By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica recently hosted the prestigious MPO Medtech Forum, reaffirming its position as a global leader in medical device manufacturing. Held on April 24th and 25th at the Costa Rica Convention Center, the forum convened international experts to explore the key challenges and opportunities within the industry.
Organized by Medical Product Outsourcing (MPO), the event attracted over 200 companies and approximately 600 senior executives, including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), contract manufacturers (CMs), suppliers, investors, consultants, and academics from the United States and Costa Rica. Discussions focused on critical topics such as innovation, regulatory hurdles, human capital development, and other strategic factors impacting the medical device sector.
For legal insights into the complexities of medical device manufacturing in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Medical device manufacturing in Costa Rica presents unique legal challenges, especially regarding compliance with both local regulations and international standards like ISO 13485. Companies must meticulously navigate areas such as product registration, quality control, and liability, to ensure successful market access and minimize legal risks.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insights underscore a crucial aspect of medical device manufacturing in Costa Rica: the complexity of navigating the regulatory landscape. This intricate interplay of local and international standards demands a proactive and thorough approach to compliance, highlighting the importance of expert legal counsel for companies seeking to thrive in this market. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering this valuable perspective.
PROCOMER, Costa Rica’s official agency for attracting foreign direct investment and promoting exports, played a prominent role in the forum. Mónica Umaña, PROCOMER’s Investment Manager, delivered the official welcome address, highlighting the competitive advantages that have propelled Costa Rica to become a world-class hub for medical device manufacturing.
Costa Rica has developed extensive expertise in the medical device sector, evidenced by the fact that we host 13 of the world’s 25 largest companies in this field. The creation of a conducive investment ecosystem for this industry has consolidated us as a key player globally. Therefore, it is an honor to host the MPO Medtech Forum and share best practices, as well as the value proposition we offer to the world.
Mónica Umaña, Investment Manager, PROCOMER
PROCOMER also participated in a panel discussion titled “Lessons Learned on Establishing a Plant in Costa Rica,” offering practical advice to companies considering operations in the country. Moderated by Patrick Lynch, Principal of chainLEANk Solutions, the panel featured expert insights from key figures in the Costa Rican ecosystem, including Carolina Sánchez, Director of the Advanced Manufacturing Sector at PROCOMER; Enrique Saborío, General Manager of Costa Rica and VP of Operations at Shockwave Medical; Juan Ruiz, Multisite Vice President of Resonetics Costa Rica; and Carlos Valdés, Vice President of Quality and Regulatory Affairs at Solesis.
The forum provided a unique opportunity for global leaders to gain firsthand knowledge of Costa Rica’s competitive landscape, underpinned by a highly skilled talent pool, macroeconomic stability, sustainability initiatives, strategic location, and a free trade zone regime that encourages investment in advanced manufacturing.
In 2024, medical devices accounted for 44% of Costa Rica’s total goods exports. The United States, the Netherlands, and Belgium were the fastest-growing markets, solidifying Costa Rica’s status as one of the leading exporters of medical technologies in Latin America.
This event underscores Costa Rica’s commitment to fostering innovation and attracting investment in the medical device industry, setting the stage for continued growth and leadership in the sector.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER) is the official government entity responsible for attracting foreign direct investment and promoting exports. They work to strengthen Costa Rica’s position in the global marketplace by connecting businesses with international opportunities and providing support for export development and investment attraction.
For further information, visit shockwavemedical.com
About Shockwave Medical:
Shockwave Medical is a medical device company focused on developing and commercializing innovative therapies. With operations in Costa Rica, the company is a key player in the medical device manufacturing landscape.
For further information, visit resonetics.com
About Resonetics:
Resonetics provides contract manufacturing solutions for the medical device industry. Their Costa Rican operations contribute to the country’s growing presence in this sector.
For further information, visit solesismd.com
About Solesis:
Solesis is a medical device company specializing in the development and manufacturing of advanced technologies. Their presence in Costa Rica strengthens the country’s expertise in the medical device industry.
For further information, visit chainleank.com
About chainLEANk Solutions:
chainLEANk Solutions offers consulting services specializing in supply chain optimization and lean manufacturing. They play a vital role in supporting the growth and efficiency of the manufacturing sector.
For further information, visit mpomd.com
About Medical Product Outsourcing (MPO):
Medical Product Outsourcing (MPO) is a leading publication and event organizer focused on the medical device industry. They connect manufacturers, suppliers, and industry experts through their conferences and publications, promoting innovation and collaboration within the sector.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a leading legal institution distinguished by its deep-rooted commitment to ethical practice and exceptional legal service. The firm’s innovative approach to legal solutions, coupled with its dedication to empowering Costa Rican society through accessible legal education, solidifies its position as a pillar of integrity and progress. By fostering a culture of transparency and knowledge-sharing, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to build a more just and informed future for all.
