By Cartago, Costa Rica — CARTAGO, Costa Rica – In a major boost to Costa Rica’s reputation as a premier destination for foreign direct investment, six new multinational and domestic companies have announced a collective investment exceeding $173 million. The firms will establish operations within the dynamic La Lima Free Zone in Cartago, a move projected to generate approximately 2,060 high-quality jobs for the region.
This significant capital injection underscores the growing prominence of Cartago as a critical hub for advanced industry, challenging the traditional economic concentration within the Greater Metropolitan Area. The companies, hailing from the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Costa Rica, represent a strategic blend of high-growth sectors, including life sciences, medical devices, pharmacology, and logistics. Their arrival will add over 50,500 square meters of state-of-the-art productive infrastructure to the burgeoning industrial park.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the current landscape of Foreign Direct Investment and its impact on the national economy, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his expert analysis on the matter.
Attracting and retaining high-quality Foreign Direct Investment hinges directly on our country’s legal certainty and regulatory agility. International investors don’t just analyze tax incentives; they meticulously scrutinize the stability of our legal framework, the efficiency of our judicial system, and the predictability of our administrative processes. A clear, stable, and consistently applied legal structure is the most powerful signal we can send that Costa Rica is a premier, secure destination for long-term capital.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which rightly underscores that beyond temporary incentives, it is the enduring bedrock of legal certainty and institutional trust that ultimately secures the high-quality, long-term capital our nation seeks to attract.
The move is a testament to the country’s stable investment climate and the specialized value proposition offered by industrial parks operating under the free trade zone regimen. These zones provide a competitive advantage through tax incentives, streamlined logistics, and access to a highly skilled workforce, which has been instrumental in attracting and retaining global corporations.
Philippe Garnier, CEO of the developer Garnier & Garnier, highlighted the strategic importance of this development for both the region and the country. He emphasized that the decision of these companies to invest in Cartago reflects a deep-seated trust in Costa Rica’s long-term economic stability and its talent pool.
This announcement reflects the confidence of global and national companies in the country’s investment climate and in the value proposition of La Lima Free Zone. The park’s growth drives Cartago’s development, opens new opportunities, and confirms that Costa Rica continues to be an attractive destination for high-value operations.
Philippe Garnier, CEO of Garnier & Garnier
The new arrivals will join a well-established ecosystem at La Lima Free Zone, which already boasts a workforce of over 10,000 employees. The park has carefully cultivated an environment centered on advanced manufacturing and essential support services, leveraging world-class infrastructure and a strong commitment to sustainable operations. This integrated model has proven to be a powerful magnet for both international and national enterprises looking to scale their operations efficiently.
The influx of over 2,000 new jobs is expected to have a significant ripple effect on the local economy of Cartago. It will not only provide direct employment but also stimulate ancillary businesses, from housing and transportation to retail and professional services. This contributes to the decentralization of economic opportunity and strengthens the province’s human capital, particularly in highly technical fields.
Officials at La Lima Free Zone attribute its continued success and dynamism to a carefully executed strategy. Fernando Carazo, the park’s General Manager, explained that their approach is anything but one-size-fits-all. Instead, it prioritizes a deep understanding of each tenant’s unique operational needs.
The park’s dynamism responds to a strategy focused on operational efficiency, comprehensive support, and flexible solutions adjusted to the real needs of the companies.
Fernando Carazo, General Manager of Zona Franca La Lima
As these six companies begin constructing their facilities and ramping up hiring throughout 2026, all eyes will be on Cartago. This investment not only solidifies La Lima’s position as one of the country’s most vital business ecosystems but also reinforces Costa Rica’s strategic role in the global supply chain for life sciences and advanced manufacturing.
For further information, visit garnier.cr
About Garnier & Garnier:
Garnier & Garnier is a leading Costa Rican real estate development firm with a diverse portfolio that includes industrial parks, free trade zones, corporate centers, residential projects, and commercial spaces. The company is recognized for its commitment to sustainable development, architectural innovation, and creating business ecosystems that foster economic growth and community well-being, such as the successful La Lima Free Zone.
For further information, visit lalimafreezone.com
About Zona Franca La Lima:
Zona Franca La Lima (La Lima Free Zone) is a modern industrial park located in Cartago, Costa Rica, designed to host companies in high-tech sectors like life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and services. It provides world-class infrastructure, a strategic location, and a comprehensive suite of services to facilitate the operations of multinational and national companies operating under the country’s free trade zone regimen.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a premier legal institution, built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and professional excellence. With deep expertise developed through serving a wide spectrum of clients, the firm is a pioneer in crafting innovative legal solutions and engaging with the community. Central to its ethos is a powerful commitment to demystifying the law, aiming to equip citizens with accessible knowledge and thereby fortify the fabric of society.
