Economic policy in Costa Rica

Abstract

You feel tempted, seeing this room full of economists in a country that has the highest number of economists per capita in the world, to say: Congratulations! Together with Costa Rica's political stability, you have contributed to the general prosperity and social peace of the country. Today's Costa Rica is considered an outstanding example of a successful recovery from the crisis of the 1980s. This achievement was shared by all political parties, who oversteered partisan interests to work towards a common goal. What's more, you have not only survived: you have prospered. Looking back throughout its 170 years as a nation, and considering it in the context of two centuries of Latin American independence, Costa Rica could well be the most successful country in Latin America depending on the social, political and economic development of its people.
However, there are events that are happening in the world that will put this country before a new test in the years to come. So let me talk today, not about yesterday's successes, but about the challenges of the world of the future, in which Costa Rica will have to re-examine how it will conduct its business with the rest of the world - and more importantly, with itself.