GEORGIA – COSTA RICA Economic Development Connection Government & Commerce The University System of Georgia offers at least 35 study abroad programs to Costa Rica Atlanta is home to the Consulate General of the including programs in art, culture, education, Republic of Costa Rica. Ms. Joanne Leigh Noriega medicine, ecology, biology and creative writing. serves as Consul General. The Consulate serves According to the 2012 U.S. Census Bureau, there the states of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North are more than 3,100 residents in Georgia with Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Costa Rican heritage. The Georgia Institute of Technology created the Costa Rica Trade, Innovation and Productivity Trade Relationship (TIP) Center through a partnership among Georgia Tech, the Foreign Trade Corporation of EXPORTS: In 2013, Georgia exports to Costa Rica Costa Rica and the Chamber of Industries in Costa totaled $150 million a .93% increase from 2012. th Rica. The center focuses on utilizing research, Costa Rica is currently the 50 largest export innovation and education to increase trade across market for Georgia. borders and make existing trade more productive Top exports from Georgia to Costa Rica include to benefit the Costa Rican economy and scientific kraft paper, automatic data processing machines, community. The focus is currently on digital refrigerators and freezers, electric water heaters, services and food products. civilian aircraft, engines and parts and wood The University of Georgia has a 160 acre satellite pulp. campus in San Luis de Monteverde, Costa Rica, Georgia leads the nation in the export of the where it offers classes in a variety of fields ranging following goods to Costa Rica: paper and from ecology to business. In February 2013, paperboard (1st), wood pulp (1st), live poultry (1st), President Laura Chinchilla and a political insecticides (2nd), refrigerators and freezers delegation visited the campus to hear a (2nd). presentation by the General Manager regarding the campus’ efforts to become a leading example IMPORTS: In 2013, Georgia’s imports from Costa of sustainability. Rica totaled $225 million. This is a 29.5% increase over 2012. Costa Rica ranks 35th among nations importing to Georgia in 2013. Top imports from Costa Rica include electronic integrated circuits, insulated wire, articles of apparel, medical instruments, fish and edible fruits or nuts. Capital Investment There are at least 9 Georgia companies that have operations in Costa Rica, including but not limited to: AFC Enterprises, Inc. Delta Air Lines Equifax Inc. Hooters of America Inc. Prime Global UPS Supply Chain Solutions YKK Corporation of America Transportation Delta Air Lines offers daily direct flights from Atlanta to San Jose, Costa Rica. About GDEcD The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) plans, manages and mobilizes state resources to attract new business investment to Georgia, drive the expansion of existing industry and small business, locate new markets for Georgia products, inspire tourists to visit Georgia and promote the state as a top destination for arts events and film, music and digital entertainment projects. *Information valid as of July 2014 .