Representatives from a dozen major French companies concluded a four-day Central America visit on Thursday after exploring opportunities under a budding trade and political pact between the region and the EU. Philippe Delleur, head of the delegation organized by the French business association MEDEF, told AFP that a number of "useful and profitable" meetings in Panama and Costa Rica were held during the trip. The delegation also met with foreign dignitaries, most notably Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela.

"We are aiming to develop new relationships and concretely tackle a number of precise subjects," Delleur said, citing market access, product certification and the respect of industry norms as some of the most pressing issues addressed.

The delegation included representatives from rail transport group Alstom, of which Delleur is a vice-president and chairman, bank BNP Paribas and advertising and public bicycle rental company JCDecaux.