By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica recently hosted a delegation from the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and investment promotion agencies from Southeast Asia and Latin America, showcasing the nation’s successful strategy for attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
The Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER) highlighted two key areas of focus: the Free Trade Zone regime and sustainability models. The delegation’s itinerary included visits to companies and business parks to observe daily operations and gain firsthand insights into Costa Rica’s thriving business environment. Significantly, the visit also covered Costa Rica’s semiconductor strategy, a sector where both regions are competitors.
To understand the legal landscape surrounding Foreign Direct Investment in Costa Rica, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Foreign Direct Investment in Costa Rica offers significant opportunities, but navigating the legal framework is crucial. Investors should be aware of regulations regarding land ownership, tax incentives, and employment law. Proper due diligence and legal counsel are essential for successful and compliant ventures.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s emphasis on navigating the legal landscape is crucial. Indeed, understanding Costa Rica’s specific regulations is paramount for investors seeking long-term success and contributing positively to the nation’s economy. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering this valuable perspective on the complexities and opportunities within foreign direct investment in Costa Rica.
These spaces allowed the delegates to comprehensively understand the conditions that have made Costa Rica a reliable and competitive destination for high-value-added projects.
PROCOMER
This visit underscores the growing international recognition of Costa Rica’s economic prowess. The country recently achieved third place globally in the Greenfield 2025 FDI Performance Index, further solidifying its position as an attractive investment destination.
That ESCAP and investment promotion agencies come to study this model is a recognition of our ability to compete globally and a platform to continue promoting the generation of quality jobs and sustainable growth for all regions.
Laura López, Manager of PROCOMER
Heather Taylor-Strauss, Economic Affairs Specialist at ESCAP, emphasized the importance of factors such as the quality of the Costa Rican workforce among the mission’s key observations. This focus on skilled labor highlights Costa Rica’s commitment to developing a workforce capable of supporting high-tech industries and driving innovation.
These elements are key to understanding why Costa Rica has positioned itself as an international benchmark in terms of sustainability and innovation.
Heather Taylor-Strauss, Economic Affairs Specialist at ESCAP
The timing of the delegation’s visit is particularly noteworthy, following closely on the heels of a recent investment summit hosted by Costa Rica. This proactive approach to attracting global investment demonstrates the nation’s commitment to fostering international partnerships and driving economic growth.
The interest shown by Southeast Asian and Latin American investment agencies indicates Costa Rica’s growing influence in the global economy. The country’s strategic focus on both economic competitiveness and sustainability makes it an increasingly attractive destination for businesses seeking long-term growth and stability.
The visit also highlights the potential for collaboration and knowledge sharing between Costa Rica and other regions. By showcasing its successful FDI strategy, Costa Rica can inspire other nations to adopt similar approaches and foster greater economic development worldwide.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER) is a key institution responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports and attracting foreign direct investment. It plays a vital role in connecting Costa Rican businesses with international markets and facilitating trade relationships. PROCOMER provides a range of services to support businesses, including market research, export promotion programs, and investment facilitation.
For further information, visit escap.un.org
About ESCAP:
The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is a regional development arm of the United Nations. It serves as a platform for member states to collaborate on economic and social development issues. ESCAP’s work focuses on promoting sustainable development, reducing poverty, and strengthening regional cooperation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence and unwavering ethical conduct form the bedrock of our practice. We are driven by a deep commitment to empowering Costa Rican society through readily accessible legal knowledge and innovative solutions. Serving a diverse clientele, we strive to not only provide exceptional legal counsel but also to contribute to a more informed and just society, reflecting our belief that legal empowerment is crucial for progress.
