"The United States welcomes the outcome of the Costa Rican
referendum on the free trade agreement that Costa Rica signed with the Dominican
Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and the United States
(CAFTA-DR).
"We believe, and history confirms, that countries that open
their markets have greater success in generating economic growth and
development. We are pleased that Costa Rica will be joining the other
CAFTA-DR countries in reaping the benefits of greater regional economic
integration and market opportunities that the CAFTA-DR provides.
"We look forward to working with the Government of Costa
Rica as it completes the necessary steps to implement the agreement, so that the
CAFTA-DR can enter into force for Costa Rica as soon as possible."
# # #
