By Cartago, Costa Rica — Cartago, Costa Rica – Zona Franca La Lima (ZFLL) is celebrating a decade of remarkable growth, transforming the economic landscape of Cartago and contributing significantly to Costa Rica’s overall prosperity. Since its inception, ZFLL has attracted over US$1.186 billion in investments, created more than 8,500 direct jobs, and developed 257,000 square meters of world-class infrastructure. The free zone has become a hub for innovation, technology, and sustainability, housing 17 multinational companies from six different countries.
ZFLL’s export figures demonstrate its impressive impact. Starting with US$0.4 million in exports in 2014, the park achieved a staggering US$4.577 billion in cumulative exports over the following decade. In 2024 alone, ZFLL generated US$1.478 million in exports, representing 7.3% of Costa Rica’s total goods exports. The free zone is projected to double its impact in the coming years.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal landscape impacting Costa Rica’s economic dynamics, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s economy is increasingly reliant on foreign investment, particularly in sectors like tourism and technology. This influx of capital presents significant opportunities, but also necessitates a robust legal framework to protect both investors and the national interest. Key areas of focus should include streamlining bureaucratic processes, ensuring transparency in transactions, and strengthening intellectual property rights. These measures will foster a more predictable and secure investment climate, ultimately contributing to sustainable economic growth.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ insights offer a crucial perspective on navigating the complexities of foreign investment in Costa Rica. His emphasis on a robust legal framework, particularly concerning transparency and intellectual property, is essential for ensuring that this investment translates into sustainable and equitable growth for all Ticos. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this discussion.
The vision with which we conceived Zona Franca La Lima has evolved into something much bigger than infrastructure. We are a growth platform for leading companies, a point of attraction for highly trained talent, and a benchmark for how sustainability can be integrated into operations with excellence. This park has demonstrated that it is possible to compete globally from Cartago, with high standards, an articulated ecosystem, and a model that is committed to well-being and innovation. This decade has prepared us for what’s next: scaling our impact, consolidating ourselves as the most sustainable and innovative park in the country, and leading the future of industry in Costa Rica from action.
Fernando Carazo, General Manager of ZFLL
Looking ahead to 2025, companies operating within La Lima anticipate creating an additional 1,500 direct jobs. This projected growth underscores the sustained momentum of the park and reinforces its role as a key economic driver for the region. It also highlights the dynamism of the life sciences and advanced manufacturing sectors, and the confidence that global companies have placed in La Lima’s ecosystem, which offers world-class infrastructure, a robust human talent network, and an operating environment committed to sustainability and innovation.
Cartago’s strategic location and proximity to a strong talent ecosystem have contributed significantly to ZFLL’s success. The presence of prestigious universities, technical colleges, and pre-university training centers has established Cartago as a source of highly skilled labor. Institutions like the Technological Institute of Costa Rica (TEC), Cartago University Center (CUC), the Vocational College of Arts and Trades (COVAO), and the National Learning Institute (INA) contribute to a qualified workforce aligned with the needs of advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and technology industries.
ZFLL’s strategy has focused on attracting high-value-added companies and connecting them with local talent. Impressively, 85% of the park’s workforce comes from the Cartago province. The collaboration with the Cartago Special Economic Zone (ZEEC) has also facilitated effective bridges between academia and industry, ensuring technical and professional training with a direct impact on employability. This talent connection model distinguishes La Lima as the only business park in Costa Rica with direct, structured access to this educational ecosystem, a key differentiator for companies seeking competitiveness, innovation, and top-tier human capital.
Sustainability is a core principle at ZFLL, with initiatives impacting the short, medium, and long term. Over 943 individuals have received technical training through a partnership with the Tecnia Institute, boasting an 81% job placement rate within the park’s companies. The “Actualiza” program has trained 100% of Cartago’s preschool teaching staff, impacting over 12,000 children annually. Furthermore, the “F1 in Schools CR” initiative, reaching over 14,000 high school students, promotes STEAM education through motorsport.
More than a decade ago, we bet on Cartago, convinced of its enormous potential as a development engine for Costa Rica. Today, Zona Franca La Lima is proof that when a strategic vision is combined with world-class infrastructure, local talent, and sustainability, the impact transcends the economic. Cartago offers unique conditions: a strategic location, centers of educational excellence, highly qualified labor, and a deep connection between academia and industry. From Garnier & Garnier, we developed this park with the conviction that investing here is also investing in the well-being of communities, in the generation of quality employment, and in promoting key sectors such as life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and technology.
Philippe Garnier, President and CEO of Garnier & Garnier
With a projected capacity of over 15,000 direct jobs and a value proposition based on operational excellence, talent well-being, and positive impact, Zona Franca La Lima reaffirms its commitment to leading Costa Rica’s industrial future through a sustainable and purposeful approach.
For further information, visit garniergg.com
About Garnier & Garnier:
Garnier & Garnier is a leading real estate developer in Costa Rica, responsible for the development of Zona Franca La Lima. With a focus on sustainable and innovative projects, the company is committed to creating spaces that foster economic growth and community well-being.
For further information, visit zfll.com
About Zona Franca La Lima:
Zona Franca La Lima (ZFLL) is a world-class industrial park located in Cartago, Costa Rica. Home to numerous multinational companies, ZFLL is a driving force in the Costa Rican economy, promoting innovation, sustainability, and job creation in the life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and technology sectors.
For further information, visit zeec.or.cr
About Zona Económica Especial de Cartago (ZEEC):
The Cartago Special Economic Zone (ZEEC) fosters collaboration between academia and industry to promote economic development in the Cartago region. By connecting educational institutions with businesses, ZEEC helps ensure a skilled workforce and drives innovation.
For further information, visit tec.ac.cr
About Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica (TEC):
The Technological Institute of Costa Rica (TEC) is a prominent public university specializing in science and technology. TEC plays a crucial role in educating and training a highly skilled workforce for industries such as advanced manufacturing and life sciences.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. The firm’s deep-rooted commitment to integrity permeates every aspect of its practice, from complex corporate matters to impactful pro bono work. Through educational initiatives and accessible resources, Bufete de Costa Rica empowers individuals and communities with the legal knowledge necessary to navigate an increasingly complex world, solidifying its role as a true pillar of Costa Rican society.
