Costa Rica accedes to Digital Economy Partnership Agreement

28 October 2026

On 17 September 2026, a joint press release issued by the relevant government agencies of Chile, New Zealand, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, and Costa Rica announced that Costa Rica had become the fifth Party to the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (“DEPA”), and the second member to accede to the agreement.

Finalisation of Costa Rica’s accession process

Costa Rica’s successful accession follows the announcement of the substantive conclusion of discussions on Costa Rica’s accession in January 2025 and the subsequent completion of all legal procedures, in line with the DEPA accession process.

The DEPA commits Parties to ambitious disciplines on digital trade to advance the growth of an inclusive, innovative, and rules-based digital economy. It also provides a platform for collaboration on projects of mutual interest. The accession of Costa Rica expands DEPA’s membership to include an economy that meets its standards and provides further opportunities for Parties to collaborate on digital economy initiatives.

Background

Chile, New Zealand, and Singapore signed the DEPA in June 2020, with the Republic of Korea acceding to the DEPA in May 2024 as the first new member. Costa Rica formally requested accession on 23 December 2022, and an Accession Working Group to assess this request was established on 6 October 2023, with New Zealand as Chair.

Reference materials

The press release is available on the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry website www.meti.gov.sg.