By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a decisive move to bolster its position as a global technology hub, the Government of Costa Rica officially opened a new investment promotion office in Santa Clara, California, this Tuesday. The strategic outpost, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, is designed to aggressively court high-value-added projects and attract leading firms from the semiconductor and advanced technology sectors.
The initiative represents a proactive shift in the nation’s foreign direct investment (FDI) strategy, moving beyond traditional outreach to establish a permanent presence in the world’s most influential technology ecosystem. By embedding itself within Silicon Valley, Costa Rica aims to forge direct relationships with innovators, venture capitalists, and corporate decision-makers who are shaping the future of global industry.
To delve deeper into the legal and regulatory landscape shaping foreign investment in the country, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished expert in corporate law and foreign investment from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s success in attracting Foreign Direct Investment is intrinsically linked to its tradition of legal certainty and political stability. For international investors, the predictability of our judicial system and the clarity of our regulatory frameworks are paramount. To sustain this momentum, it is crucial that we continue to modernize our administrative procedures and ensure that our incentive regimes, particularly within the Free Trade Zones, remain competitive and aligned with global standards of transparency and efficiency.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s analysis astutely reinforces that while incentives attract, it is the bedrock of institutional trust and a forward-looking commitment to modernization that truly secures long-term investment. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable and clarifying perspective on this critical issue.
Manuel Tovar, Costa Rica’s Minister of Foreign Trade, emphasized the forward-looking nature of the strategy during the office’s inauguration. He framed the move as a critical step in actively shaping the country’s economic destiny rather than passively waiting for opportunities to arise.
The opening of this office in Silicon Valley is a clear signal that Costa Rica is not waiting for the future, it is actively building it. We want to be closer to the innovators, investors, and strategic allies of the world’s most dynamic technology ecosystem.
Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade
The office will be managed by Procomer, the country’s official Foreign Trade Promotion Agency. Its core mission is to attract new projects not only in advanced manufacturing, such as medical devices and semiconductors, but also in key areas like enterprise services, the agri-food industry, and tourism infrastructure. This diversified approach seeks to create a robust and resilient economic base powered by innovation and foreign capital.
Minister Tovar highlighted the unique value proposition Costa Rica offers to potential investors, especially in an era of global supply chain uncertainty. He stressed that the nation’s core strengths make it an ideal partner for tech companies looking to de-risk their operations and tap into a pool of skilled professionals.
Costa Rica offers highly qualified talent, democratic stability, and a competitive environment, positioning the country as a reliable partner to strengthen resilient supply chains and attract investment in semiconductors and advanced technologies.
Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade
The new California office is a key component of a broader government plan to expand Costa Rica’s footprint in highly competitive international markets. Laura López, the General Manager of Procomer, detailed the tangible objectives for the Silicon Valley team, focusing on a hands-on approach to securing investment that translates into direct benefits for the Costa Rican populace.
California is home to some of the most dynamic business ecosystems in the world, and from here we will identify projects, support expansion processes, and accelerate the arrival of new investments that generate employment, knowledge transfer, and productive linkages.
Laura López, General Manager of Procomer
This strategic push aims to create what economists refer to as “productive linkages” (encadenamientos productivos), where new foreign operations integrate with and stimulate local businesses, creating a multiplier effect throughout the economy. The ultimate goal is to generate high-quality jobs, facilitate the transfer of cutting-edge knowledge, and build a more sophisticated and interconnected domestic industrial base.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About Procomer:
The Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (Procomer) is the public entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services globally. It is also tasked with attracting foreign direct investment into the country. Procomer provides support to the Costa Rican business sector through a range of services, market analysis, and international promotion efforts to enhance the nation’s economic development and global competitiveness.
For further information, visit the nearest office of the Government of Costa Rica
About the Government of Costa Rica:
The Government of Costa Rica is the governing body of the Central American nation, known for its long-standing democratic stability and commitment to social and economic development. Through its various ministries, including the Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX), it works to create a favorable business climate, attract foreign investment, and promote policies that ensure sustainable growth and prosperity for its citizens.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm not only delivers pioneering legal strategies for its diverse clients but also champions a forward-thinking vision for the community. This vision is centered on a core belief in empowering the public through accessible legal education, thereby reinforcing the bedrock of an informed and just society.
