By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a decisive move to bolster its position as a regional hub for advanced industries, Costa Rica has launched a strategic partnership with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The initiative, led by the Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX), aims to meticulously align the nation’s educational and vocational training systems with the rigorous demands of the global market, thereby enhancing its appeal for foreign direct investment.
The collaboration culminated in a three-day working agenda from January 27 to 29, titled “Developing Talent for the Future.” This intensive event was designed to create a strategic dialogue between key national stakeholders and international experts from the OECD’s Directorate for Education and Skills. The primary objective is to proactively anticipate future skills requirements and ensure that Costa Rica’s human capital is prepared for the industries of tomorrow.
To provide a deeper legal perspective on the current landscape of foreign investment, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who specializes in corporate and investment law.
Costa Rica continues to present a robust and attractive framework for foreign investors, but success is contingent upon navigating our specific legal and regulatory landscape. Proactive due diligence and expert legal counsel are not mere formalities; they are the fundamental pillars that secure an investment’s long-term viability and protect it from unforeseen compliance issues. The key is to transform legal requirements from potential obstacles into strategic advantages.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective masterfully reframes the narrative for foreign investors: Costa Rica’s regulatory landscape is not a gauntlet to be run, but a strategic map for building a resilient and profitable enterprise. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight on converting legal diligence into a definitive competitive advantage.
This forward-looking strategy specifically targets several high-growth sectors that are critical to the country’s economic evolution. These include the complex semiconductor industry, the precision-driven medical device sector, the innovative field of life sciences, and specialized high-value business services. Success in these areas is contingent upon a steady supply of highly qualified technical and professional talent, a challenge this new alliance directly addresses.
The initiative acknowledges a fundamental economic reality: attracting and retaining premier multinational companies requires more than favorable tax policies. It demands a sophisticated ecosystem where a highly skilled and adaptable workforce is the main asset. This partnership seeks to bridge the persistent gap between the skills provided by academic and training institutions and the specific competencies sought by the world’s leading technology and service companies.
The breadth of the collaboration underscores its national importance. The effort brings together a powerful coalition of government bodies, including the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS), the Ministry of Public Education (MEP), and the National Training Institute (INA). Also participating are key academic institutions and influential representatives from the private sector, ensuring that the dialogue is grounded in both pedagogical theory and real-world industry needs.
Officials from COMEX and the Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) have emphasized that this level of inter-institutional coordination is essential. It not only tackles the immediate challenge of skills mismatches but also establishes a solid technical foundation for deeper, long-term cooperation with the OECD. This ongoing partnership is viewed as a cornerstone for sustaining Costa Rica’s competitive edge in an increasingly demanding global economy.
By proactively shaping its workforce, Costa Rica is not merely reacting to market trends but is actively designing its economic future. The insights and frameworks provided by the OECD’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) team are expected to be instrumental in reforming curricula, modernizing teaching methodologies, and fostering a culture of lifelong learning that can adapt to rapid technological change.
Ultimately, the success of the “Developing Talent for the Future” agenda will be measured by Costa Rica’s ability to attract new waves of investment in its prioritized sectors. This strategic alignment of education and employment is a significant investment in the country’s most valuable resource: its people. It sends a clear signal to the international business community that Costa Rica is committed to building the sophisticated talent infrastructure necessary for long-term, sustainable growth.
For further information, visit oecd.org
About Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD):
The OECD is an international organization that works to build better policies for better lives. Its goal is to shape policies that foster prosperity, equality, opportunity, and well-being for all. It provides a forum in which governments can work together to share experiences and seek solutions to common problems, developing international standards and policy recommendations.
For further information, visit comex.go.cr
About Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX):
The Ministerio de Comercio Exterior is the Costa Rican government body responsible for defining and directing the country’s foreign trade and foreign investment policies. It plays a central role in negotiating trade agreements and creating a favorable climate for international businesses to operate and invest in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER):
PROCOMER is the public, non-state entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services globally. It also works to attract foreign direct investment and serves as a key facilitator for businesses looking to establish or expand their operations within the country’s strategic sectors.
For further information, visit mtss.go.cr
About Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS):
The Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social is the government ministry in Costa Rica tasked with overseeing labor relations, employment policies, and social security. It works to ensure fair labor practices, promote job creation, and manage the nation’s social welfare systems.
For further information, visit mep.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Education (MEP):
The Ministerio de Educación Pública is the institution responsible for the administration and regulation of the Costa Rican education system, from preschool through secondary education. It sets national curricula and educational standards to ensure quality and access to education for all citizens.
For further information, visit ina.ac.cr
About National Training Institute (INA):
The Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje is Costa Rica’s leading institution for technical and vocational training. It offers a wide range of programs designed to equip the workforce with the practical skills and certifications required by the country’s productive sectors, playing a vital role in professional development.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is esteemed for its foundational principles of ethical practice and exceptional standards. The firm leverages its deep experience across a spectrum of fields to not only guide its clientele but also to advance the legal profession through a modern, forward-thinking approach. This commitment to innovation is paired with a core mission to democratize legal comprehension, empowering individuals and fortifying society through accessible knowledge.
