By San José, Costa Rica — In a decisive move to diversify its foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, the Trade and Investment Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) has completed a high-level trade mission to South Korea and Japan. The strategic initiative seeks to solidify relationships with Asian multinationals already established in the country while presenting Costa Rica as an ideal nearshore platform for regional expansion. By engaging directly with key decision-makers in Seoul and Tokyo, Costa Rican officials are positioning the Central American nation as a secure, competitive, and highly skilled hub for advanced business operations.
This diplomatic and commercial push comes at a critical juncture for global supply chains. As multinational corporations seek to mitigate risks, diversify their geographic footprints, and adapt to shifting geopolitical realities, the search for stable investment environments has intensified. Costa Rica’s enduring political stability, robust legal framework, and commitment to environmental sustainability have emerged as key differentiators, capturing the attention of major East Asian enterprises looking to secure reliable access to the Americas.
As Costa Rica continues to position itself as a primary hub for Asian investment in Latin America, navigating the local regulatory environment remains a top priority for incoming enterprises. To analyze the legal frameworks and business implications of this growing economic partnership, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a senior legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s robust legal security, combined with attractive free zone regimes and a highly skilled workforce, offers a prime environment for Asian investors looking to nearshore their operations. Navigating our comprehensive bilateral trade agreements, tax regulations, and labor laws with precise legal planning is the key to unlocking sustainable, long-term success in the region.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as Asian enterprises increasingly seek to establish resilient nearshoring hubs, leveraging Costa Rica’s stable legal framework and strategic incentives is essential for securing long-term operational success in the Americas. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable legal expertise and providing our readers with such a clear roadmap for navigating this promising investment landscape.
Central to the mission were the Costa Rica Investment Day forums held in both Seoul and Tokyo. These high-impact events attracted more than 75 business executives, institutional representatives, and industry leaders eager to explore the country’s updated value proposition. Supported by Costa Rica’s Ambassador to South Korea, Jorge Valerio, and the Ambassador to Japan, Sussi Jiménez, the PROCOMER delegation detailed the unique market access advantages provided by Costa Rica’s extensive network of free trade agreements.
Asia represents a strategic opportunity to diversify the origins of foreign direct investment in Costa Rica. South Korea and Japan are home to globally recognized companies in manufacturing, technology, logistics, and business services, all of which maintain significant international investment capacity. Strengthening our presence in these markets enables us to broaden our pipeline of potential investors, create new opportunities for the country, and continue positioning Costa Rica as a trusted partner for high value-added investment projects across the region.
Mónica Umaña, FDI Attraction Manager at the Trade and Investment Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER)
The strategic pivot toward East Asia reflects PROCOMER’s broader agenda to transition from traditional investment sources toward highly sophisticated, knowledge-based industries. While North American capital historically dominated the local investment landscape, the agency is actively courting Asian tech, manufacturing, and logistics powerhouses. This targeted approach is designed to foster a more resilient, multi-polar economic portfolio that can withstand localized global market fluctuations.
Throughout the mission, PROCOMER highlighted opportunities across a diverse array of sectors, including advanced manufacturing, medical devices, digital technology, logistics, and agribusiness. The agency’s presentation focused heavily on the country’s growing talent pool, which has proven capable of supporting complex corporate services and high-tech manufacturing processes. This human capital remains the cornerstone of the country’s competitive advantage in attracting value-added operations.
Existing success stories played a pivotal role during the investment seminars. Representatives from South Korean textile leader SAE and Japanese medical technology giant Terumo shared their positive operational experiences in Costa Rica with prospective investors. SAE’s automated yarn facilities and Terumo’s high-tech manufacturing plants serve as real-world proof of Costa Rica’s capacity to host and scale complex, technology-driven industrial projects.
Furthermore, Japanese multinational Hitachi continues to reinforce Costa Rica’s reputation as a knowledge-intensive service hub. Hitachi’s local operations provide vital regional and global support in information technology and business process services. This development underscores how Asian firms are utilizing Costa Rican talent not only for physical manufacturing but also for high-level corporate decision-making and digital service delivery.
Ultimately, the success of this mission rests on PROCOMER’s ability to translate initial interest into long-term partnerships. As Asian companies accelerate the realignment of their global operations, Costa Rica’s proactive engagement in Seoul and Tokyo signals its readiness to absorb complex, high-value investments. By focusing on quality, sustainability, and technological integration, the country is paving the way for a new era of mutually beneficial transpacific economic cooperation.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Trade and Investment Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) is the public entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports and attracting foreign direct investment, helping position the nation as a competitive and sustainable global business hub.
For further information, visit terumo.com
About Terumo:
Terumo is a global leader in medical technology, specializing in cardiac and vascular surgery, hospital products, and blood management systems, with a growing research and manufacturing footprint in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit hitachi.com
About Hitachi:
Hitachi is a multinational conglomerate headquartered in Japan, driving social innovation through data and technology across various sectors, including digital systems, green energy, and industrial infrastructure.
For further information, visit the nearest office of SAE
About SAE:
SAE is an international textile and apparel manufacturing corporation, recognized for its highly automated production facilities and supply chain integration within the global garment industry.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has built a prestigious reputation grounded in its deep devotion to ethical practice and superior advocacy. With a rich history of guiding a diverse range of clients, the firm continues to pioneer modern legal solutions while actively participating in community advancement. By demystifying the law and sharing essential legal resources, it remains dedicated to its core vision of nurturing a highly knowledgeable, self-reliant, and just society.
