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green park free zone

U.S. Medical Biomaterials Manufacturer Solesis Opens Plant in the Green Park Free Zone in Costa Rica

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Solesis, a multinational company from the United States, inaugurated its new biomaterial plant located at Green Park Free Zone this week. The plant will produce biomaterial components for medical device companies around the world. The Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (Procomer) said that this is the first biomaterial production plant in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica’s promising medical device sector continues to attract investments from leading companies in the industry. The country has become one of the top destinations for manufacturers of sophisticated medical technologies in Latin America.

Opening of a New Biomaterials Plant

Procomer announced the arrival of Solesis to Costa Rica in a press release. The document details that the company will produce biomaterial components to be used in a range of medical devices. Biomaterials are commonly defined as any substance that comes in contact with the human body.

This includes materials from natural substances or highly specialized plastics or polymers. Many biomaterials are used in medical devices and other products, such as:

  • Medical implants
  • Meshes and medical sutures
  • Heart valves
  • Orthopedic implants
  • Tissue grafts

The biomaterial components produced at the new plant will be used in leading-edge medical devices. Solesis will utilize specialized textiles and polymers capable of creating products that meet rigorous industry standards.

Offering customizable biomaterial components will allow the company to better serve customers who design and develop next-generation medical technologies.

Comments from Solesis Management

Management at Solesis had additional comments about the new Green Park Free Zone facility. In a press release, John Witkowski, President and CEO of Solesis, reinforced the commitment that the company has to Costa Rica.

“This plant opening signifies our continued investment in Costa Rica and our commitment to provide our customers with superior, high-quality products,” said Witkowski. “We are excited about this next phase for Solesis and enhancing our ability to deliver innovative biomaterial solutions to the medical device industry.”

The new manufacturing facility will allow Solesis to expand its operations while staying connected to existing medical technology companies in Costa Rica.

Green Park Free Zone Location

Greenpark Free Trade Zone, where the new biomaterials manufacturing plant is located, is in El Coyol. It is in the province of Alajuela and has become a central hub for life sciences manufacturing companies in Costa Rica.

The Green Park Free Zone was chosen by multinational companies for a variety of reasons. It is close to Juan Santamaría International Airport and provides businesses with access to:

  • Specialized vendors
  • Logistics and port operators
  • Knowledgeable labor pool
  • Highly skilled technicians

Industrial parks designed for advanced manufacturers

Carlos Zacapa, Executive Director of the Green Park Free Zone, highlighted the strategic importance of the facility: “Solesis’ investment demonstrates how Green Park continues to attract companies that bring cutting-edge technology and high-value jobs. This plant reinforces our commitment to providing an ecosystem that supports innovation and growth in Costa Rica’s medical technology sector.”

The Solesis facility will feature:

  • Clean rooms
  • Manufacturing areas with controlled environments
  • Quality labs
  • Material processing equipment

Areas such as these are necessary for medical device companies to adhere to the strict regulations to which they are held. Regulations from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and international standards will be upheld at the new Solesis production plant.

Costa Rica’s Medical Device Industry Gains New Production Partner

Costa Rica has become one of North America’s most prominent medical device production locations. There are currently over 100 medical device companies operating in Costa Rica that produce or develop medical technologies.

Laura López, General Manager of Procomer stated that the inclusion of Solesis’ biomaterials production plant is key to the development of the country’s life sciences industry.

“This new plant further strengthens Costa Rica’s medical device ecosystem by adding high-value production to the already sophisticated services provided by the more than 100 medical technology manufacturers that operate here,” Laura López said.

Medical device companies in Costa Rica operate in many different industries, such as:

  • Endoscopy manufacturing
  • Cardiovascular devices
  • Orthopedic technology
  • Contact lenses

Diagnostic equipment

Manufacturing sophisticated components such as biomaterials further strengthens Costa Rica’s position as a leader in medical device production. With more complex manufacturing processes being introduced to the ecosystem, it allows for more stages of production to be completed in-country.

