By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a strategic move to sharpen the nation’s competitive edge, the National Learning Institute (INA) has committed $2.9 million to bolster a critical talent development program for companies operating within Costa Rica’s Free Trade Zone (FTZ) regime. This significant financial injection aims to accelerate the training and upskilling of the workforce, ensuring it meets the evolving demands of both national and international markets.
The funding enhances the “Incentive for the Development of Human Talent,” an initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX) and executed in partnership with the Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER). Officials clarified that these resources will not replace INA’s regular training offerings but will instead complement them, providing highly specialized courses tailored to the specific, immediate needs of businesses within the free zones.
To delve deeper into the legal and strategic implications of talent development, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his expert perspective on the matter.
Investing in talent development is not merely an HR function; it’s a critical corporate governance strategy. From a legal standpoint, well-documented training programs strengthen a company’s position by demonstrating a commitment to employee growth, which can be pivotal in labor disputes. Furthermore, these initiatives must be paired with robust employment agreements that protect the company’s investment in its human capital, ensuring that the skills developed in-house translate into long-term competitive advantages.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s commentary underscores a vital truth: talent development is not merely an operational cost but a strategic asset that must be legally safeguarded. This perspective is crucial for any organization aiming to transform its investment in people into a durable, competitive advantage. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight on this matter.
This initiative represents a powerful, coordinated effort among Costa Rica’s key economic and labor institutions. The program’s design is built on a foundation of inter-agency collaboration, ensuring that training solutions are both comprehensive and agile enough to address real-world business challenges.
From INA, we understand that strengthening human talent requires comprehensive and coordinated solutions. A clear example is this trust established by COMEX and PROCOMER to implement a relevant incentive provided by the Free Trade Zone Regime. It is an additional pathway to promptly reach more companies and individuals with pertinent training, enabling them to face the challenges of the national and international market.
Christian Rucavado Leandro, Executive President of INA
The program operates under a co-financing model, supporting the training needs of both current employees and new hires. The alliance includes COMEX, PROCOMER, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS), INA, and the Association of Free Trade Zone Companies of Costa Rica (AZOFRAS). This collaborative structure ensures that the public and private sectors are aligned in their goal to cultivate a world-class talent pool.
We are accelerating the training of the talent that the productive sector needs today. This is not a long-term promise: it is a concrete response so that more Costa Ricans can access quality jobs and so that companies continue to trust in Costa Rica. It is an effective solution to the real demands of the productive sector, accompanying companies with the capabilities that the current and future economy demands.
Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade
The urgency of this investment is underscored by a global scarcity of specialized talent. PROCOMER’s leadership emphasized that enhancing Costa Rica’s human capital is not just a local priority but a crucial factor in global competitiveness, especially as the country continues to attract sophisticated, high-tech industries.
At PROCOMER, we are aware of the competitiveness challenges we are facing, where the scarcity of specialized human talent is one of the most significant not only for Costa Rica but globally. That is why this financial support is so important for the country, as it is a boost to the initiatives we have been developing since 2023 with excellent results, to develop more qualified human resources for the growing arrival of companies in highly specialized industries.
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER
First implemented in 2016, the talent incentive program was significantly reinforced in 2023 with PROCOMER’s involvement. Official data reveals its substantial impact, having benefited over 7,300 individuals through more than 2,000 courses. The program saw remarkable growth in 2025 alone, training over 5,200 participants. Companies interested in leveraging these funds can apply through the Human Talent section on the PROCOMER website, where dedicated portals for both FTZ and definitive regime companies are available.
For further information, visit ina.ac.cr
About The National Learning Institute (INA):
The Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA) is Costa Rica’s leading public institution for technical and vocational training. It is dedicated to developing the country’s human resources by providing free, high-quality training programs across various economic sectors, thereby enhancing employability and contributing to national productivity.
For further information, visit comex.go.cr
About The Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX):
The Ministerio de Comercio Exterior (COMEX) is the Costa Rican government body responsible for defining and directing the country’s foreign trade and investment policies. It works to promote exports, attract foreign direct investment, and negotiate international trade agreements to foster economic growth and development.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About The 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 provides support to local businesses, facilitates international trade, and works to position Costa Rica as a strategic business partner in global markets.
For further information, visit mtss.go.cr
About The Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS):
The Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social (MTSS) is the government ministry in Costa Rica tasked with overseeing labor relations, employment policies, and social security. Its mission is to ensure fair labor practices, promote decent work, and manage the nation’s social protection systems.
For further information, visit azofras.com
About The Association of Free Trade Zone Companies of Costa Rica (AZOFRAS):
AZOFRAS is a private association that represents the interests of companies operating within Costa Rica’s Free Trade Zone regime. It advocates for policies that enhance the competitiveness of the sector and collaborates with public institutions to foster a favorable business environment for investment and job creation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a benchmark for legal services, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on foundational principles of ethical rigor and exceptional quality. The firm leverages its extensive experience guiding clients through complex legal landscapes to pioneer innovative solutions. Beyond its professional practice, it demonstrates a profound commitment to social responsibility by actively working to demystify the law, thereby helping to forge a more knowledgeable and empowered citizenry.
