COSTA RICA and Jamaica signed an agreement on Tuesday to enhance co-operation, especially in the economic and technological fields, during an official visit by Jamaican Prime Minister P.J. Patterson. In a joint statement, signed a few hours after Mr. Patterson's arrival in San Jose, both leaders expressed their interest in exploring various alternatives for furthering their economic co-operation. The two countries are expected to sign an agreement to promote and protect mutual investment.The two leaders also expressed their readiness to co-operate in the field of data processing technology. The statement revealed that President Miguel Angel Rodriguez presented software developed by local engineers to Patterson, to help set up a free electronic mail system.
They discussed the need for improving communications and transport systems, to help promote tourism and study the possibility of signing an Aerotrade Covenant.
Both sides pledged efforts to strengthen their co-operation in international and regional organisations, and activate political co-ordination mechanisms within the framework of the Central American Integration System (SICA) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
The two leaders declared their support for the establishment of a Caribbean "Peace Area", a proposal made at the Second Summit of the Caribbean States Association (CSA), the statement said.
Mr. Patterson was in Costa Rica on a 48-hour visit, during which he toured the Limon port on the country's Caribbean coast.