Adding Complexity to Supply Chains

Laura López went on to say that the addition of complicated manufacturing processes like biomaterial production allows Costa Rica to reach new heights of industrialization.

Producing biomaterials requires extensive knowledge of the materials being processed. Companies that produce biomaterials need to ensure the highest quality control standards are being met. Additionally, they usually have large research and development departments.

Benefits of producing biomaterials in Costa Rica include:

  • Attracts more sophisticated manufacturing processes to the region
  • Provides more opportunities for local suppliers
  • Creates high-skilled job opportunities
  • Allows Costa Rica to integrate further into global supply chains

Medical device companies from around the world are continuing to look for stable destinations for high-value manufacturing. Countries that offer a skilled workforce and adhere to international standards, such as FDA regulations, are highly sought after.

Costa Rica is poised to take on a larger role in the production of medical technologies as investors recognize the benefits that the country has to offer.

Job Creation and Medical Device Manufacturing

Companies like Solesis don’t just contribute to the advanced manufacturing sector. They also help employ workers who help fulfill a range of functions at their facilities. Medical device manufacturing is one of the fastest-growing export sectors in Costa Rica.

Some jobs related to the operations of companies like Solesis include:

  • Biomedical engineers
  • Materials Engineers
  • Manufacturing staff
  • Quality assurance personnel
  • Regulatory experts
  • Logistics coordinators

Engineering and technical staff tend to be the main contributors to job growth in specialized industries like medical technology. By requiring employees to have specialized knowledge, the workforce in Costa Rica will continue to grow more skilled.

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Costa Rican exports

Nearshoring and Costa Rican Exports: Opportunities and Risks After New U.S. Tariffs

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Costa Rica faces an important challenge for its export industry. Costa Rican chambers of commerce and free zones are not happy with the latest levies established by the North American government. However, experts at Deloitte see both challenges and opportunities: Costa Rica will benefit from “playing on a level field”, but must undergo a faster productive transformation.

“Tariffs won’t wipe out Costa Rica’s competitiveness…but they will change it.” —Deloitte

Costa Rican exports face headwinds and tailwinds in 2026.

Costa Rica’s Cost to Export Will Go Up

The United States is Costa Rica’s leading customer. The latter country’s production of medical equipment, electronic components, and gourmet food & beverages, especially, will be affected by unprecedented tariffs. Here are some areas that will be affected.

Margins

Exporters must either eat the tariffs to maintain prices or pass them on to US consumers. Both scenarios could lead to lower demand, hitting price-sensitive products especially hard.

Supply Chains

Supply chains that have import/export events multiple times during their process will pay more for logistics and customs costs. This makes planning ahead for 2026 difficult, since just-in-time manufacturing requires fixed margins.

Local Businesses vs Multinationals

Multinational corporations with facilities in Costa Rican free trade zones have more capital reserved to absorb tariffs. Local small- and medium-sized exporters will be disproportionately affected.

“In the short term, these tariffs can devastate margins for smaller businesses.” – Trade Specialist

Costa Rica Will Finally Join the Rest of the World

Analysts at Deloitte seem to counterbalance the growing pains by stating that many countries were given unfair exemptions. By taxing products that traditionally enter under preferences, the United States has leveled the playing field to include more developed and non-developed countries.

How will Costa Rica remain competitive if everyone is on the same playing field? Here are three strengths to keep an eye on:

  1. Human Capital

Costa Rica has one of the most educated workforces in Latin America. Its workforce is skilled, reliable, and bilingual. Industries that require higher technical knowledge will have the upper hand: medical devices, high-end electronics, and technical support services.

  1. Sustainability

Costa Rica can also tout “green” exports. As American consumers are willing to pay premiums for low-carbon-footprint goods, Costa Rica can use this to its advantage.

