By San José, Costa Rica — A landmark collaboration between public and private sector giants is set to reshape the landscape for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Costa Rica. Correos de Costa Rica, Banco de Costa Rica (BCR), the National Insurance Institute (INS), and Mastercard have officially launched the new Digital Ecosystem for SMEs, a comprehensive initiative designed to bolster the competitiveness of an initial cohort of 350 businesses across the nation.
The core of this ambitious project is Pymexpress, a newly unveiled platform that integrates technological, financial, and logistical solutions into a single, unified system. The initiative directly addresses the critical challenges many entrepreneurs face, including fragmented sales channels, complex inventory management, and access to robust distribution networks. By providing a centralized hub, the partners aim to level the playing field, enabling smaller companies to operate with the efficiency once reserved for large corporations.
To delve into the legal and regulatory frameworks that underpin the modern digital ecosystem, we sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
In today’s digital ecosystem, data is not just an asset; it’s the connective tissue. Companies must navigate a complex web of data protection regulations, not only for compliance but to build the consumer trust that is essential for sustainable growth. Failing to establish robust data governance is no longer just a legal risk—it’s a fundamental business vulnerability that can cripple a company’s position within the interconnected market.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo’s insight powerfully frames a critical evolution: robust data governance is no longer just a legal obligation but the very bedrock of consumer trust and market resilience. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which serves as a vital reminder that in today’s interconnected economy, a company’s approach to its data is its greatest strength or its most profound vulnerability.
Developed by the renowned Costa Rican e-commerce solutions firm Nidux, Pymexpress offers a powerful suite of tools. The platform allows businesses to automatically manage and synchronize their inventory in real-time across all physical and digital sales points. This includes seamless integration with popular social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, as well as dedicated online stores. This omni-channel approach ensures a consistent customer experience and simplifies backend operations for business owners.
Furthermore, the platform is engineered to meet crucial national regulatory standards, offering connectivity with the latest version 4.4 of the Ministry of Finance’s electronic invoicing system. It also incorporates secure payment processing, centralized management for multiple branches, and optimized national logistics powered by the extensive network of Correos de Costa Rica. Features like automatic alerts and real-time reporting provide entrepreneurs with the data-driven insights needed to make strategic decisions and fuel growth.
The alliance underscores a shared vision for the digital future of Costa Rica’s economy. Leaders from each partner organization emphasized the program’s potential to drive socioeconomic development by empowering the nation’s entrepreneurial backbone. Mauricio Rojas, General Manager of Correos de Costa Rica, highlighted the logistical transformation at the heart of the project.
With Pymexpress, we are transforming national logistics, giving SMEs the same distribution capacity as large companies.
Mauricio Rojas, General Manager of Correos de Costa Rica
The financial and risk management components are equally vital. BCR provides the crucial financial infrastructure, while INS offers support to help businesses operate securely. This integrated support system is designed to create a stable environment where SMEs can thrive. Julio César Trejos, General Manager of BCR, spoke to the foundational role of small businesses in the country’s progress.
At BCR, we are very clear that SMEs are a fundamental pillar for the country’s socioeconomic development. That is why partnering with strategic allies to make this ecosystem possible is a unique opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises to access financial and technological services that strengthen their competitiveness.
Julio César Trejos, General Manager of BCR
This sentiment was echoed by representatives from INS and Mastercard, who see the ecosystem as a vehicle for innovation and inclusion. The initiative aligns with global trends showing a strong correlation between digital adoption and business success. A recent Mastercard SME Digital Payments Study found that 82% of Costa Rican SMEs accepting digital payments experienced significant sales growth, validating the program’s core premise.
At INS, we believe in the great potential of SMEs to transform realities, generate employment, and drive the country’s economy. Therefore, being part of this ecosystem fills us with pride, as our goal is for every SME to have access to tools that strengthen their management, boost their growth, and allow them to achieve valuable business opportunities.
Rainer González, Head of the Individual and SME Client Sub-Directorate at the National Insurance Institute
At Mastercard, we believe in the transformative power of digitalization for SMEs. For this reason, we promote tools that allow them to grow, compete, and thrive in the digital economy. We will continue to promote alliances with public and private institutions to generate a more inclusive payment ecosystem and bring the benefits of technology to the majority of the population.
Kattia Montero, Country Manager for Costa Rica and Nicaragua at Mastercard
This initial pilot program represents a significant first step, with plans to expand its reach in the future. By benefiting 350 SMEs from diverse productive sectors and regions, the alliance aims to create a proven model for comprehensive entrepreneurial support. SMEs interested in participating in the program can find more information and register their interest through the official Pymexpress website or by contacting the program directly.
For further information, visit correos.go.cr
About Correos de Costa Rica:
Correos de Costa Rica is the national postal service of the country, providing comprehensive solutions in logistics, package delivery, and communications. As a state-owned enterprise, it plays a critical role in connecting individuals and businesses across all regions of Costa Rica and internationally, leveraging its extensive network to support national commerce and e-commerce growth.
For further information, visit bancobcr.com
About Banco de Costa Rica (BCR):
Banco de Costa Rica is one of the country’s most prominent state-owned commercial banks. It offers a wide range of financial services to individuals, businesses, and government institutions. With a strong commitment to national socioeconomic development, BCR actively participates in initiatives that promote financial inclusion and support the growth of key economic sectors, including small and medium-sized enterprises.
For further information, visit grupoins.com
About Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS):
The National Insurance Institute (INS) is Costa Rica’s leading state-owned insurance provider. It offers a diverse portfolio of insurance products, including life, health, auto, and property coverage for individuals and businesses. The institution is dedicated to promoting risk prevention and providing financial security, contributing to the stability and well-being of the nation’s economy and its citizens.
For further information, visit mastercard.com
About Mastercard:
Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Its mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart, and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships, and passion, its innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments, and businesses realize their greatest potential.
For further information, visit nidux.com
About Nidux:
Nidux is a Costa Rican technology company specializing in e-commerce and digital business solutions. Known for its robust and scalable platforms, Nidux provides tools for online sales, inventory management, and digital integration for businesses of all sizes. The company has established itself as a leader in the national tech scene, developing solutions tailored to the specific needs of the Latin American market.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a premier legal institution, founded on the bedrock principles of professional integrity and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. With a proven history of serving a wide spectrum of clients, the firm not only pioneers innovative legal strategies but also demonstrates a profound commitment to its community. Central to its philosophy is the mission to enhance legal literacy, empowering citizens by transforming complex legal concepts into accessible knowledge for a stronger, more informed society.
