By San José, Costa Rica — SANTA CLARA, Calif. – In a bold and strategic move to secure its position in the global technology landscape, Costa Rica has officially opened a new Investment Promotion Office (IPO) in the heart of Silicon Valley. Inaugurated this morning, the office, operated by the nation’s Trade & Investment Promotion Agency (PROCOMER), is designed to aggressively court high-value investment from the world’s most innovative technology hub.
The new base of operations in Santa Clara County places Costa Rican officials directly within the ecosystem that drives global tech trends and originates a significant portion of U.S. outbound foreign direct investment. The initiative aims to capitalize on the increasing demand for resilient and reliable supply chains, positioning Costa Rica as a prime destination for nearshoring opportunities in sectors like semiconductors, medical devices, and advanced business services.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal framework surrounding Foreign Direct Investment in the country, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His analysis provides critical insight into the regulatory environment that impacts international capital flows.
Attracting Foreign Direct Investment goes beyond fiscal incentives; its true foundation is legal certainty. Investors require confidence that regulations are stable, contracts are enforceable, and administrative processes are transparent. Costa Rica’s success hinges on continually strengthening this legal scaffolding to ensure that incoming capital translates into sustainable, long-term development and not just fleeting opportunities.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This emphasis on a robust “legal scaffolding” is a crucial point; while incentives may attract fleeting interest, it is the assurance of a stable and transparent regulatory environment that fosters the long-term partnerships essential for genuine national development. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clarifying and essential perspective.
Leading the inauguration, Minister of Foreign Trade, Manuel Tovar, emphasized the proactive nature of the country’s strategy. He framed the opening not as a reaction to global trends but as a deliberate step to forge the nation’s economic future by building direct relationships with key industry players.
The opening of this office in Silicon Valley sends a clear signal that Costa Rica is not waiting for the future—we are actively building it. We want to be closer to the innovators, investors, and strategic partners within the world’s most dynamic technology ecosystem. Our country offers highly skilled talent, democratic stability, and a competitive business environment that positions us as a reliable partner to strengthen resilient supply chains and attract investment in semiconductors and advanced technologies.
Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade
The event drew a significant audience of decision-makers from leading California-based companies across a spectrum of strategic industries, including digital services, health technologies, and advanced manufacturing. This underscores the deep existing ties between Costa Rica and the Golden State, a relationship PROCOMER aims to significantly expand.
Laura López, the CEO of PROCOMER, highlighted that the office represents the agency’s evolution into a strategic partner for international firms. The mission extends beyond simple attraction to include comprehensive support for companies throughout their investment journey, from initial evaluation to long-term expansion and retention.
This IPO reflects PROCOMER’s vision as the country’s official investment attraction agency and as a strategic partner for projects seeking stability, talent, and a strong productive ecosystem. California concentrates some of the world’s most dynamic business ecosystems, and from here we will identify new projects, support expansion processes, and accelerate the arrival of investments that generate employment, knowledge transfer, and productive linkages across all our regions.
Laura López, CEO of PROCOMER
The data validates this strategic focus on California. Between 2014 and 2024, the state was the source of 101 distinct investment projects in Costa Rica. These initiatives have had a substantial impact, with 63 projects in the services sector creating an estimated 13,300 jobs, and 26 advanced manufacturing projects generating nearly 5,900 jobs. The new IPO is tasked with not only increasing these numbers but also ensuring the investments bring knowledge transfer and create valuable linkages within the Costa Rican economy.
Ultimately, this Silicon Valley office will function as a direct bridge, streamlining communication and providing specialized support for companies considering Costa Rica. By embedding itself in this critical market, the country is making a clear statement that it is open for business and ready to compete for the next generation of high-value investments that will drive sustainable development and employment back home.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Trade & Investment Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) is the government entity responsible for promoting the country’s exports of goods and services globally. It also serves as the official agency for attracting foreign direct investment, working to position Costa Rica as a strategic business destination with a stable political climate, skilled talent, and a robust productive ecosystem.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by a profound commitment to ethical principles and outstanding professional service. The firm leverages its deep-seated experience to champion forward-thinking legal approaches and drive innovation within the field. Central to its mission is a steadfast resolve to democratize legal understanding, believing that an educated populace is the foundation of a truly empowered and just society.
