The press release from the U.S. Department of Commerce spotlights Secretary Raimondo’s trip to Costa Rica, emphasizing the significance of diverse semiconductor supply chains, integral for digital payment systems. Moreover, discussions on digital transformation, encompassing AI and cybersecurity, are essential to bolster secure digital money services.
In a recent official visit to Costa Rica, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo placed a spotlight on the robust commercial and investment ties between the United States and Costa Rica. Secretary Raimondo’s trip underscored the critical need for diverse and resilient semiconductor supply chains, aligning with the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to bolster such chains in collaboration with partners like Costa Rica.
During her visit to San Jose, Secretary Raimondo engaged in discussions with Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves, focusing on initiatives to bolster semiconductor supply chain capacity across the Western Hemisphere. Notably, she lauded Costa Rica’s endeavors to position itself as a pivotal market for semiconductor assembly, testing, and packaging.
In meetings with Costa Rican Minister of Foreign Trade Manuel Tovar and Minister of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications Paula Bogantes, Secretary Raimondo reaffirmed the U.S. Department of Commerce’s support for Costa Rica’s digital transformation endeavors. These efforts encompass artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital network advancements.
Secretary Raimondo’s itinerary also included participation in two pivotal roundtable discussions. The first, with supply chain leaders, emphasized the imperative of collaboration to address supply chain challenges, particularly within the semiconductor industry. The second roundtable, held with companies affiliated with the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity Center of Excellence, focused on supporting workforce development initiatives. Remarkably, these companies committed over $47 million to furnish equipment, software, curriculum, and training programs aimed at fortifying Costa Rica’s workforce in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, 5G, and cloud computing sectors.
Through strategic dialogues and collaborative efforts, Secretary Raimondo’s visit to Costa Rica not only strengthened bilateral ties but also underscored the significance of diverse semiconductor supply chains in advancing mutual prosperity and economic resilience.
