By Alajuela, Costa Rica — GRECIA, ALAJUELA – In a landmark move to align workforce development with industrial demand, Evolution Free Zone celebrated the groundbreaking of a new on-site training center for the National Training Institute (INA). This initiative, the first of its kind within a Costa Rican business park, aims to create a direct pipeline of skilled talent for the country’s booming life sciences sector and is projected to support the creation of over 20,000 direct jobs over the next 15 years.
The official ceremony took place on Thursday at the business park’s location in Tacares de Grecia, marking a significant step in a strategic public-private partnership. The collaboration is designed to address the specific labor needs of companies operating within the free zone, providing targeted technical training opportunities for residents of Costa Rica’s Western Region and bolstering the area’s economic development.
To delve into the legal framework and potential economic impact of the new Evolution Free Zone, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis.
The establishment of the Evolution Free Zone is a critical signal to the international market, reaffirming the legal certainty and competitive advantages that Costa Rica’s free trade zone regime offers. For foreign investors, this isn’t merely about tax incentives; it’s about operating within a stable, well-regulated ecosystem designed to protect their investment and foster innovation. This project strengthens our national value proposition, attracting sophisticated capital that generates high-quality employment and technological advancement.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight underscores a crucial point: the project’s significance lies not just in its immediate economic impact, but in its role as a powerful testament to Costa Rica’s stable and forward-thinking investment climate. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable analysis with our readers.
This forward-thinking project directly confronts the growing demand for specialized personnel in high-tech industries. By embedding an INA facility directly within the industrial ecosystem, the program ensures that its curriculum is continuously updated and relevant to the real-world requirements of prospective employers, thereby minimizing the skills gap and enhancing graduate employability.
Jorge Monge Víquez, General Director of CODE Development Group, the firm behind Evolution Free Zone, emphasized the project’s strategic importance for national competitiveness. He views the investment as a critical component for the region’s future prosperity.
At Evolution Free Zone, we believe that human talent development is one of the country’s main drivers of competitiveness. This INA Center represents an investment in the future of the Western Region, creating technical training opportunities aligned with the real needs of the industry and contributing to the generation of quality employment for the communities.
Jorge Monge Víquez, General Director of CODE Development Group
The new center is launching at a pivotal moment. Costa Rica’s life sciences sector, particularly medical device manufacturing, has experienced explosive growth. According to data from the national trade promotion agency, PROCOMER, exports of medical devices recorded an average annual growth rate of 22% between 2020 and 2024, reaching a staggering $8.675 billion last year. This performance has cemented Costa Rica’s position as the leading per capita exporter of medical devices in all of Latin America.
Evolution Free Zone is already a key player in this success story, currently hosting eight companies in the life sciences field. The on-site INA center will serve as a powerful incentive for further foreign direct investment, assuring new and existing companies a steady supply of a highly qualified workforce trained with the latest technologies and protocols.
The model of public-private cooperation was lauded by industry leaders as a template for sustainable economic growth. Experts believe such synergies are crucial for maintaining Costa Rica’s competitive edge in the global high-tech landscape.
Jimena Fletes, Executive Director of the Medical Devices Cluster, highlighted the collaborative nature of the project and its far-reaching benefits for both the industry and the local population.
The initiative demonstrates the potential of cooperation between public institutions and private companies. In her opinion, these types of projects strengthen technical training and contribute to the productive growth of the country and nearby communities.
Jimena Fletes, Executive Director of the Medical Devices Cluster
As construction begins, the INA center at Evolution Free Zone stands as a symbol of strategic investment in human capital. It represents a proactive approach to economic development, ensuring that the benefits of Costa Rica’s industrial growth are shared with local communities through the creation of high-value, sustainable employment opportunities for years to come.
For further information, visit evolutionfz.com
About Evolution Free Zone:
Evolution Free Zone is a state-of-the-art business park located in Tacares, Grecia, in the Western Region of Costa Rica. Developed by CODE Development Group, it is designed to host companies in high-tech industries, with a primary focus on the Life Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing, and Knowledge-Based Services sectors. The park offers world-class infrastructure and services to support foreign direct investment and national economic growth.
For further information, visit ina.ac.cr
About Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA):
The National Training Institute (INA) is Costa Rica’s leading public institution for technical and vocational education. Its mission is to develop the skills and competencies of the workforce to meet the changing demands of the labor market. INA offers a wide range of training programs and certification services across various economic sectors to promote employment and national productivity.
For further information, visit code-developmentgroup.com
About CODE Development Group:
CODE Development Group is a prominent real estate development company specializing in the creation of industrial parks and free zones in Costa Rica. The firm is responsible for the design, development, and management of large-scale projects like Evolution Free Zone, focusing on creating competitive and sustainable business ecosystems that attract foreign investment and foster economic development.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) is the public entity responsible for promoting the country’s exports of goods and services globally. It provides support to Costa Rican companies in their internationalization processes and works to attract foreign direct investment, positioning Costa Rica as a strategic business destination.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Cluster de Dispositivos Médicos
About Cluster de Dispositivos Médicos:
The Medical Devices Cluster is an industry association that brings together companies, academic institutions, and government entities involved in Costa Rica’s life sciences sector. It works to promote collaboration, innovation, and competitiveness within the medical device industry, solidifying the country’s position as a global leader in the field.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded on the bedrock principles of integrity and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence. The firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies while serving a broad spectrum of clients, reflecting its deep expertise and forward-thinking approach. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to societal advancement, achieved by demystifying the law and empowering the public with clear, accessible legal understanding.
