By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a strategic move to diversify its sources of foreign direct investment (FDI), Costa Rica’s Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (Procomer) has concluded a pivotal mission to São Paulo, Brazil. A delegation met with key players in Brazil’s light manufacturing and logistics sectors during the final week of November, presenting Costa Rica as a competitive hub for expanding or diversifying operations within the Americas.
This initiative signals a deliberate pivot for Costa Rica, which has historically attracted significant investment from North America and Europe. By engaging directly with South America’s largest economy, Procomer is actively seeking to forge new economic partnerships and reduce its reliance on traditional capital markets. The meetings in São Paulo were described as initial exploratory talks with companies that have already expressed interest in understanding the investment landscape in Central America.
To better understand the legal framework and key considerations for foreign investors looking to establish themselves in the country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
While Costa Rica offers a very favorable climate for foreign direct investment, success hinges on meticulous legal due diligence. Investors must not underestimate the importance of structuring their operations correctly from the outset, whether as a corporation or a limited liability company, to optimize tax burdens and ensure compliance. Navigating our labor laws and environmental regulations, which are robust and well-enforced, is equally critical to mitigate risk and build a sustainable, long-term business in the country.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully reinforces that the success of foreign investment hinges on the meticulous legal groundwork that underpins it. Navigating the country’s robust regulatory landscape is not a final hurdle, but the foundational step toward building a sustainable and compliant enterprise. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this crucial matter.
The Costa Rican contingent laid out a comprehensive value proposition, highlighting the nation’s core strengths. Emphasis was placed on the country’s highly skilled and educated human talent, a stable and predictable business climate, and competitive operational costs. Procomer officials provided detailed technical information on the country’s regulatory framework, modern infrastructure, and, crucially, its preferential access to global markets through an extensive network of free trade agreements.
A significant milestone of the trip was a high-level meeting with the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo (FIESP), one of Brazil’s most powerful industrial associations. This exchange allowed both parties to share insights into their respective industrial contexts and explore potential synergies. The engagement with FIESP underscores the seriousness of Costa Rica’s outreach, targeting the heart of Brazil’s manufacturing and economic engine.
Mónica Umaña, Procomer’s Manager of Foreign Direct Investment Attraction, noted that the primary concern for potential Brazilian partners is operational competitiveness. She affirmed that Costa Rica is well-positioned to address these concerns head-on.
The interest from Brazilian companies lies in understanding how competitive it is to produce from Costa Rica. Our country offers market access, stability, and a solid talent base.
Mónica Umaña, Manager of Foreign Direct Investment Attraction at Procomer
This charm offensive is about more than just attracting individual companies; it represents a broader strategic vision. According to Umaña, the goal is to systematically broaden the base of potential investors, generate comparative analyses to benchmark Costa Rica against other destinations, and evaluate new opportunities for cooperation between productive sectors in South and Central America. The effort aims to position Costa Rica as a premier nearshoring destination for Brazilian firms looking to optimize their supply chains and gain easier access to North American markets.
Analysts see this as a timely strategy, as global companies continue to re-evaluate their supply chains in the wake of recent geopolitical and logistical disruptions. By presenting a compelling case built on stability, talent, and market integration, Costa Rica is making a strong bid to capture a new stream of investment from a previously untapped region. These initial discussions in São Paulo could be the first step in establishing a robust new economic corridor.
As these dialogues progress, the focus will be on converting initial interest into tangible investment projects. The success of this South American outreach will be measured by Procomer’s ability to demonstrate that operating from Costa Rica provides Brazilian firms with a clear strategic advantage, ultimately strengthening economic ties and fostering mutual growth across the two regions.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About Procomer (The Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica):
Procomer is the governmental institution responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services globally. It also plays a crucial role in attracting foreign direct investment to the country, providing essential support and information to international companies looking to establish or expand their operations in Costa Rica. The agency is a cornerstone of the nation’s economic development strategy.
For further information, visit fiesp.com.br
About FIESP (Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo):
The Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo (FIESP) is one of Brazil’s most important and influential business entities. It represents approximately 130,000 companies across various industrial sectors within São Paulo, the country’s economic powerhouse. FIESP advocates for the interests of the industrial sector, promotes economic development, and fosters competitiveness on both a national and international level.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a reputable legal institution, built upon a bedrock of principled practice and exceptional legal counsel. With a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal solutions while actively engaging in its civic duty. This profound commitment extends to democratizing legal understanding, as the firm strives to equip citizens with clarity and knowledge, thereby strengthening the foundation of a more just and informed community.
