Gutierrez Applauds Historic Costa Rican “Si!” for U.S. Trade Deal

MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY—U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez today issued the following statement applauding Costa Rica's positive referendum on their trade agreement with the United States.

"With this historic endorsement of the U.S.-Costa Rican trade agreement, the people of Costa Rica have said "si" to opportunity, "si" to investment, and "si" to a prosperous future.CAFTA-DR is a key part of Costa Rica's economic growth strategy with its neighbors and the United States.

"I want to congratulate the people of Costa Rica not only for supporting the FTA, but for exercising their sovereign democratic right to freely chart their destiny. Bound by friendship and mutual respect, and now this trade agreement, the United States and Costa Rica can grow together."

Gutierrez is in Uruguay for bilateral trade and economic discussions.