  1. Nearshoring

Locally produced goods do have another huge benefit: proximity. United States companies are looking to limit reliance on Asian suppliers. Nearshoring and Costa Rican exports can provide reduced risk:

  • Lower freight costs
  • Reduced geopolitical exposure
  • Higher environmental, social and corporate governance standards (ESG)
  • Nearshoring and Costa Rican exports still provide a huge advantage over Asia.

What Can Costa Rica Do About US Tariffs?

Deloitte recently shared its suggestions for mitigating the tariffs. Costa Rica must improve domestic productivity by:

  • Lean manufacturing
  • Digitization
  • Robust adoption of Industry 4.0 methodologies

Here are some ways companies can do this:

  • Automation
  • AI-powered supply chain management
  • Digitally integrated customs documentation
  • Diversify market research

The US won’t be leaving trade agreements with Europe or Asia. By finding alternative partners for exports, Costa Rica can decrease its reliance on US decisions.

Further integrate into CAFTA

DR-CAFTA (The Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement) was signed in 2018 to promote trade between member countries. Strengthening commercial relations within Latin America and lobbying for key Costa Rican exports will help “future-proof” the country’s products from changes in US customs laws.

Beef up our Commercial Diplomacy

“The future of competitiveness in Costa Rica is tied to sales diplomacy.” – Deloitte

The reality is that Costa Rica must stand firm against lobbyists to ensure that its products remain “relevant” at US ports of entry. Both legal relevance and technical exemptions can prolong how long certain exports are affected.

Ready for “Round 2″?

  • Challenges for Costa Rica:
  • Labor & Energy Costs
  • Costa Rica must continue to rein in operating costs if we want to maintain current margins.
  • Logistics
  • Traffic congestion, port congestion, and crumbling infrastructure harm Costa Rica’s competitive export brand.
  • Business Intelligence

Lack of data when researching alternative markets puts Costa Rica at a disadvantage when pursuing new business opportunities.

Costa Rica Still Has a Lot Going for It

Moving forward, Costa Rica will always have a comparative disadvantage in tariffs. But that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. The tropical nation has proven itself capable of weathering storms and rising to higher-value industries before.

It’s stable. It’s democratic. Investors know that their investments are safe.

Free Zones Are Centers of Excellence

What were once stand-alone factories are now centers of excellence for advanced manufacturing, R&D, and shared services.

Connectivity

Costa Rica’s ports are some of the most advanced in Latin America. Better road infrastructure and digital investment will only strengthen the nation’s position for Nearshoring and Costa Rican exports.

Conclusion

Costa Rica must leverage every tool in its toolbox if it wants to stay competitive under the 15% tariff. Focusing on efficiency and smart investments will help the country “weather the storm” and position itself for higher-value additions in the future.

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philips in Costa Rica

Philips in Costa Rica Celebrates 11 Years of Leadership in the Medical Industry

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Healthcare technology leader Philips in Costa Rica is celebrating 11 years of operations in the country, marking over a decade of sustained growth, innovation, and social impact. Since its establishment, the company has distinguished itself as a strategic driver of economic and social development, bringing high-quality employment opportunities and advancing healthcare solutions that benefit millions globally. Guided by its purpose of improving people’s lives through meaningful innovation, Philips emphasizes that this milestone reflects its ongoing contribution to delivering better healthcare to more people.

“Celebrating 11 years of operations in Costa Rica reflects the confidence the company has placed in the country and in its human talent. We have built a solid operation, with world-class processes and a clear vision for sustained growth,” said Mario Barquero, the company’s plant manager in Costa Rica.

Driving Economic and Social Development

Over the past 11 years, Philips in Costa Rica has become more than just a manufacturing hub. Its operations have generated direct and indirect employment that supports thousands of families, reinforcing the company’s role as a catalyst for local development.

Key contributions include:

  • Job creation: Direct and indirect employment opportunities for thousands of families.
  • Talent development: Strengthening local capabilities and building a skilled workforce.
  • Industrial growth: Supporting a robust industrial ecosystem in Costa Rica.
  • Sustainability practices: Integrating technology, innovation, and collaboration to support efficient and environmentally responsible healthcare systems.

