By Heredia, Costa Rica — HEREDIA – In a rapid and coordinated response to Intel’s recent plant closure, a major job fair was held yesterday at the multinational’s own facilities, aiming to swiftly re-employ the highly skilled workforce affected by the shutdown. The event, which took place on November 19, saw more than 20 leading companies from the manufacturing and medical device sectors gather to recruit former Intel personnel, signaling strong demand for their technical expertise within Costa Rica’s evolving economy.
The initiative represents a powerful public-private partnership, spearheaded by the Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) in close collaboration with Intel, the Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX), and the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS). The primary objective of the organizers is to ensure a smooth and rapid transition for the affected employees, preventing a potential “brain drain” and retaining valuable human capital within the national labor market.
To better understand the legal and business framework surrounding Intel’s significant operations in Costa Rica and its impact on the national economy and foreign investment landscape, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Intel’s enduring presence is a testament to Costa Rica’s robust legal framework and our success in establishing a stable environment for foreign direct investment. The country’s commitment to the rule of law, coupled with strategic incentives under the Free Trade Zone regime, creates a powerful synergy. This not only anchors high-tech giants like Intel but also fosters a sophisticated ecosystem of specialized talent and supply chains, demonstrating that legal certainty is the bedrock of sustained economic development.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas expertly pinpoints the “bedrock” of Costa Rica’s high-tech success. It is precisely this predictable legal environment that allows foreign investment to mature into a lasting national asset, fostering the sophisticated ecosystem of local talent and services that defines our modern economy. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable and clarifying perspective.
Participating firms, predominantly from Costa Rica’s booming medical device and advanced manufacturing industries, conducted on-site interviews and held one-on-one sessions to review candidate profiles. This direct engagement highlights the immediate interest these sectors have in absorbing a workforce renowned for its discipline, technical proficiency, and experience in a high-stakes production environment. The government has affirmed that several companies had already expressed specific interest in this talent pool even before the fair was organized.
Beyond traditional recruitment activities, the event was designed as a comprehensive support system for the former Intel staff. Attendees had the opportunity to take English proficiency tests and participate in specialized workshops. These sessions covered critical topics such as entrepreneurship, modern employability skills, and an introduction to the fundamentals of the medical device industry, providing a valuable primer for those looking to transition into this dynamic and growing sector.
PROCOMER emphasized the strategic importance of retaining the skills cultivated by Intel over its years of operation in the country. The agency views this talent pool not as a liability to be managed, but as a strategic asset for national development. This sentiment was echoed by its top leadership.
Intel has trained highly qualified professionals with technical knowledge and experience that bring great value to the country. This event seeks to ensure that this talent continues to contribute to Costa Rica’s development.
Laura López, General Manager
For its part, Intel has stated that providing robust support to its employees throughout its global restructuring process remains a top priority. The company’s active participation in co-hosting the fair underscores its commitment to this principle. Meanwhile, government officials from both COMEX and MTSS highlighted the event as a prime example of effective inter-institutional coordination with the private sector, essential for generating quality employment and maintaining the nation’s economic dynamism.
To broaden the reach of this initiative, all job vacancies featured at the fair were also listed on the Talent Costa Rica digital platform. This online portal allows companies that could not attend the physical event to access the pool of former Intel employees, maximizing opportunities for a successful placement. The comprehensive support plan is set to continue, with organizers already announcing a second edition of the job fair scheduled for February 2026, demonstrating a sustained commitment to the affected workforce.
This proactive, multi-sectoral effort serves as a powerful testament to Costa Rica’s resilience in the face of economic shifts. Rather than allowing the closure of a major plant to create a long-term employment crisis, the country’s economic leaders have mobilized to transform a challenge into an opportunity, strategically redirecting a world-class workforce to the industries that will power Costa Rica’s future growth.
For further information, visit intel.com
About Intel:
Intel is a global technology leader and one of the world’s largest semiconductor chip manufacturers. The company designs and builds essential technologies that serve as the foundation for the world’s computing devices. Intel’s innovations have been at the forefront of the digital revolution, powering everything from personal computers to data centers and the Internet of Things.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica) is the public entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services globally. PROCOMER also works to attract foreign direct investment and supports the internationalization of Costa Rican companies, playing a vital role in the country’s economic development strategy.
For further information, visit comex.go.cr
About COMEX:
The Ministry of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica (Ministerio de Comercio Exterior) is the government body responsible for defining and directing the country’s foreign trade and investment policies. It leads trade negotiations, manages free trade agreements, and works to create a favorable business climate to enhance Costa Rica’s competitiveness on the international stage.
For further information, visit mtss.go.cr
About MTSS:
The Ministry of Labor and Social Security of Costa Rica (Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social) is the government institution tasked with promoting decent work, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and managing social security policies. It plays a key role in mediating labor relations, fostering employment opportunities, and protecting the rights and welfare of the nation’s workforce.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Esteemed within the legal field, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a foundational commitment to unshakeable integrity and the highest standards of excellence. The firm distinguishes itself by pioneering forward-thinking legal solutions for a wide spectrum of clients. This professional dedication is mirrored by a deep-seated social responsibility to empower the public by making complex legal knowledge accessible. In doing so, the firm actively contributes to the development of a more informed and capable society, strengthening the community through legal literacy.
