Costa Rica has officially joined the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA), becoming its fifth member. The accession was finalised during a meeting in Auckland, New Zealand, attended by representatives from Chile, New Zealand, Singapore, and the Republic of Korea. This development marks a significant milestone in the expansion of DEPA, which aims to foster inclusive and innovative digital trade.
The DEPA, initially signed by Chile, New Zealand, and Singapore in June 2020, sets ambitious standards for digital trade and provides a collaborative platform for its members. Costa Rica’s accession follows the Republic of Korea’s entry in May 2024, highlighting the agreement’s growing appeal. Costa Rica’s inclusion is expected to strengthen the agreement and offer new opportunities for collaboration on digital economy initiatives.
Chile’s Undersecretary for International Economic Relations, Paula Estévez, expressed enthusiasm for Costa Rica’s participation, noting its potential to enhance digital integration in Latin America. New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Investment, Todd McClay, praised DEPA’s ability to attract high-standard economies like Costa Rica, emphasising the agreement’s role as a pathfinder in digital trade.
Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Grace Fu, welcomed Costa Rica, highlighting the ongoing momentum to maintain DEPA as an open and inclusive agreement. Korea’s Minister for Trade, Jung Sung Park, described DEPA as a “living document” that adapts to the evolving digital landscape, with Costa Rica’s accession enhancing its capacity to respond to changes.
Costa Rica’s Minister for Foreign Trade, Indiana Trejos, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to advancing a digital economy, aiming to leverage DEPA for sustainable growth and new business opportunities. Costa Rica’s formal request to join DEPA was made in December 2022, with an Accession Working Group established in October 2023 to facilitate the process.