“Philips in Costa Rica has a clear commitment to sustainability and long-term value creation. Our technologies and processes are designed to generate a positive impact on patients, healthcare professionals, and communities alike,” added Barquero.

A Center of Excellence in Medical Devices

The Alajuela-based plant has become the largest medical device manufacturing site for Philips globally and a recognized center of operational excellence. Key features of the operation include:

Three strategic business units:

  • Devices for cardiovascular procedures
  • Solutions for sleep apnea treatment
  • Hospital patient monitoring technologies
  • Global impact: Over 16 million medical devices were exported in 2025 alone.
  • Operational excellence: Highlighting the efficiency, innovation, and expertise of the Costa Rican workforce.

This underscores Costa Rica’s strategic importance in Philips’ global supply chain and its ability to deliver high-quality healthcare solutions internationally.

Investing in Human Capital

Human capital growth has been a cornerstone of Philips in Costa Rica. Since operations began in 2015, the workforce has steadily grown to over 2,850 employees. Highlights include:

  • Internal promotions: Nearly 70% of vacancies filled internally each year, with over 150 employees promoted in 2025.
  • Skill development: Programs for technical training, soft skill enhancement, and internal rotation.
  • Female leadership initiatives: Coaching programs for women in a workforce where women represent 60% of total employees.

“Our employees are the foundation of our success. Their commitment, skill, and creativity have allowed us to maintain the highest standards of quality and innovation,” said Noelia Cascante, operations manager for Philips in Costa Rica.

Organizational Culture and Employer Brand

The corporate culture at Philips in Costa Rica is defined by a continuous pursuit of excellence, respect, humble leadership, and improvement. Key pillars include:

  • Employee engagement: Building a strong connection between staff, families, and corporate purpose.
  • Social responsibility: Programs that focus on health, education, and environmental sustainability.
  • Inclusive leadership: Encouraging internal development and promoting a culture of excellence.

“Our employer brand is built every day from the experience of our employees and their families. We are committed to internal development, inclusive leadership, and a culture based on excellence,” explained Cascante.

Driving Innovation in Healthcare

Innovation remains at the heart of Philips in Costa Rica. The company continuously integrates technology and knowledge to enhance patient outcomes and improve hospital efficiency. Core innovation highlights include:

  • Advanced automation: Improving manufacturing efficiency and product quality.
  • Digitalization: Leveraging technology to streamline processes and enhance product performance.
  • Sterilization capabilities: Ensuring products meet the highest international healthcare standards.

“The combination of innovation and human talent allows us to produce medical devices that meet the needs of patients around the world. Our Alajuela plant is a hub where technology, expertise, and sustainability intersect,” said Barquero.

Looking Ahead: Sustained Growth and Opportunities

As Philips in Costa Rica moves forward, the company remains committed to strengthening its value proposition as an employer and as a global healthcare leader. Its strategic focus includes:

  • High-value work experience: Offering professional growth and well-being initiatives.
  • Talent development: Expanding training and leadership programs.
  • Sustainable operations: Continuing environmentally responsible practices that benefit employees and communities.

The company’s commitment to excellence, social responsibility, and innovation ensures its impact on healthcare and economic development will continue to grow in the years ahead.

Conclusion

The 11th anniversary of Philips in Costa Rica is more than a milestone; it is a testament to the company’s sustained commitment to improving lives, fostering talent, and supporting economic and social development. Key takeaways from the company’s journey include:

  • Innovation-driven operations improving healthcare globally.
  • People-centered culture fostering professional growth and inclusivity.
  • Sustainable practices generating positive social, economic, and environmental impact.

“Philips in Costa Rica has built a legacy of trust, quality, and innovation. We are proud of what we have accomplished and excited for the next chapter of growth and impact,” said Cascante.

