The visit comes at a crucial time for UK-Costa Rica relations, following Britain’s formal accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership in 2024
The UK’s trade relationship with Costa Rica received a fresh boost this month as Jessica Morden MP, the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Central America, completed her first official visit to the country. Over three days from 11 to 13 June 2025, Morden met senior officials, business leaders, and British companies operating in Costa Rica to advance trade, promote investment, and showcase the UK’s global leadership on climate resilience and sustainable finance.
The visit comes at a crucial time for UK-Costa Rica relations, following Britain’s formal accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in December 2024. Costa Rica, a leading advocate for sustainable development and open trade, has applied to join the agreement – a move strongly backed by the UK.
During her visit, Morden held talks with Manuel Tovar, Costa Rica’s Minister of Foreign Trade, where she reiterated Britain’s full support for Costa Rica’s accession to CPTPP. The agreement, which spans key economies across the Pacific and beyond, is seen as central to the UK’s ambition to deepen trade links with fast-growing markets and reinforce its commitment to rules-based international trade.
“We see Costa Rica as a key partner in the region, particularly given its leadership on sustainability and its growing trade links with the UK,” Morden said during her engagements. “Our shared priorities, from boosting prosperity to addressing global challenges like climate change, provide a strong foundation for closer cooperation.”
The trade envoy also met British companies active in Costa Rica to hear first-hand about the business environment and explore opportunities for expansion. Among them were Smith & Nephew, the UK-headquartered medical technology firm, and pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, both of which have a significant presence in Costa Rica.
Her meetings underscored the Department for Business and Trade’s intention to support British firms in navigating local markets, unlocking growth, and strengthening bilateral trade. Discussions with representatives from the British-Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce also provided insight into the role of the Chamber in promoting UK business interests in the country.
In addition to trade and investment, Morden’s programme reflected the broader scope of UK-Costa Rica cooperation, including education. She visited Country Day School, part of the UK-based Nord Anglia Education group, to discuss how British expertise in education can continue to support academic excellence in Costa Rica.
The visit concluded with Morden addressing guests at the King’s Birthday Party reception in San José, where she underlined the UK government’s renewed economic priorities.
“This visit offers me a valuable opportunity to further strengthen our extensive trade and investment ties and to engage with so many of you who are passionate about the opportunities to boost bilateral prosperity,” Morden told the gathering.
She highlighted the UK’s new industrial and trade strategy, describing it as rooted in long-term stability, a renewed commitment to free and fair trade, and a pro-business approach focused on economic growth.
The UK’s trade envoy network, of which Morden is part, plays an increasingly important role in promoting British commercial interests globally. The network, made up of parliamentarians from across parties, supports ministers in driving forward the government’s trade and investment agenda, helping deliver the UK’s industrial strategy and attracting foreign direct investment to all parts of the country.
For Costa Rica, Britain’s membership of the CPTPP presents fresh opportunities to deepen economic ties. UK trade with Costa Rica has shown steady growth in recent years, with exports ranging from pharmaceutical products and medical devices to education and professional services.
Costa Rica’s global reputation as a leader in renewable energy, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development also aligns closely with Britain’s efforts to promote climate resilience and green finance. Both countries are signatories to the Paris Agreement and have worked together in international forums to advance environmental and economic cooperation.
Morden’s visit is part of the UK’s wider engagement with Central America, as the government seeks to expand its influence and strengthen economic partnerships in the region. Officials say the visit signals the UK’s long-term commitment to building strong, resilient trade relationships that support both economic growth and sustainable development.
The UK’s increased presence in Costa Rica is expected to create new avenues for trade, investment, and collaboration across sectors, reinforcing the shared ambition for prosperity, sustainability, and global leadership.
