Youngest-serving Costa Rican president wants to upgrade FTA with China

Q: How do you rely on insight from journalism studies to build leadership?

A: When one is involved in journalism one needs to know lots of things about different fields. One is not necessarily specialized on one or two areas but in many areas. When leading a country one needs to know many things about different areas. That′s why I think that′s also why my background in journalism has helped me to foster that leadership.

Q: What is the unique role of news in building a zero-carbon country?

A: News is very relevant to building a zero-carbon country and also for decarbonization. Why? Because at first hand it might not be clear what the relation is between climate change, economy, decarbonization, poverty or inequality, but all of those are much linked. Creating new green jobs, production and inclusive growth is also linked to, for example, agriculture, climate change, and the knowledge of society. So, news is very relevant because we need to explain to the people why it is so important to engage in all of this. They are all related. At first hand, it might not be that clear but news has a role in wrapping all this reality to all the people.

Q: And what would you do to make use of YGL to make Costa Rica different and better?

A: The World Economic Forum's YGL community is a brilliant platform to change the world and to exchange ideas with other prominent leaders. Also, to encourage young people to trigger change and to engage in relevant discussions about development. I think it's a very important platform to share and to inspire others because the world now needs relevant ideas and actions of the people. I believe this is a great platform to do so.

Q: It is eight years since the Sino-Costa Rican FTA . How are things going? Are you satisfied with the progress?

A: The Free Trade Agreement of China and Costa Rica has already almost eight years. We are satisfied with it because it has benefited both countries, but we want to take it to the next level. There are a great series of products that Costa Rica can offer to China that are waiting for the Chinese to discover. We have one of the best coffees in the world and fresh fruits. Also, we are leaders in exporting medical devices and other appliances. All this variety of products are there waiting to be discovered by the Chinese population. We are looking forward to taking this Free Trade Agreement to the next level so the Chinese can discover all the marvelous things Costa Rica can offer.

Liu Qingni and Zhou Qingyang contributed to the story.