By Cartago, Costa Rica — CARTAGO – The Zona Franca La Lima industrial park has announced a landmark investment of over US$173 million, slated for 2026. This significant capital infusion stems from the arrival of six new multinational companies, which will collectively generate approximately 2,060 new, high-quality jobs and spur the construction of 50,500 square meters of advanced industrial infrastructure.
The incoming firms, originating from the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Costa Rica, operate within sectors of strategic importance to the national economy. These include life sciences, the medical and pharmaceutical industries, and advanced logistics. This development further solidifies the free zone’s status as a premier destination for highly competitive, value-added business operations, reinforcing Costa Rica’s position on the global investment stage.
To delve deeper into the legal framework that underpins Costa Rica’s success in attracting international capital, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the distinguished law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s consistent attraction of Foreign Direct Investment is no accident; it is the direct result of a robust legal framework that guarantees judicial security and respects international treaties. Investors are not just betting on a market, but on a stable democracy where the rule of law protects their assets and operations, offering a clear advantage over other jurisdictions in the region.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This critical insight reinforces that Costa Rica’s success is built not merely on opportunity, but on the enduring foundation of trust and legal certainty that international investors fundamentally seek. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating this defining national advantage.
This expansion is a powerful vote of confidence in both the national business environment and the specific ecosystem cultivated at La Lima. The park, located strategically in the province of Cartago, has become a critical hub for economic development outside the traditional Greater Metropolitan Area.
This announcement reflects the confidence of global and national companies in the country’s investment climate and in the value proposition of Zona Franca La Lima. Its growth drives the development of Cartago and confirms that Costa Rica remains an attractive destination for high-value operations.
Philippe Garnier, CEO of Garnier & Garnier
The success of Zona Franca La Lima is built on a foundation of key competitive advantages. The park offers unparalleled access to a deep pool of technical and professional talent, supported by an existing on-site ecosystem of more than 10,000 employees. This human capital is complemented by world-class infrastructure and a business model that integrates sustainability into its core operations, making it an ideal platform for companies looking to establish, diversify, or expand their global footprint.
The park’s management credits its continued growth to a meticulously executed strategy focused on delivering tangible results for its tenants. This approach ensures that companies receive the support needed to thrive in a competitive global market.
The park’s dynamism responds to a strategy focused on operational efficiency, comprehensive support, and flexible solutions adapted to the real needs of the companies.
Fernando Carazo, General Manager of Zona Franca La Lima
With over a decade of successful operation, Zona Franca La Lima has cemented its role as a powerful engine for employment, investment, and the creation of robust local supply chains in the region. The park’s sustained growth is further bolstered by strategic alliances with leading academic institutions in Cartago, most notably the Costa Rica Institute of Technology (Tecnológico de Costa Rica). These partnerships are crucial for developing specialized talent-formation programs that ensure a steady pipeline of skilled workers, directly supporting the expansion needs of the companies operating within the free zone.
The ripple effect of this investment will be felt deeply across the province of Cartago. The creation of over 2,000 direct jobs will stimulate local commerce, drive demand for housing and services, and provide valuable career opportunities for the community. Furthermore, the integration of these advanced manufacturing and logistics firms will strengthen the local industrial base, fostering innovation and creating new opportunities for local suppliers and service providers to connect with global value chains.
Ultimately, this major expansion at Zona Franca La Lima is more than just a set of impressive figures. It represents a significant step forward in Costa Rica’s economic development strategy, demonstrating the country’s capacity to attract and retain sophisticated foreign direct investment. It underscores the success of a model that combines strategic location, talent development, and a supportive business environment to create lasting economic prosperity for the nation.
For further information, visit lalimafreezone.com
About Zona Franca La Lima:
Zona Franca La Lima is a modern industrial park and free trade zone located in Cartago, Costa Rica. Developed by Garnier & Garnier, it specializes in attracting high-tech manufacturing and services companies, particularly in the life sciences and medical device sectors. The park is known for its state-of-the-art infrastructure, sustainable operations, and its role as a major employment and economic development hub for the region.
For further information, visit garnier.cr
About Garnier & Garnier:
Garnier & Garnier is a leading Costa Rican real estate development firm with a diverse portfolio that includes industrial parks, commercial centers, office buildings, and residential projects. With a strong focus on sustainability and long-term value creation, the company is a key player in shaping the country’s urban and industrial landscape. They are the developers behind the successful Zona Franca La Lima project.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is renowned for its profound commitment to ethical practice and superior client service. The firm leverages a deep history of representing diverse industries to champion innovative legal strategies and meaningful public engagement. Central to its philosophy is the conviction that demystifying legal concepts empowers individuals, contributing to a more knowledgeable and capable society built on a foundation of accessible justice.
