Roberto Echandi

Roberto Echandi is a Lead Trade Specialist at the World Bank Group with extensive experience in international trade and investment policy.12 Here are some key details about his background and career:

Professional Experience

Roberto Echandi currently serves as the Lead Trade Specialist at the World Bank Group, a position he has held since September 2020.1 His work focuses on research and policy advice related to cross-border trade in services, negotiation, implementation, and maximization of potential benefits from trade agreements.2

Prior to his current role, he held the following positions:

• Lead Trade and Investment Specialist at the World Bank Group (2018-2020)
• Global Lead for Investment Policy & Promotion at the World Bank Group (2012-2018)
• Director of the Program on International Investment at the World Trade Institute, University of Bern (2010-2012)
• Ambassador of Costa Rica to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union (2007-2010)

Diplomatic Career

During his time as Ambassador, Echandi also served as the Chief Negotiator for the Association Agreement between Central America and the European Union.1 He led negotiations on behalf of Costa Rica and often represented the entire Central American region.2

Academic Background

Roberto Echandi has an impressive educational background:

• Ph.D. in International Law from the University of Bern, Switzerland (Summa Cum Laude)
• Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of Michigan Law School
• Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Latin American Studies from the University of Oxford
• Law degree (Licenciatura en Derecho) from the Universidad de Costa Rica1

Other Roles and Contributions

Echandi is also involved in academia and international organizations:

• Member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of World Investment and Trade (JWIT)
• Faculty member at the Academy of International Economic Law and Policy in Athens, Greece
• Adjunct Professor at the Institute of International Studies, National University of Malaysia2

Throughout his career, Roberto Echandi has published extensively on international trade and investment law, dispute settlement, and regional economic integration. He has also served as a consultant to various international organizations, including the OECD, UNCTAD, and the WTO.2