By integrating technology, human talent, and sustainable practices, Philips not only strengthens its global position but also ensures that its operations in Costa Rica continue to generate positive outcomes for patients, employees, and the wider community.

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Costa Rican economic expansion

Costa Rican Economic Expansion Depends Upon Fiscal Sustainability

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The Costa Rican economy continues to expand steadily following the COVID-19 pandemic. Costa Rica has improved its credit rating with international agencies over the past couple of years, receiving praise from global entities for the upgrades. However, Costa Rica still faces risks concerning the fiscal sustainability of its recent gains while continuing to focus on poverty and unemployment reduction in the long-term.

The December OECD’s Economic Outlook report for Costa Rica forecasts that the economy grew around 4.2% in 2025. This figure aligns closely with last year’s growth of 4.3%. Costa Rican economic expansion remains stable as its production and export sectors continue to show resilience, while domestic consumption and investment continue to improve.

OECD: Fiscal Sustainability Efforts Needed

For Costa Rica to continue fiscal reforms and improve its current rating, the OECD report highlighted that Costa Rica will need to make reforms to ensure fiscal sustainability. The report says, “The fiscal situation has improved, but to ensure fiscal sustainability, it is necessary to maintain strict compliance with the fiscal rule to contain public spending and introduce expenditure reviews to increase efficiency.”

The OECD report also mentioned that Costa Rica’s main economic indicators have continued improving since the fiscal reform enacted by the Costa Rican Congress in 2018. The new President of Costa Rica, Laura Fernández, will face challenges to ensure the fiscal reforms remain sustainable in the long term. During the presidential campaign, many candidates suggested modifications to the fiscal rule to increase spending, as well as plans to overturn the five-year freeze on public sector wages and pensions. These types of decisions can play a significant role in Costa Rican economic expansion if they compromise fiscal responsibility or scare away investors.

Projected economic growth will slow down in the coming years, another factor the new government will have to consider when dealing with Costa Rican economic growth. The OECD estimates that Costa Rica’s economic growth will be 3.5% in 2026 and 3.4% in 2027. Even though the economy will continue to expand under these estimates, the speed of Costa Rican economic growth expansion will start to decelerate.

Exports Threatened by Trump Tariffs

Costa Rica, along with the rest of the world, now faces tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump. For Costa Rica, this means goods exported from the country can be taxed by 10% on a variety of products. This has created uncertainty for Costa Rican exporters that do business with the United States.

In addition to the concerns of a trade war, the OECD points out that the United States is investigating tariffs on exported goods, specifically medical devices. Medical devices make up Costa Rica’s most significant exported goods. “The investigation could lead in 2026 to increased tariffs for medical devices, a key export sector for Costa Rica that is highly dependent on demand in the United States,” the report says. A significant portion of the medical device industry in Costa Rica is owned by American companies.

Despite threats from tariffs on Costa Rican exports, Costa Rica continues to see improvements within its export sector. Minister of Foreign Trade Manuel Tovar stated in a recent interview that Costa Rican exporters have reached record highs this year even with the unknowns of the international market and tariffs created by Donald Trump. In 2025, exports of goods increased 14% over 2024, reaching $22.855 billion.

Mr. Tovar addressed concerns over tariffs created by the U.S., stating, “We must position ourselves with prudence and responsibility to ensure we continue having excellent relations with those trading partners.” Costa Rica will continue to work with the United States to avoid jeopardizing Costa Rican economic growth.

Tourism Sector Growing at a Snail’s Pace

Costa Rica’s tourism sector experienced slight growth in 2025, with a 1% increase compared to the previous year. This growth can be attributed to the last quarter of the year when tourism started to make a comeback after the pandemic. Before the pandemic, tourism played a more significant role in the Costa Rican economy and employed more people. Analysts hope the tourism sector can regain its growth rate pre-pandemic to help support Costa Rican economic growth.

