Published on Monday, May 18, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg visited Costa Rica last week to strengthen commercial ties between the two countries and promote U.S. investment in the country.

According to the U.S. Embassy, Helberg’s agenda included meetings with Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar-Rivera, Foreign Trade Minister Indiana Trejos, and Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications Minister Paula Bogantes at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs facilities in San José.

The meetings were intended to reaffirm the strong trade and economic partnership between the United States and Costa Rica, said the Embassy.

“As Costa Rica’s main trading partner, the United States values our shared commitment to democracy, transparency, economic prosperity, regional growth and a secure digital future,” the Embassy added in a statement.

In a social media post, Helberg said he was honored to meet with Tovar and members of President Laura Fernández’s Cabinet following her inauguration earlier this month.

“We discussed supply chain security, cybersecurity, and trade,” Helberg wrote. “Costa Rica is one of our most important partners in Central America, built on shared values of democracy, transparency and economic prosperity.”

Helberg added that Costa Rica’s partnership strengthens bilateral relations as both countries work together on security cooperation, expanding commercial ties and attracting U.S. investment.

The meetings were also aimed at advancing U.S. interests and strengthening regional partnerships related to energy security and critical mineral supply chains, noted the Embassy.

During his visit, Helberg toured facilities operated by Intel in Heredia province, where he met with company executives and reviewed manufacturing operations.

Helberg’s stop in Costa Rica was part of an official trip from May 12-16 that also included visits to Guyana and Panama.

According to the U.S. Department of State, the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs leads efforts to advance U.S. foreign policy priorities and oversees international policy related to economic growth, energy, agriculture, maritime affairs, the environment, and science and technology.

Helberg is the 22nd person to serve in the position. He previously worked as an adviser to the White House Council of Economic Advisers.

The State Department said Helberg also has worked with congressional leaders to raise awareness about national security concerns involving China.

From 2022 to 2024, he served as a commissioner on the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, where he advocated for tariffs and greater industrial independence from China.

Helberg is one of several senior U.S. officials to visit Costa Rica in recent weeks. Earlier this month, Christopher Landau and Kristi Noem traveled to Costa Rica with other senior U.S. officials to attend the inauguration of President Fernández.

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