The Pacific Alliance has accelerated the process for Costa Rica’s accession, the Mexican government reported.
The Pacific Alliance comprises Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and Peru and promotes the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people. Its members have bilateral free trade agreements and promote deep regional integration where the WTO has made no progress.
The four countries maintain key trade agreements with the United States, Canada, and the European Union. In addition, they are strengthening ties with Asia through treaties with nations such as China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and India. As a result, they are consolidating their international trade presence.
Costa Rica’s Accession
In her second state of the union address, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that the Pacific Alliance’s Free Trade Commission agreed to identify a course of action. This would allow for the successful completion of Costa Rica’s accession process to the Pacific Alliance.
“The Commission agreed to identify the course of action that will allow for the successful completion of that country’s accession process to the Pacific Alliance,” the report added.
On June 25, 2026, the 9th meeting of the Pacific Alliance Free Trade Commission was held virtually. Mexico participated alongside the undersecretaries and deputy ministers responsible for trade from the governments of Chile, Colombia, and Peru.
At that meeting, Decision No. 16, regarding the amendment of Appendix 7.11 (Cosmetics) of Decision No. 10, was adopted and signed. The text of the Fourth Amending Protocol to the Additional Protocol to the Pacific Alliance Framework Agreement was also approved, which incorporates the chapters on Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises, as well as the chapter on Regional and Global Value Chains.
Integration with the Asia-Pacific Region
The Pacific Alliance seeks to establish a regional trade bloc with deep economic integration. Its central goal is to achieve the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people to boost regional competitiveness and social welfare.
Likewise, the initiative aims to consolidate a platform for trade integration with the rest of the world. The bloc focuses its strategic efforts with a special emphasis on strengthening economic ties with the Asia-Pacific region.