San Jose / Costa Rica

When Costa Rica declared its independence from Spain on September 15, 1821 nobody suspected that the birth of the new Republic would also lay the foundation for a rich culture of educated and intelligent people. The native inhabitants are affectionately nicknamed, "Ticos," due to their frequent use of "tico" in the diminutive form of Spanish words, such as using "Rapiditico" instead of "rapido" (meaning quick) and "chiquitico" instead of "chiquito" (meaning tiny).

Costa Rica's land area of 51,100km2 (equivalent to the combined area of Japan's Shikoku and Kyushu) borders both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans with a marine jurisdiction extending more than 500,000km2. The country shares terrestrial borders with Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, as well as marine borders with Ecuador, Colombia, Nicaragua and Panama. Costa Rica's population of 3,925,000 (2000 census) is distributed among seven provinces or states - Guanacaste, Puntarenas, San Jose Heredia, Alajuela, Cartago and Limon. The capital is the vibrant city of San Jose.

The main wealth of the country is its abundant nature, which lures millions of tourists each year. People come from all over the world to enjoy the country's exuberant beaches, imposing volcanoes and amazing rain forests through a plethora of activities.

Costa Rica's economy is based in the exporting of agricultural products such as coffee, sugar, and bananas, as well as technological products such as microchip components. These industries are vital to Costa Rica having the highest GDP in Central America with a per capita average of over US$4,000.

Marubeni established the San Jose Office on November 15, 1963 and was originally mainly devoted to textile businesses. Today, it is involved in diverse businesses such as vehicles, metals, chemicals and foods. Excellent results are particularly evident in its primary businesses in the electric power and telecommunications sectors. Marubeni has successfully developed projects that are of great importance to both the country and our company. We have been involved in projects that account for nearly 30% of Costa Rica's installed electric power capacity, and also Marubeni manages nearly 80% of the country's telecomunications transmissions. In addition, the San Jose Office is responsible for business conducted in seven Central American countries and three Caribbean countries.

The Office is staffed by two Japanese - Noboru Asagiri (General Manager) and Yuji Tsunakawa (General Submanager) - and the local staff Rodolfo Solis (Manager of Energy Projects and in charge of the Metals and Chemical business) and Fabian Morera (Manager of Telecommunications Projects and in charge of self-driven businesses and sugar exports). The other local staff are Yenory Guzman, the administrative assistant, and Alejandra Duran and Wendy Gonzalez in the accounting department. We also have two drivers, Jose Bonilla and Guillermo Hernandezl.

The San Jose Office will continue to actively participate in diverse bids for projects in the electric energy, telecommunications and security biometric systems field. To successfully achieve goals in accordance with the " V " PLAN and guidelines established by Tokyo Headquarters, we will continue to earnestly progress forward, with the trust attained through our forty years of experience in the Central American market.

The building where the San Jose Office is located The "Teatro Nacional" (National Theater) is one of the most cherished and significant historical buildings in Costa Rica Magnificent architecture is exemplified in the "Correo de Costa Rica" (post office) Clear blue water and beautiful sandy beaches are a trademark of Costa Rica A breathtaking sunset seen from one of the beaches