Anabel González

Anabel González, born in Costa Rica in 1963, is a distinguished expert in international trade and economic development with over three decades of experience across major global institutions. After earning her law degree from the University of Costa Rica and a master's in International Trade Law and Policy from Georgetown University, she has built an impressive career spanning public service and international organizations. Her professional journey includes serving as Costa Rica's Minister of Trade (2010-2014) where she led the country's OECD accession strategy and attracted over 140 foreign investment projects, Senior Director at the World Bank's Global Practice on Trade & Competitiveness (2014-2018), and Deputy Director-General at the World Trade Organization (2021-2023). She currently serves as Vice President for Countries at the Inter-American Development Bank, appointed in September 2023. Throughout her career, she has made significant contributions to trade policy and economic integration, including leading Costa Rica's negotiation of the CAFTA-DR agreement and launching the "Trade Winds" virtual interview series at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. Her expertise in trade, investment, and economic development has led her to present in over 70 countries and publish extensively on these topics, establishing herself as a leading voice in international economic policy.