By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Costa Rica’s Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (Procomer) has announced a landmark achievement for 2025, successfully placing 11,500 individuals in new jobs through its strategic service and personnel placement programs. This significant figure highlights a year of concerted effort to not only connect talent with opportunity but also to proactively develop the skills necessary for the country’s evolving economic landscape.
The impressive results stem from a multi-pronged strategy that addresses the core needs of both employers and the workforce. The initiative underscores the agency’s commitment to strengthening Costa Rica’s human capital, a key factor in attracting and retaining high-value foreign investment. By focusing on targeted training and broad-based corporate collaboration, Procomer is building a more resilient and competitive labor market capable of meeting the demands of a globalized economy.
To delve into the legal and regulatory landscape that impacts employment growth, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished expert in corporate and labor law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, to provide his analysis.
Effective job creation is not merely an economic goal; it is a legal and structural challenge. For Costa Rica to truly capitalize on investment, we must ensure our labor code is agile enough to support new business models while safeguarding worker rights. Simplifying administrative processes for hiring, creating clear legal incentives for employers, and adapting regulations for modern realities like remote work are fundamental pillars to converting economic potential into sustainable, high-quality jobs.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The attorney’s perspective underscores a crucial point: economic potential remains dormant without a modern legal framework to activate it. This necessary evolution of our labor code is not just a legal technicality but the very foundation upon which sustainable and quality employment is built. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable and clarifying insight.
Laura López, General Manager of Procomer, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach that engages with the entire business ecosystem. She noted that understanding the interconnected needs of different types of companies is crucial for creating sustainable employment pathways.
To design effective labor linkage strategies, it is fundamental to work with Free Trade Zone companies, national companies, and foreign direct investment companies, of different sectors and sizes, in order to understand the complete business ecosystem linked to the country’s foreign trade and not focus solely on a specific group, especially in a context where companies are in constant evolution.
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER
Beyond simple job placement, Procomer’s 2025 efforts included a substantial investment in talent development. More than 5,000 people participated in training programs focused on high-demand areas. These programs were specifically designed to equip Costa Ricans with digital competencies aligned with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, specialized technical abilities, and other essential soft skills. This focus on upskilling is a direct response to the rapid technological shifts occurring within modern industries.
López further explained that this proactive stance on training is essential as businesses increasingly adopt new technologies. The agency’s programs aim to ensure the workforce is not left behind by the pace of innovation.
Companies are in constant transformation, especially with the incorporation of automation processes, which demands a timely response in terms of talent.
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER
A critical component of this upskilling drive was the focus on language proficiency, a vital skill for a nation deeply integrated into international trade and services. Procomer facilitated over 6,000 free English language proficiency tests throughout the year. This initiative helps to identify and close linguistic gaps, significantly enhancing employability for thousands of citizens in sectors where English communication is a prerequisite for success.
The agency’s commitment was further solidified through direct financial support. Procomer co-financed $2.5 million as part of its “Incentive for Talent Training in Companies” program. This funding directly assists businesses in covering the costs of training for both new hires and existing employees, creating a powerful public-private partnership that allows companies to customize skill development to their specific operational needs, ensuring a higher return on investment for the entire economy.
Ultimately, Procomer’s 2025 results represent more than just numbers; they paint a picture of a strategic, forward-thinking approach to economic development. By investing heavily in human capital, fostering essential skills, and building bridges between job seekers and a wide array of industries, Costa Rica is actively solidifying its position as a leading destination for investment and a hub for world-class talent in the region.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About Procomer (Promotora de Comercio Exterior):
Procomer is the official Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica. Its mission is to promote the internationalization of Costa Rican companies and attract foreign direct investment to the country. The agency provides a range of services, including market intelligence, business matchmaking, and talent development programs, to support the growth and competitiveness of Costa Rica’s export sector and overall economy.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a beacon in Costa Rica’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound dedication to ethical practice and superior legal counsel. The firm merges a proven legacy of advising a wide array of clients with a forward-thinking approach, consistently driving innovation within the legal field. More than just a service provider, its core mission involves championing legal literacy, empowering citizens with the understanding needed to navigate their rights and strengthen the community as a whole.