Poverty and Unemployment

Costa Rica’s previous president, Rodrigo Chaves, touted that poverty in Costa Rica went from 18.3% in 2024 to 15.5% in 2025. Unemployment also dropped to 6.6%. Additionally,

Costa Rica maintained low inflation for the 4th year in a row by registering -1.23% inflation for 2025. For the fourth year in a row, inflation continues to be outside the Central Bank target range of 2% to 4%.

Costa Rica Focuses on Fiscal Responsibility

Costa Rica should remain committed to its current fiscal rule that will allow the nation to increase investor confidence and promote Costa Rican economic expansion. Policymakers should also focus on continuing structural reforms that have allowed the country to reach this level of development. Infrastructure investments are another great tool that can be used to promote growth. While the future does hold obstacles that may slow down Costa Rica’s growth, if policymakers follow the fiscal rules that have put the country in a great position today, Costa Rica can look forward to a prosperous future.

 

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employment in Costa Rica

More than 11,500 People Found Employment in Costa Rica Through PROCOMER Programs in 2025

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New editions of Job Fairs coming in 2026

PROCOMER announced that in 2026, there will be new editions of its Talent Costa Rica Job Fair. This job placement tool seeks to connect talent to various opportunities and increase employment in Costa Rica for the country’s workforce.

11,584 people found employment in Costa Rica with support from PROCOMER

In 2025, over 11,500 people were linked to jobs in Costa Rica through the placement programs, services, and efforts provided by PROCOMER. The figure was reached by aiding people to enter the workforce with support from PROCOMER’s various initiatives.

Much of the success of this job linkage was due to Talent Costa Rica’s Employment Platform. This platform was created by PROCOMER in order to connect individuals to work at companies located in areas such as Free Trade Zones, nationally based companies, and foreign direct investment companies.

“We build our linkage labor strategies by working hand in hand with companies of the Free Trade Zone Regime, domestic companies, and foreign investment companies. This allows us to know in detail the business ecosystem linked to foreign trade,” said PROCOMER’s General Manager, Laura López.

She went on to add that, “With this knowledge, we are able to develop programs that allow us to know the skills they require, to timely adapt to changes driven by the fourth industrial revolution, internationalization of markets, and new purchasing behaviors.”

Providing Training to Increase Employment in Costa Rica

One major factor that PROCOMER implements in order to provide more people with jobs in Costa Rica is by providing training. This can come in the form of digital courses or workshops that are implemented to help improve the labor skills of those looking for work.

Last year, PROCOMER collaborated with the public sector, private sector, and companies to deliver training to as many people as possible. In 2025, PROCOMER administered over 6,118 tests for English proficiency to citizens throughout the country. By providing these tests for free, people are able to learn a new skill set that can help them obtain better jobs.

PROCOMER also provided training for over 5,218 students in the following areas: courses and workshops related to technical skills that are needed for Industry 4.0, soft skills training, technical skills, and language training. All of this training was provided through programs that were cofinanced by PROCOMER, such as its Incentive for Talent Development in Companies program. In total, PROCOMER invested over US$2.5 million into these types of training initiatives.

In addition to the previously mentioned training, PROCOMER worked with over 1,000 students on workshops that were centered around STEM. These workshops allow students to learn skills that can be utilized when working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics-based careers.

Job Fairs Promote Employment in Costa Rica

PROCOMER also held two job fairs in 2025. The Talent Costa Rica Job Fair had editions in both the South and Central regions of the country and was able to bring in over 12,000 attendees. These fairs not only allow job seekers to connect with potential employers, but they can also learn about different industries and what it takes to be successful in those fields.

Knowing this, PROCOMER has stated that there will be more job fairs occurring in 2026. Just as in 2025, the job fairs will take place throughout different areas of the country in order to reach as many job seekers as possible. PROCOMER will continue to work with a number of different companies in hopes to not only provide more jobs for Costa Ricans, but to better the country’s workforce as a whole.

