Costa Rican President Oscar Arias wrapped up his visit to Chile saying that he was impressed by that country’s growth and that he is convinced that Costa Rica should learn from their example in two areas - opening state monopolies to competition and in offering public works to bidders under the concession model.

Arias credits these two factors to fast economic growth in Chile, 6% anually in the last few years, and also to the reduction in poverty, which went from 38.5% en 1990 a 18.8% en el 2005.

“We must look to the south, to learn from your success.  It is not an accident that you are the most developed country in the region; it is due to your successful integration into the global economy. We are just beginning to go in this direction. ”, Arias said to Chilean president Michelle Bachelet, following their meeting.