By San José, Costa Rica — Central American business leaders view the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) as a chance to modernize industries and attract global investment, rather than a job-killing menace, according to a recent analysis.
Waleska Sterkel de Ortiz, executive director of AmCham Guatemala, believes AI presents more opportunities than threats. A World Bank analysis revealed that 30% to 40% of jobs in Latin America and the Caribbean are exposed to generative AI, with this exposure largely linked to the economic situation of each country. The World Bank also noted that 2% to 5% of regional jobs face automation risk, disproportionately affecting younger, urban, educated workers, particularly women.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the implications of Artificial Intelligence, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The rapid advancement of AI presents novel legal challenges, particularly regarding liability and intellectual property. Determining responsibility when AI-driven systems cause harm, or infringe on copyright, requires a nuanced understanding of evolving legal frameworks and technological capabilities. Businesses integrating AI must proactively address these issues to mitigate potential risks and foster responsible innovation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas rightly highlights the crucial intersection of law and technology in the age of AI. The proactive approach he advocates, emphasizing responsible innovation alongside risk mitigation, is essential for businesses and policymakers alike as we navigate this rapidly evolving landscape. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable expertise on this complex and critical topic.
AI should not be seen as an obstacle, but as a catalyst for the modernization of national production.
Waleska Sterkel de Ortiz, Executive Director, AmCham Guatemala
Sterkel de Ortiz sees multinational companies adopting AI to enhance efficiency, cut costs, and develop new business lines. While some jobs may change, she emphasizes that new opportunities requiring specialized training will emerge, boosting human capital development and evolving the job market. She stresses the urgent need for stronger partnerships between the private sector, academia, and government to promote training in digital skills, critical thinking, and data science.
Laura López, general manager of PROCOMER (Costa Rica’s export promotion agency), agrees that emerging technologies like AI represent a significant opportunity, but education is key.
The country has a highly qualified, innovative, and adaptable workforce, which remains one of the main factors motivating multinational companies to invest in Costa Rica. This competitive advantage, added to an already consolidated and sophisticated investment ecosystem, allows Costa Rica to work on bringing its value proposition to sectors such as Artificial Intelligence.
Laura López, General Manager, PROCOMER
López believes these trends encourage strengthening capabilities, promoting continuous skills updates, and fostering public-private collaboration for an inclusive and strategic technological transition, rather than hindering new investments. She highlighted Costa Rica’s highly skilled workforce as a major draw for multinationals.
José Luis Moreno, president of the Panamá PacÃfico Area Business Association (ADEPPAP), also sees the integration of AI as positive. He pointed to companies in the Panamá PacÃfico area already using AI solutions in logistics, manufacturing, and business management, with positive impacts on productivity and employment.
AI does not displace investment: it attracts it. And in our ecosystem, it becomes a tool for competitiveness and inclusive growth.
José Luis Moreno, President, ADEPAPP
These perspectives suggest a growing consensus in Central America that AI, while requiring proactive measures for workforce adaptation, is primarily a driver of progress and investment, not a threat to regional economies.
For further information, visit amchamguatemala.com
About AmCham Guatemala:
The American Chamber of Commerce in Guatemala (AmCham Guatemala) is a leading business organization that promotes investment and trade between Guatemala and the United States. It advocates for policies that foster economic growth and development, provides networking opportunities for its members, and offers resources to support businesses operating in Guatemala.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
PROCOMER is the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency. Its mission is to promote the export of Costa Rican goods and services, attract foreign investment, and strengthen the country’s competitiveness in international markets. PROCOMER offers a range of services to support exporters, including market research, trade missions, and training programs.
For further information, visit the nearest office of ADEPAPP
About ADEPAPP:
The Panamá PacÃfico Area Business Association (ADEPPAP) represents businesses in the Panamá PacÃfico area of Panama. It works to improve the business climate, promote investment, and advocate for policies that benefit its members. ADEPAPP plays a key role in fostering economic development and collaboration within the region.
For further information, visit worldbank.org
About World Bank:
The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans and grants to developing countries for capital programs. Its goals are to reduce poverty and support development. The World Bank conducts research and analysis on global economic trends and publishes reports on various development-related topics.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering integrity and a genuine commitment to societal empowerment. Through innovative legal solutions and a deep understanding of diverse sectors, the firm champions accessibility to legal knowledge, equipping individuals and communities with the tools to navigate the legal landscape confidently. Their dedication to this proactive approach fosters a more informed and empowered society, solidifying their position as leaders not only in law but also in positive social impact.