In addition to its training program, PROCOMER offers courses to improve Spanish-language abilities as well as technical skills. PROCOMER offers workshops to students and teachers in the STEM fields and job fairs throughout the country. They support employment throughout Costa Rica in free-trade zones, local companies, and foreign investors. By creating relationships between qualified job-seekers and employment options, PROCOMER has shown that its initiatives and support have helped the workforce in Costa Rica. If PROCOMER continues to help improve the skill sets of Costa Rican workers, it can help create more employment in Costa Rica. Programs like Talent Costa Rica should also continue to be developed.

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foreign direct investment in Latin America

Foreign Direct Investment in Latin America(FDI): Costa Rica Racks Up US$3.533bn Through Q3 2025

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Costa Rica has once again proved itself to be one of the most attractive destinations for foreign direct investment in Latin America. According to the new report by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (Procomer), the country recorded US$3.533 billion in FDI between January and September of 2025, an increase of 4.5% when compared with the same period of 2024.

Costa Rica’s performance during the first nine months of 2025 comes at a time when global capital flows are being described as cautious due to financial tightening and the reconfiguration of supply chains.

Manufacturing the Most Important Sector for FDI

Once again, manufacturing was the largest destination for foreign investment in Costa Rica, taking up US$2.856 billion or over 80% of total FDI between January and September of 2025. This continues the trend of Costa Rica successfully attracting high-value-added manufacturing investment over the last few years, specifically in sectors like medical devices, advanced electronics, precision manufacturing, and life sciences, where the country has been a regional leader in FDI.

Costa Rica continues to offer multinational corporations a combination of skilled and educated workforce, strong IP protections, political stability, and integration into global value chains. Additionally, Costa Rica has an advanced manufacturing ecosystem with strong linkages between multinational corporations, local suppliers, universities, and technical training institutions.

A Tough Year Made to Look Easy

General Manager of Procomer, Laura López, explained that, given the current international environment marked by financial adjustments, investors’ prudence, and value chain reconfigurations, Costa Rica obtaining positive investment flows should be considered as reflecting the resilience of its investment proposition.

“The fact that, in an environment of caution, financial adjustments, and value chain reconfigurations, we are achieving positive flows speaks to the strength of Costa Rica’s value proposition. However, this does not mean that the competitiveness challenges we have identified are not real,” López said.

Costa Rica’s favorable investment performance through the third quarter of 2025 is especially important because the larger context is one of weak foreign direct investment in Latin America and across the world.

Competitiveness Issues Remain Present

In that regard, and despite being a very competitive country to invest in in the areas of advanced manufacturing and services and the regional benchmark for foreign direct investment in Latin America, López also acknowledged that Costa Rica cannot be complacent.

Competitiveness gaps in areas such as logistics costs, infrastructure bottlenecks, and labor shortages must be addressed for Costa Rica to continue with its economic growth over the long term. In addition, Costa Rica must continue with efforts to streamline procedures and lower the cost of doing business, improve infrastructure, logistics, energy, and communication services, and diversify export sectors.

Attracting and Keeping Existing Investors

Notably, Costa Rica’s investment strategy is not solely about attracting new companies to the country. Instead, it’s also focused on encouraging companies already in Costa Rica to reinvest and expand, according to López. That is, Costa Rica’s “number one challenge will be to continue improving the conditions so that the companies that choose Costa Rica as an investment destination continue to reinvest and expand their businesses in the country, and look at Costa Rica as a reliable partner in the long term,” López said.

Reinvestment is one of the most important goals of investment promotion efforts, as it helps a mature investment destination like Costa Rica, where many multinational corporations are already present and have been present for a long time, achieve growth.

Expansion projects tend to involve high-value activities such as R&D centers, product design, and advanced process engineering, all of which generate higher wages and more spillover into the rest of the economy.

