Costa Rican leader says China trip opens new era

SAN JOSE - Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla Miranda said Sunday that her latest trip to China has opened a "new era" in the relations between the two nations.

During the eight-day visit, which began on Aug 12, the two countries signed a serious of agreements, vowing to further cooperation in trade, investment, and education, Chinchilla told Xinhua. "I believe neither Costa Rica nor China would let go these chances of development."

The president called for stronger economic and trade ties between enterprises of the two countries, saying the Chinese market presents a huge potential for Costa Rican companies, especially those in the foodstuff and raw materials sectors.

Chinchilla said she was impressed by China, which is "a magical country that successfully preserved its thousands-year-old splendid culture, and rises to future challenges with defining goals."

The trade volume between China and Costa Rica totalled $4.72 billion in 2011.