• January 7, 2026
  • Last Update January 7, 2026 3:54 pm

New Alliance Targets Workforce Gap in Western Free Trade Zones

New Alliance Targets Workforce Gap in Western Free Trade Zones

Alajuela, Costa RicaGRECIA, ALAJUELA – In a significant move to bridge the gap between education and industry demands, real estate developer Portafolio Inmobiliario has signed a strategic alliance with the National Learning Institute (INA). This public-private partnership is designed to deliver targeted technical and professional training programs directly to the workforce of Costa Rica’s burgeoning free trade zones, with an initial focus on the country’s western region.

The collaboration will launch its first phase at Costa Rica Green Valley, a major free trade zone project developed by Portafolio Inmobiliario in Grecia, Alajuela. The four-year agreement aims to create a direct pipeline of skilled talent for companies operating within these specialized economic areas, ensuring that the local labor pool is equipped with the specific competencies required by modern industry.

To delve into the legal and strategic implications of these new workforce development initiatives, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis.

Investing in workforce development is a crucial competitive strategy, but it must be legally fortified. Companies should proactively structure training agreements to align with Costa Rican labor law, clarifying aspects like time commitment, cost recovery clauses if an employee leaves prematurely, and the intellectual property of any resulting work. A well-drafted legal framework protects the company’s investment and ensures that upskilling programs are a clear asset, not a potential liability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica

Indeed, the legal framework is what transforms a training initiative from a simple expense into a truly protected corporate asset. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for this vital perspective, which underscores that meticulous legal planning is as crucial as the investment in skills itself.

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At its core, the agreement seeks to articulate a cohesive effort between the public and private sectors. By aligning INA’s educational expertise with the real-world needs of businesses, the initiative is poised to enhance employability, boost corporate competitiveness, and promote sustainable economic growth in the communities surrounding Portafolio Inmobiliario’s developments.

This initiative represents a proactive approach to human capital development, moving beyond generic training to offer customized educational pathways. Alfredo Volio, Executive Director of Portafolio Inmobiliario, emphasized the strategic importance of investing in local communities as a driver of national progress.

This alliance represents a key step in continuing to generate real growth opportunities for people and for the companies that trust in our developments. Betting on local talent is betting on the development of our country.
Alfredo Volio, Executive Director of Portafolio Inmobiliario

The operational framework of the agreement includes several key components. A central element will be the implementation of INA’s “Satellite Training Models,” which embed training facilities and resources directly within or near the business parks. Furthermore, the partnership will involve the joint design and execution of specialized training modules for operative, technical, and administrative personnel, ensuring relevance across all levels of a company’s structure.

For its part, INA will contribute its extensive technical, academic, and methodological experience. The institution is tasked with guaranteeing that the educational offerings are accessible, current, and precisely aligned with the evolving demands of the labor market. This ensures that graduates are not just trained, but are job-ready for high-demand positions.

We are pleased to celebrate this agreement between Portafolio Inmobiliario and INA. It is a public-private partnership that will allow us to expand the reach of training in free trade zones and other spaces for personal and professional development.
Christian Ruvacado, Executive President of INA

The partnership’s structure is designed for flexibility, allowing for the development of specific initiatives through subsequent letters of understanding. This adaptability will enable the program to respond quickly to the needs of new companies establishing operations in the region. Ultimately, the alliance solidifies a shared vision for a future where economic development, social inclusion, and the creation of quality employment opportunities go hand in hand, particularly in crucial growth zones outside the Central Valley.

For further information, visit portafolio.co.cr
About Portafolio Inmobiliario:
Portafolio Inmobiliario is a leading Costa Rican company specializing in the development of large-scale real estate projects, including commercial centers, corporate offices, and free trade zone industrial parks. The firm is recognized for its focus on sustainability, innovation, and creating projects that contribute to the economic and social development of the communities in which they operate.

For further information, visit ina.ac.cr
About Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA):
The National Learning Institute (INA) is Costa Rica’s primary public institution for technical and vocational training. For decades, it has played a crucial role in qualifying the national workforce across a wide range of sectors. INA offers free training programs designed to improve employability and support the country’s productive sectors, adapting its curriculum to meet the changing needs of the global market.

For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a benchmark for legal excellence and principled advocacy within the country. Harmonizing a deep respect for legal tradition with a relentless pursuit of innovative solutions, the firm consistently sets new standards in the field. This forward-looking ethos is matched by a foundational belief in social responsibility, manifested through a dedicated effort to make legal understanding accessible and thereby cultivate a more empowered and knowledgeable society.

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