Anabel is a global expert and practitioner in international trade, regional integration, investment, competitiveness and private sector development for jobs, inclusive growth and better lives, with over 25 years of experience in international organizations, government and private sector.
She is former Senior Director of the Trade & Competitiveness Global Practice of the World Bank Group, where she led the Bank's 500 people team on trade, investment, competitiveness, innovation and entrepreneurship to expand market opportunities, enable private initiative and develop dynamic economies. Previously, she served as Minister of Trade of Costa Rica where she led Costa Rica's efforts to join the OECD, negotiated and implemented six free trade agreements, enhanced the investment climate and contributed to the attraction of over 140 investment projects; also had a lead role in Costa Rica's Competitiveness and Innovation Council and acted as President of the Export Promotion Board. She has held various positions including Director, Agriculture Division, World Trade Organization; Senior International Consultant on Trade and Investment, Inter-American Development Bank; Director-General, Costa Rican Investment Promotion Board; and several positions at the Ministry of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica (Vice-Minister, Ambassador-Chief Negotiator and Director General). She is a member of the World Economic Forum Global Future Council on Trade and Investment.