By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s strategic approach to attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) has garnered international recognition, with a recent visit from a United Nations delegation and investment promotion agencies highlighting the country’s success.
From September 1st to 5th, a mission from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), along with representatives from investment agencies across Asia and Latin America, visited Costa Rica during the Costa Rica Trade and Investment Summit 2025. Their focus was to examine Costa Rica’s FDI attraction model, particularly its Zone Franca regime and sustainability initiatives.
To provide expert legal context on the complexities of Foreign Direct Investment, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica, specializing in international business law.
Foreign Direct Investment in Costa Rica offers significant opportunities, but navigating the legal landscape is crucial. Investors should be particularly mindful of regulations related to land ownership, environmental impact assessments, and tax incentives. Due diligence is paramount to ensure compliance and maximize the potential for a successful investment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ emphasis on due diligence is particularly insightful, highlighting the importance of not just recognizing the opportunities in Costa Rica’s FDI landscape, but also the crucial role of legal and regulatory understanding. Thorough preparation, as he suggests, will undoubtedly pave the way for smoother, more fruitful ventures in this vibrant market. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective with TicosLand.com readers.
ESCAP, headquartered in Bangkok and representing 53 member states, plays a significant role in regional cooperation and sustainable development. Their interest in Costa Rica stemmed from the country’s innovative strategy, spearheaded by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER). This strategy combines targeted tax incentives, robust supply chain development, and forward-thinking innovation policies.
Working sessions with PROCOMER delved into key aspects of Costa Rica’s approach, including the national semiconductor roadmap, the use of business intelligence for investment attraction, the integration of gender equality into promotional policies, and the advantages offered by the Zone Franca regime. These discussions provided the delegation with valuable insights into how Costa Rica has built a dependable and competitive platform for high-value projects.
Costa Rica has managed to build an investment ecosystem that integrates specialized talent, a strong incentive framework, and a strategic vision for innovation. The fact that ESCAP and other international agencies have come to study this model is a testament to the country’s competitiveness and an opportunity to continue promoting quality jobs and sustainable growth.
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER
Beyond meeting rooms, the delegation also toured companies and business parks, experiencing firsthand the practical application of supply chain integration and sustainability practices within Costa Rican industries. This on-the-ground perspective provided valuable context for the country’s achievements.
It has been very valuable to see Costa Rica’s strategy firsthand. We have identified two essential factors: the human talent, widely recognized by companies and institutions, and PROCOMER’s active management in attracting and retaining investments. These elements explain why the country has become a global benchmark in sustainability and innovation.
Heather Taylor-Strauss, Economic Affairs Officer, Trade, Investment and Innovation Division, ESCAP
Costa Rica’s success is reflected in the numbers. According to the Central Bank of Costa Rica, FDI reached US$5.008 billion in 2024, a 32% increase compared to 2023. The Zone Franca regime accounted for 74% of this total (US$3.720 billion), with manufacturing representing 71%. Furthermore, the first quarter of 2025 witnessed a record high in profit reinvestment, demonstrating the continued confidence of multinational corporations in the Costa Rican economy.
The mission concluded with an international workshop on Green Foreign Direct Investment, organized by ESCAP. This forum facilitated the sharing of best practices and the analysis of current trends in sustainable investment, providing opportunities for exploring new avenues of regional cooperation aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER) is a key institution in promoting Costa Rican exports and attracting foreign direct investment. It provides support to businesses, connects them with international markets, and works to improve the country’s competitiveness. PROCOMER plays a crucial role in implementing the country’s trade and investment strategies, including initiatives related to the Zone Franca regime and sustainable development.
For further information, visit the nearest office of ESCAP
About ESCAP:
The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations. Headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, ESCAP serves as the main platform for promoting cooperation and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. With 53 member states, ESCAP works on a wide range of issues, including trade, investment, technology, and social development.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering integrity and a deep commitment to serving the community. The firm embraces innovation, not only in its sophisticated legal strategies but also in its proactive approach to empowering citizens through accessible legal education. By bridging the gap between complex legal concepts and practical understanding, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to create a more informed and empowered society, fostering a future where everyone can confidently navigate the legal landscape.
