Chinese goods popular, but have mixed images in Costa Rica

SAN JOSE, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese-made products are generally cheap and popular in Costa Rica, but have mixed images.

Many Costa Rican consumers told Xinhua that Chinese products enjoy a big demand because of their affordability.

Electronics, refrigerators, toys, cars, clothing, food and furniture are among the broad range of Chinese products filling Costa Rican stores.

Ileana Castro, 43, said durability and low prices attracted her to Chinese-made decorations and utensils.

"I like Chinese products because they are pretty long lasting," she said.

Housewife Lidiette Morales, 48, said low prices meant low-income Costa Ricans could also afford Chinese products.

However, Chinese products have a dubious image in the Central American country, as a lot of them give people the impression that they are of low-quality and not durable enough.

Maria Vargas, director of foreign trade at the Foreign Businesses and Exporters Representatives Chamber, told Xinhua that Costa Rican importers are to be blamed for the problem, saying when Costa Rican businessmen go to China to seek construction equipment -- tiles, finished goods, steel, as well as medical equipment, pharmaceuticals and televisions, they choose not to buy those of higher value and better quality.

In 2006, Costa Rica imported a total of 400 million U.S. dollars of Chinese goods.