By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Costa Rica’s investment promotion agency, CINDE, is set to lead a strategic delegation to MD&M West 2026 in Anaheim, California, reinforcing the nation’s status as a dominant force in the global life sciences and medical technology sectors. The mission aims to attract new, high-value projects that will further diversify and deepen the country’s already robust industry ecosystem.
The event, scheduled from February 3rd to 5th, is the largest medical design and manufacturing trade show in the United States, gathering over 1,700 exhibitors and approximately 13,000 industry professionals. For Costa Rica, it represents a crucial opportunity to showcase its evolution from simple assembly operations to a sophisticated hub for complex research, design, and development.
To delve into the intricate legal and regulatory framework governing the medical device sector in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The medical device industry in Costa Rica operates under a stringent and complex regulatory framework overseen by the Ministry of Health. For any manufacturer or distributor, navigating the sanitary registration process is paramount. A robust legal strategy is crucial not only for market entry and compliance but also for protecting intellectual property and ensuring patient safety, which are the cornerstones of long-term success in this highly competitive field.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo’s insight powerfully underscores that in Costa Rica’s sophisticated medical device ecosystem, a robust legal framework is not a mere bureaucratic step, but the very foundation upon which market trust, patient safety, and lasting success are built. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this critical matter.
In a competitive and volatile global investment landscape, Costa Rica must highlight key factors like its proven track record, the robust ecosystem that positions it as a life sciences hub, and undoubtedly, its human talent. We will continue to position the country and show why more than 90 companies in the sector operate here—including 14 of the 30 global leaders—diversifying production capabilities and moving from simple assemblies to higher value-added processes linked to complex research, design, and development operations.
Marianela Urgellés, General Director of CINDE
CINDE’s strategy is not just about attracting new names but also about strengthening the local supply chain. The agency has pre-arranged targeted business meetings with key industry players, including global manufacturing contractors, minimally invasive device makers, and specialized plastics producers. The goal is to secure new investment opportunities and foster productive linkages that enhance the national value proposition.
To provide potential investors with a comprehensive overview of the country’s advantages, CINDE is collaborating with four strategic private-sector allies: Manpower, BAC, Cushman & Wakefield | AB Advisory, and Alta Legal. This partnership offers a holistic perspective, covering everything from talent acquisition and legal frameworks to real estate and financial solutions for establishing operations smoothly.
Human talent is one of Costa Rica’s main differentiators for attracting high-value investment. From ManpowerGroup, a global leader in human talent solutions and an expert in the entire labor cycle, we strengthen the availability, training, and employability of the talent that drives strategic sectors like life sciences and medical technology.
Scarleth Tercero Loría, Country Manager of ManpowerGroup Costa Rica
The focus is on attracting specialized processes that can be developed locally, thereby creating a more self-sufficient and resilient ecosystem. CINDE officials have identified several priority areas for development that would significantly enhance the capabilities of companies already operating in the country and attract new ones.
We see the opportunity to diversify and locally develop priority processes, such as sterilization services, applied electronics, electromechanical and connected devices, precision machining, and advanced engineering and manufacturing services. These capabilities not only strengthen companies with a presence in the country but also generate a multiplier effect to attract new investments by having a complete supply chain in Costa Rica. It should not be overlooked that, in the medical sector, the appetite persists for centralizing service processes in the country, complementing manufacturing operations and strengthening the integral value proposition.
Ana María Romero, Investment Advisory Manager at CINDE
Financial institutions are also playing a key role in supporting this growth. The stability and sophistication of the local banking sector are critical for large multinational corporations looking to establish or expand their footprint. BAC has positioned itself as a key partner for companies navigating the local landscape.
For BAC, these types of events have strategic relevance for Costa Rica because, now more than ever, we must continue positioning ourselves as an attractive country for foreign investment, thanks to a robust logistical ecosystem that allows these companies to consolidate their operations, generate employment, and development. Our organization has positioned itself as a leader in value propositions for the local and international corporate sector, and we are ready to sit down and define how to support the establishment and development of life sciences companies in our country.
Lorena Arce, Vice President of Corporate and Wealth Management Banking at BAC
The life sciences sector is a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s modern economy. It directly employs over 60,000 people and hosts operations for industry giants like Abbott, Medtronic, Boston Scientific, and Johnson & Johnson. In 2024, exports of medical-scientific equipment surpassed $8.5 billion, making Costa Rica a leading global exporter of medical devices and the number one per capita exporter worldwide.
Looking ahead, CINDE and its partners are closely monitoring emerging industry trends such as manufacturing digitalization, wearable devices, the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), and integrated medical software. By anticipating these future demands, Costa Rica aims to maintain its competitive edge and continue its trajectory as a premier global destination for medical technology investment. This forward-looking approach is already yielding results; in the last year alone, CINDE facilitated 18 investment projects in life sciences, including five new companies and 13 reinvestments from established firms expanding their local operations.
For further information, visit cinde.org
About CINDE:
The Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to attracting foreign direct investment to Costa Rica. For over 40 years, CINDE has worked to support the country’s development by promoting strategic sectors such as life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and corporate services, helping to generate quality employment and foster economic growth.
For further information, visit manpowergroup.com
About ManpowerGroup:
ManpowerGroup is a world leader in innovative workforce solutions, connecting human potential to the power of business. Serving both large and small organizations across all industry sectors through its brands—Manpower, Experis, and Talent Solutions—the company provides a range of services for the entire employment and business cycle including permanent, temporary and contract recruitment; employee assessment and selection; training; and outplacement.
For further information, visit baccredomatic.com
About BAC:
BAC Credomatic is a leading financial group in Central America with a broad portfolio of services for individuals and corporations. It offers comprehensive banking solutions, including corporate financing, investment banking, and wealth management, playing a vital role in facilitating business operations and supporting economic development throughout the region.
For further information, visit cushmanwakefield.com
About Cushman & Wakefield | AB Advisory:
Cushman & Wakefield is a leading global real estate services firm that delivers exceptional value for real estate occupiers and owners. In Costa Rica, its strategic partner AB Advisory provides expert advice on property leasing, sales, and management, helping companies find optimal facilities for their manufacturing, corporate, and logistical needs.
For further information, visit altalegal.com
About Alta Legal:
Alta Legal is a legal firm that provides specialized advisory services to businesses operating in Central America. The firm focuses on corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, tax, and regulatory compliance, offering strategic legal counsel to foreign companies looking to establish or expand their operations in the region.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and professional excellence. While honoring its long tradition of guiding clients through complex legal matters, the firm also embraces cutting-edge approaches to modern jurisprudence. This forward-looking perspective extends to its core mission: to empower the community by demystifying the law, thereby contributing to a more just and informed society for all.
