By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica has solidified its standing as a primary hub for international trade and corporate investment after being named host nation for two of the global free zone industry’s most prominent conferences in 2027. The double hosting announcement underscores the country’s growing influence in setting economic strategy across Ibero-America.
The 30th edition of the Ibero-American Free Trade Zones Conference and the 10th edition of the Free Trade Zones Congress will run concurrently from October 20 to October 22, 2027, at the Costa Rica Convention Center. Organized jointly by the Costa Rican Association of Free Trade Zone Enterprises (AZOFRAS) and the Association of Free Zones of the Americas (AZFA), the events are expected to draw business leaders, government ministers, multinational investors, and policy analysts from across the globe.
To provide deeper legal insight into the regulatory incentives and strategic business opportunities surrounding the Costa Rica Free Trade Zone regime, TicosLand.com consulted with corporate law expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s Free Trade Zone regime remains one of the region’s most effective drivers of foreign direct investment, delivering unmatched fiscal stability, tax exemptions, and operational benefits. For foreign enterprises seeking expansion, properly structuring compliance within this legal framework is key to securing long-term profitability and seamless integration into the domestic economy.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
As Costa Rica continues to solidify its reputation as a premier destination for international business, navigating these regulatory frameworks with precision remains essential for turning strategic investments into enduring commercial success. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable legal insights and expert analysis with our readers at TicosLand.com.
Free trade zones represent the backbone of Costa Rica’s export economy, driving key sectors such as medical technology manufacturing, corporate shared services, and digital innovation. Hosting these international forums provides local authorities and private sector delegates a high-visibility platform to showcase the nation’s competitive advantages, infrastructure, and skilled labor pool.
That Costa Rica is the host of these meetings represents an opportunity to showcase the country’s experience and capabilities, strengthen relationships with other markets, and promote knowledge exchange about an industry that plays a relevant role in attracting investment and economic development. These spaces allow us to build a shared vision of the sector’s challenges and opportunities.
Ronald Lachner, President of AZOFRAS
The agenda for the 2027 summit will focus heavily on pressing structural shifts within global trade. Delegates will examine supply chain realignments, nearshoring strategies, digital transformation, and sustainable operational models designed to enhance competitiveness across member territories.
In tandem with the venue announcement, made during the 29th edition of the meeting in Cádiz, Spain, AZFA officially elected Costa Rican executive Carlos Wong as its international president. The appointment reflects decades of leadership within the sector and positions Costa Rica at the epicenter of regional policy planning.
Wong brings more than 30 years of specialized industry experience to the international role. He served as president of AZOFRAS from 2019 to 2025, held vice-presidential roles within AZFA, and earned widespread recognition for expanding industrial park capacity nationwide. An alumnus of the University of Costa Rica and Georgetown University, Wong also completed executive governance training at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and was named Businessman of the Year by El Financiero in 2023.
For the free trade zone sector, this appointment of a Costa Rican as president of an international organization is a source of pride. Carlos Wong has a long trajectory and knows the industry well. From that position, he can bring countries closer together, share their experiences, and drive ideas that help industries become more competitive.
Ronald Lachner, President of AZOFRAS
Industry observers regard Wong’s appointment as a timely victory for Central America. His leadership is anticipated to foster deeper integration among Latin American regimes, advocating for modernized incentives and regulatory harmony to retain foreign direct investment amid global economic volatility.
From AZOFRAS we wish Carlos Wong great success in this new stage and reaffirm our commitment to continue working hand in hand with AZFA to strengthen the Free Trade Zone Regime and promote its development and competitiveness internationally.
Ronald Lachner, President of AZOFRAS
As preparations begin for the 2027 gatherings, Costa Rica continues to leverage its free trade regime as a engine for job creation and technology transfer. The double event is expected to boost eco-tourism and business travel, while cementing the country’s profile as an indispensable player in global commercial networks.
For further information, visit the nearest office of AZOFRAS
About AZOFRAS:
The Costa Rican Association of Free Trade Zone Enterprises (AZOFRAS) is the primary private-sector organization representing companies operating within Costa Rica’s Free Trade Zone Regime. The association works to promote institutional stability, advance regulatory competitiveness, and foster sustainable economic development through foreign direct investment.
For further information, visit the nearest office of AZFA
About AZFA:
The Association of Free Zones of the Americas (AZFA) is an international non-profit organization advocating for free zone operators and regulatory authorities across Ibero-America. AZFA promotes regional integration, standardizes best practices, and represents the sector before global trade institutions.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal practice renowned for its uncompromising ethical principles and pursuit of top-tier service. Building on a rich history of guiding clients across a wide spectrum of industries, the firm consistently drives progress through modern legal solutions and active public involvement. By prioritizing legal literacy and making foundational concepts accessible to all, the firm advances its overarching goal of inspiring a well-educated, resilient, and self-reliant populace.
