Opportunities in Central America Business Development Conference & Trade Mission
The U.S. Commercial Service is organizing a trade mission in conjunction with the Opportunities in Central America Business Development Conference in San Jose, Costa Rica on July 15-19, 2013. Trade mission participants will be able to take part in the conference and have business-to-business meetings in up to two of the following countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and/or Belize.
The mission is open to U.S. companies from a cross section of industries with potential for growth in Central America, but focusing on best prospects including construction equipment/road building machinery, medical equipment and devices, and safety/security.
To register your interest in participating in the trade mission, please complete this online U.S. Commercial Service Company Questionnaire.
To register for the conference only, please use this form.
Why Central America?
- Central America is a growing market for United States exports, and U.S. products are highly accepted in the region with almost 40 million potential buyers. In 2011 the U.S. exported over $31 billion worth of goods to the Region.
- Central America is yet to fully develop its domestic manufacturing capabilities and therefore depends on a high proportion of imports. 50% of the Region’s Imports come from the United States.
- FTA with the U.S. - CAFTA-DR benefits such as 80% of U.S. Manufactured exports enter Duty-Free; Low tariffs (1-17%) for products for remaining products; equal access to services market, such as telecommunications & insurance; and improved business & investment climate.
- Dollar is accepted and English is widely spoken in business environment.
- Ongoing infrastructure development (roads, ports, airports) fostered by Multilateral Development Banks, IDB, CABEI, World Bank, and foreign development agencies or assistance programs such as: USAID, MCC, JICA, GIZ, Twain, EU, Spain.
- Strong ties with the U.S. and commitment towards development and security through Millennium Challenge, USAID, Partnership for Growth, CARSI, INL.
Date: July 15-19, 2013
Venue: San Jose, Costa Rica
With potential visits to El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Belize
Deadline to Register: May 17, 2013
Cost:
Conference plus B2B Meetings in One Country
- $2100 for small and medium enterprises (<500 employees)
- $3100 for large firms
Conference plus B2B Meetings in Two Countries
- $2800 for small and medium enterprises (>500 employees)
- $3800 for large firms
Mission fees include the Conference registration fee of $450.
- $300 for each additional firm representative (large firm or SME).
* Expenses for travel, transportation, lodging, most meals, and incidentals will be the responsibility of each mission participant.
To register your interest, please complete this online U.S. Commercial Service Company Questionnaire. For lodging information, click here.
2013 Opportunities in Central America Business Development Conference
The Conference will include a Central America focused business discussion consisting of regional and industry specific sessions as well as pre-arranged consultations with Commercial and Economic Officers representing commercial markets throughout the region.
To register for the conference only, please use this form.
Date: July 16, 2013
Venue: San Jose, Costa Rica
Cost: $450
Expenses for travel, transportation, lodging, most meals, and incidentals will be the responsibility of each mission participant.
For more information, contact Jessica Gordon at Jessica.Gordon@trade.gov or by phone at 601-373-0784.
