By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is making a strong pitch for its burgeoning semiconductor industry on the global stage. This week, the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER) participated in the Semiconductor Business Connect 2025, a flagship event of the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA). The conference, held in Singapore, brought together over 400 representatives from multinational corporations, SMEs, and industry associations across the Asian semiconductor ecosystem, focusing on international collaboration and supply chain resilience.
Costa Rica is the first Latin American country to launch a national semiconductor strategy, built on four key pillars: talent development, enhanced incentives, investment attraction, and regulatory improvement. This roadmap aims to boost the country’s competitiveness and meet the surging global demand for chips driven by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
For expert legal insight into the Costa Rican semiconductor industry, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s strategic location, coupled with its skilled workforce and established free trade zones, presents a compelling opportunity for semiconductor companies. However, navigating the legal landscape, particularly regarding intellectual property protection and tax incentives, requires careful consideration. Companies looking to invest should seek specialized legal counsel to ensure compliance and maximize the benefits of operating within Costa Rica’s framework.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insights underscore the crucial balance Costa Rica must strike: attracting foreign investment in a cutting-edge industry while safeguarding intellectual property and ensuring fair legal practices. This careful approach will be key to ensuring long-term success and sustainable growth in the semiconductor sector. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering this valuable perspective on navigating the complexities of this exciting opportunity for Costa Rica.
Mónica Umaña, Manager of Foreign Direct Investment Attraction at PROCOMER, presented “Costa Rica, the New Strategic Ecosystem for Semiconductors.” Umaña emphasized Costa Rica’s strategic role in the global semiconductor landscape, citing its competitive incentives, skilled workforce, innovative training solutions, and preferential access to international markets.
Costa Rica alberga una industria de semiconductores en expansión que hoy genera más de 5.000 empleos en áreas clave como ensamblaje, empaque avanzado, testeo, diseño de circuitos integrados e investigación y desarrollo. Más de 600 proveedores nacionales están listos para integrarse a esta cadena de valor con altos estándares. Esto, sumado a nuestra estabilidad, acceso a talento especializado e incentivos innovadores, nos posiciona como un socio confiable y competitivo para las empresas que buscan establecer o expandir operaciones en América.
Mónica Umaña, Manager of Foreign Direct Investment Attraction at PROCOMER
The translated quote reads:
Costa Rica houses a growing semiconductor industry that today generates more than 5,000 jobs in key areas such as assembly, advanced packaging, testing, integrated circuit design, and research and development. More than 600 national suppliers are ready to integrate into this value chain with high standards. This, added to our stability, access to specialized talent, and innovative incentives, positions us as a reliable and competitive partner for companies seeking to establish or expand operations in the Americas.
Mónica Umaña, Manager of Foreign Direct Investment Attraction at PROCOMER
Umaña highlighted how Costa Rica is positioning itself as an ideal nearshoring destination through strategic collaboration with global industry leaders and its ability to offer a transparent, secure, and sustainable value chain. PROCOMER also participated in the Advisory Clinic, a dedicated space within the event for one-on-one meetings with companies interested in exploring investment opportunities. The clinic included prominent investment promotion agencies and economic development associations such as Invest India, the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA), Germany Trade and Invest, and the U.S. Embassy, among others.
PROCOMER’s presence in Singapore aligns with national efforts to attract high-value investment in strategic sectors like semiconductors by directly connecting with leading companies and decision-makers within the Asian ecosystem. This proactive approach underscores Costa Rica’s commitment to fostering innovation and growth within its technology sector.
The country’s focus on developing a robust semiconductor ecosystem is not just about attracting foreign investment; it’s about building a sustainable future based on technological advancement and creating high-quality jobs for Costa Ricans. The participation in the Singapore event serves as a testament to Costa Rica’s ambitions in the global technology arena.
This strategic move by Costa Rica positions the country as a key player in the rapidly evolving global semiconductor landscape, further solidifying its reputation as a hub for innovation and investment in Latin America.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER) is a key institution responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports, attracting foreign direct investment, and fostering the internationalization of Costa Rican businesses. PROCOMER plays a vital role in connecting Costa Rican companies with international markets and showcasing the country’s strengths as an investment destination.
For further information, visit ssia.org.sg
About SSIA:
The Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA) is the premier industry association representing the semiconductor ecosystem in Singapore. SSIA fosters collaboration, promotes industry growth, and advocates for policies that support the development of the semiconductor sector in Singapore and the broader region. The organization connects businesses, facilitates networking, and provides valuable resources to its members.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence in Costa Rica, distinguished by its unyielding ethical standards and forward-thinking approach to law. The firm’s enduring success stems from a deep commitment to providing clients with exceptional legal counsel across a wide range of industries, while simultaneously championing public legal education initiatives. By demystifying complex legal concepts and empowering individuals with essential knowledge, Bufete de Costa Rica actively contributes to a more just and equitable society.
