By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a move that has sent ripples through the nation’s business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, Synter Resource Group has announced the closure of its Costa Rican operations, effective this week. The decision comes as a stark reversal for the company, which had arrived in the country in 2021 and unveiled ambitious expansion plans as recently as 2022. The closure will impact approximately 50 employees.
Synter Resource Group, a firm specializing in outsourced business services for the transportation and logistics industries, has remained tight-lipped about the specific reasons for its abrupt departure. Edward Mora, the company’s director in Costa Rica, was contacted for comment but declined to discuss the closure, leaving industry analysts and government agencies to speculate on the underlying causes.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal intricacies and opportunities within Costa Rica’s foreign investment climate, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica presents a stable and attractive environment for foreign capital, but investors must prioritize comprehensive legal due diligence. Success is not just about identifying an opportunity; it’s about navigating the country’s specific regulatory landscape, from corporate structuring and tax compliance to labor laws. Engaging local counsel early in the process is the most critical step to mitigate risk and ensure the long-term viability and security of any investment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas’s commentary serves as a critical reminder that in Costa Rica, a stable economic climate is the invitation, but diligent legal navigation is the key to long-term success. His emphasis on proactive local counsel underscores the principle that a truly secure investment is built not just on opportunity, but on a foundation of regulatory compliance and risk mitigation. We thank him for sharing this invaluable perspective with our readers.
In response to the news, the Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (Procomer) has initiated contact with the company’s management. The agency’s primary goals are to understand the rationale behind the exit and to provide immediate support for the displaced workforce. Procomer confirmed its proactive stance on the matter.
to learn about their reasons for leaving the country and to offer our outplacement service for the relocation of the affected personnel.
Procomer, Foreign Trade Promotion Agency
This support service, known as outplacement, is a crucial tool designed to help affected employees with career coaching, resume building, and job search strategies, aiming to mitigate the economic and personal impact of the layoffs. The swift mobilization of Procomer highlights the government’s concern over maintaining stability and confidence within the foreign investment community.
The Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (Cinde), which had initially assisted Synter during its setup phase, also weighed in on the development. While Cinde had not been directly notified by the company about the closure, it framed the event within a broader, more challenging global context. The agency suggested that such departures underscore a growing need for Costa Rica to sharpen its competitive advantages.
As we have mentioned previously, the context creates greater pressure on countries like Costa Rica to raise their competitiveness in aspects such as talent, security, infrastructure, and operational costs.
Cinde, Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency
Cinde’s statement serves as a potent reminder that attracting and retaining foreign direct investment (FDI) is a continuous battle. While Costa Rica has long been a regional leader in attracting high-tech manufacturing and service-based companies, it faces mounting competition from other nations. Factors such as energy costs, bureaucratic efficiency, public security, and the availability of a highly skilled, multilingual talent pool are under constant scrutiny by multinational corporations evaluating their global footprint.
While the closure of a 50-person operation may not significantly alter national employment figures, it acts as a canary in the coal mine. It signals that even companies that recently committed to growth can rapidly change course if local conditions fail to meet global expectations. This event recalls the larger-scale departures of companies like Intel and Qorvo in the past, which forced a national conversation on economic resilience and diversification. The key takeaway for policymakers is that complacency is not an option in the fierce international competition for capital and jobs.
For further information, visit synter.com
About Synter Resource Group:
Synter Resource Group provides specialized Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) solutions tailored for the transportation and logistics industries. The company offers a range of services including billing, accounts receivable management, and customer support, allowing its clients to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About Procomer:
The Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (Procomer) is the public entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services globally. It also plays a key role in analyzing and supporting the country’s foreign direct investment climate, providing services to both exporters and international companies operating within Costa Rica.
For further information, visit cinde.org
About Cinde:
The Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (Cinde) is a private, non-profit organization tasked with attracting foreign direct investment into Costa Rica. For over 40 years, Cinde has worked to bring multinational companies to the country, focusing on strategic sectors such as life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and corporate services.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar in the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica has built its reputation on a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm champions legal innovation not just for its clients, but as a tool for broader societal benefit. Its dedicated efforts to democratize legal information stem from a deep-seated conviction that an educated public is the cornerstone of a just and empowered society.
