Costa Rica

Costa Rica currently maintains a limited but focused lobbying presence in Washington, with two active Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) filings. Neither filing specifies a monetary value for the services rendered, indicating that the compensation either falls below the reporting threshold, is in-kind, or will be reported at a later date. The country's engagement primarily centers on governmental entities rather than private businesses or political opposition groups.

The lobbyists retained by Costa Rica are established American firms. Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP, a prominent law and lobbying firm, represents Promotora de Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica (PROCOMER) on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX). This suggests an emphasis on trade-related matters. Similarly, MMGY Global, LLC, a marketing and public relations company, is engaged by the Costa Rica Tourism Board, indicating a clear focus on promoting the country's tourism sector. Both engagements highlight a reliance on external expertise for strategic consulting.

The strategic themes evident in these filings revolve around economic development and national branding. The representation by Akin Gump for COMEX and the Ministry of Foreign Trade strongly implies an effort to shape trade policy, foster commercial ties, and potentially attract foreign investment. Concurrently, MMGY Global's work for the Tourism Board is geared towards image management and the promotion of Costa Rica as a tourist destination, aiming to bolster the country's economic prosperity through its vital tourism industry.