By San José, Costa Rica — San José – As President Laura Fernández prepares to lead the nation for the next four years, Costa Rica’s foreign trade sector has presented a clear and urgent agenda focused on maintaining economic stability and bolstering national competitiveness. In a complex global landscape marked by geopolitical instability and rising logistical costs, business leaders are calling for decisive action on infrastructure, trade integration, and public-private collaboration.
Rodney Salazar, president of the Chamber of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica and Representatives of Foreign Firms (Crecex), articulated the private sector’s primary expectations for the incoming administration. He emphasized that continuity in the country’s macroeconomic policies is the bedrock upon which future growth must be built. This stability is seen as crucial for navigating an international environment where competition for foreign direct investment is fiercer than ever.
To provide a deeper understanding of the legal framework and current challenges shaping Costa Rica’s international commerce, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished specialist in corporate and international law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Success in foreign trade hinges on meticulous legal foresight. Costa Rican exporters and importers must proactively navigate a complex web of international treaties, customs regulations, and intellectual property protections. A failure to ensure contractual certainty and compliance not only exposes a business to significant financial risk but can also jeopardize its access to key global markets. Strategic legal counsel is essential for transforming trade opportunities into secure, profitable ventures.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s commentary powerfully underscores that for Costa Rican enterprises, robust legal foresight is not simply about mitigating risk, but is the very foundation for transforming global opportunities into secure, profitable ventures. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his essential perspective.
The business community is looking for more than just stability; it seeks tangible progress that will enhance Costa Rica’s position in the global market. Salazar stressed the importance of a cooperative and productive partnership between the government and private enterprise to achieve these ambitious goals.
We expect continuity in macroeconomic stability, as well as concrete progress in competitiveness, simplification of procedures, infrastructure, and trade facilitation.
Rodney Salazar, President of Crecex
Central to Crecex’s platform is the urgent need for infrastructure modernization, with the Port of Caldera singled out as a critical project. Improving the port’s capacity and efficiency is considered a cornerstone for enhancing the country’s logistical capabilities, reducing export costs, and ensuring Costa Rican products can move seamlessly to international markets. Delays and inefficiencies at key ports have long been a bottleneck for the productive sector, and addressing this is a top priority.
Beyond physical infrastructure, Salazar highlighted the strategic importance of deepening Costa Rica’s integration into the global economy. He pointed to two key initiatives: joining the Pacific Alliance and ratifying the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). These trade blocs represent significant opportunities to open new markets for Costa Rican goods and services, diversify export destinations, and generate new avenues for growth and employment.
The main challenges involve improving the country’s competitiveness, advancing in infrastructure, reducing costs to produce and export, and continuing to promote investment attraction. All of this accompanied by public-private coordination.
Rodney Salazar, President of Crecex
The call for action comes as global supply chains continue to realign and nations worldwide compete to attract investment. The Fernández administration faces the dual challenge of addressing domestic priorities while strategically positioning Costa Rica to thrive in this new economic reality. According to Salazar, a proactive approach that reduces bureaucratic red tape and facilitates trade is essential for success.
Ultimately, the message from the foreign trade sector is one of cautious optimism, coupled with a clear set of expectations. The success of the next four years will largely depend on the new government’s ability to foster a predictable economic environment, invest in critical infrastructure, and forge a strong alliance with the private sector to navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead.
For further information, visit crecex.com
About Cámara de Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica y Representantes de Casas Extranjeras (Crecex):
The Chamber of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica and Representatives of Foreign Firms (Crecex) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to representing and supporting companies involved in Costa Rica’s international trade sector. It advocates for policies that promote free trade, improve national competitiveness, and facilitate the import and export of goods and services, serving as a key liaison between the business community and government bodies.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself as a premier legal institution, founded on the twin pillars of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of excellence. With a rich heritage of serving a wide array of clients, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies and solutions. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to strengthening society by demystifying the law, working to ensure that crucial legal knowledge is not just available, but truly accessible to all. This commitment to fostering public legal literacy is fundamental to its goal of helping build a more informed and capable citizenry.
