percent of the country’s total imports. Costa Rica is a heavy consumer market where consumers trust the quality of products made in the U.S. and tend to follow our market trends.
 
Trade agreements and partnerships already in place make working with Costa Rica easy, in addition to the country’s close geographic proximity to Tampa Bay. The CAFTA-DR trade agreement eliminates most duties on exports and allows non-discriminatory treatment for United States firms in government procurement bids.
 
Top export sectors include automotive parts and service equipment, building and construction, food processing and packaging, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, as well as travel and tourism.
 
Not sure if Costa Rica would be a good market for your business? The TBEA is hosting two free workshops to give you more detailed information about export opportunities. Abby Daniell, Commercial Director for the U.S. Embassy in San José, will brief participants on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 in Pinellas and Thursday, January 14, in Hillsborough.
 
“If you have any desire to do business in Costa Rica, these workshops are must-attend events,” said Lorrie Belovich, Director, International Business Development at the Tampa Hillsborough EDC.
 
Workshop 1:
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
EpiCenter, Collaborative Lab – 1st Floor
13805 N. 58th Street, Clearwater, FL 33760
Register here
 
Workshop 2:
Thursday, January 14, 2016
8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Small Business Development Center at Port Tampa Bay
1101 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602
Register here
 
The workshops are free but registration is required.
 
To learn more, visit tampabayexportalliance.com, or contact Lorrie Belovich at lbelovich@tampabayedc.com or Brent Barkway at bbarkway@pinellascounty.org.