By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica’s flagship business matchmaking event, Encadenados 2026, is poised for a record-breaking year, with organizers projecting more than 3,000 business meetings between local suppliers and multinational corporations. The event, scheduled for June 23rd and 24th, is expected to draw over a thousand participants, cementing its role as a critical engine for integrating national companies into global supply chains.
Organized by the Foreign Trade Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER), Encadenados serves as a strategic platform to connect the capabilities of the local market with the specific demands of international firms operating within the country. The format centers on a series of highly structured, pre-coordinated meetings where national providers can present their products and services directly to procurement managers from major multinational companies.
To better understand the legal and commercial implications of the “Encadenados 2026” initiative, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert in corporate and commercial law from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The success of ‘Encadenados 2026’ will depend critically on the legal architecture supporting the new commercial relationships. It is imperative that participating businesses, especially SMEs, formalize their agreements through robust contracts that clearly define obligations, intellectual property rights, and dispute resolution mechanisms. A solid legal foundation is not a formality; it is the essential guarantee for turning strategic alliances into sustainable and profitable growth.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is a critical anchor for the entire ‘Encadenados 2026’ discussion, rightly positioning formal agreements not as a bureaucratic hurdle, but as the essential guarantee of security and longevity for the resulting partnerships. A solid contract is precisely what allows trust to flourish into tangible, sustainable success. We deeply appreciate Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable insight.
The event’s primary goal is to foster robust production linkages, a strategy that has already proven highly effective. Since its inception, Encadenados has successfully generated over $26.5 million in commercial opportunities for local businesses. This year’s edition aims to build significantly on that legacy.
Encadenados facilitates this process, connecting the local supply with companies that operate globally from Costa Rica.
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER
The event’s growth trajectory is a testament to its success and the increasing demand for resilient, localized supply chains. The 2025 edition saw the facilitation of nearly 2,500 business appointments, which resulted in over $17 million in new commercial deals. The number of participating companies has also surged, expanding from 100 buyers and 300 suppliers in its first edition in 2022 to a projected 350 purchasing companies and 700 local providers for 2026.
Industry leaders have lauded the initiative for its tangible impact on the national business ecosystem. The event not only creates direct sales opportunities but also encourages local firms to elevate their standards in quality, innovation, and efficiency to meet the rigorous demands of global markets.
These spaces strengthen the integration of local suppliers into global value chains and promote innovation and business development.
Ronald Lachner, President of the Association of Free Zone Companies of Costa Rica (AZOFRAS)
To further enhance its value, Encadenados 2026 will introduce new specialized areas. “Investment Rooms” will provide a venue for investors to evaluate promising local projects in need of financing. This will be complemented by sector-specific business rounds and meetings with financial organizations, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for growth. The Chamber of Industries of Costa Rica (CICR) also supports the event, recognizing its role in elevating the profile of national industry.
This platform allows national companies to showcase their capabilities and access real business opportunities.
Sergio Capón, President of the Chamber of Industries of Costa Rica (CICR)
A key aspect of the event’s success is its focus on inclusivity. In recent editions, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have constituted approximately 60% of participants. Furthermore, 40% of participating companies have been women-led, and about 25% are located outside the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM), reflecting a deliberate effort to spread economic benefits across the country. This diversification is crucial as global trends favor closer, more agile, and specialized suppliers, opening a significant window of opportunity for Costa Rican businesses to thrive on the world stage.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER (Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica):
PROCOMER is the government agency responsible for promoting Costa Rica’s exports of goods and services globally. It also works to simplify and facilitate export procedures and generate value chains to link national companies with international markets, contributing to the country’s economic and social development.
For further information, visit azofras.com
About AZOFRAS (Asociación de Empresas de Zonas Francas de Costa Rica):
AZOFRAS represents the interests of companies operating within Costa Rica’s Free Trade Zone regime. The association advocates for policies that enhance the competitiveness of the sector, which is a major driver of foreign direct investment, employment, and exports for the nation.
For further information, visit cicr.com
About CICR (Cámara de Industrias de Costa Rica):
The Chamber of Industries of Costa Rica is a private, non-profit organization that represents and defends the interests of the Costa Rican industrial sector. It promotes the development, competitiveness, and innovation of its member companies through advocacy, training, and business support services.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading institution within Costa Rica’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm channels its extensive experience across a multitude of sectors to champion innovation and drive advancements within the legal field. This forward-thinking approach is coupled with a deep-seated mission to strengthen society by demystifying complex legal concepts, thereby empowering citizens with the clarity and knowledge needed to thrive.