By Investment Regime: Free Trade Zones Dominate FDI

By investment regime, free trade zones (FTZ) continued to be the largest beneficiary of FDI in Costa Rica in 2025, capturing 64.9% of the total during the first nine months of 2025. Costa Rica’s FTZ regime has long been one of the cornerstones of its investment attraction efforts, given that it offers tax incentives, streamlined customs procedures, and a stable legal framework.

Costa Rica’s extensive network of free trade agreements is also very important for the operation of companies in free trade zones, as these agreements offer companies preferential access to some of the most important markets in the world including the United States, the European Union, and Asia, in particular as companies seek to diversify their production locations and reduce geopolitical and supply chain risks.

Definitive regime companies, that is, those located outside of free trade zones, accounted for a still notable 14.5% of total FDI through September 2025. This is a sign of the continued relevance of Costa Rica’s domestic market, which also plays a role as a regional hub for Central America and the Caribbean.

Tourism and Real Estate

Tourism and real estate continued to make up an important share of Costa Rica’s FDI in 2025. Tourism accounted for 8% of total FDI in Costa Rica, while real estate represented 7.8%. These sectors are likely to continue attracting investors due to Costa Rica’s strong international brand and recognition, political stability, and reputation for sustainability and quality of life.

Tourism demand has been primarily driven by projects focused on sustainable tourism and high-end offerings that play to Costa Rica’s environmental credentials and ecotourism model. Real estate investment has been in residential, mixed-use, and logistics real estate in areas connected to export manufacturing and services.

Increasing Number of Countries Investing in Costa Rica

A different dynamic that Procomer also highlights is the diversification of the countries of origin of investments in Costa Rica. In 2025, Costa Rica attracted at least 55 new FDI projects, of which 25 originated from outside the United States, which has historically been the largest source of foreign investment in Costa Rica.

Projects also originated from countries like Mexico, the Netherlands, and Spain, among others, which is a sign that Costa Rica is finding more appeal from Europe and other Latin American investors. Diversification like this helps Costa Rica to avoid becoming too dependent on any single source of investment and makes the country more resilient to economic shocks from outside.

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economic challenges facing Costa Rica

Discover the Main Economic Challenges Facing Costa Rica in 2026

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“Facing the New Horizon: Towards 2026” was the theme of the Economic Forum held in December 2025. In it, experts agreed that Costa Rica maintains important structural strengths, but that it will be necessary to make firm, coordinated decisions in both the public and private spheres. The country is approaching a critical juncture where global uncertainty, changes in trade dynamics, and domestic structural imbalances intersect to define the economic landscape of Costa Rica in 2026. Here are some of the economic challenges that Costa Rica will face in 2026.

An increasingly complex international environment

Costa Rica will face 2026 with a more demanding international context, marked by slower global growth, high geopolitical tensions, and a return to protectionist rhetoric and policies, especially in the United States. This climate generates risks for small, open economies that are highly dependent on trade, tourism, and foreign investment. The economist Rodrigo Cubero, of the Economic and Financial Advisors (CEFSA) consulting firm, affirms that these conditions will oblige Costa Rica to implement strategic and anticipatory policies to ensure growth and stability.

The United States is Costa Rica’s main trading partner, source of tourists, and foreign direct investment. Persistent inflationary pressures and high interest rates in the United States economy have slowed growth there, with direct repercussions for Costa Rican exports, tourist arrivals, and capital flows. A slowdown in the United States is generally followed by a sharp slowdown in Costa Rica, which is why these issues are included in the list of possible economic challenges facing Costa Rica in 2026.

An economy of two speeds

One of the most important issues exposed at the forum is the widening gap between two parallel economic realities that exist in Costa Rica. On the one hand, a group of companies that make up the free trade zone regime (around 15% of the total economy) and, in particular, those that are part of the advanced manufacturing and medical devices industry, have continued to register good performance, high productivity, and relative resilience in the face of external shocks. These sectors are strongly integrated into global value chains, have a higher technological level, and face relatively stable demand.

On the other hand, the domestic economy, which represents approximately 85% of Costa Rica’s total production, continues to register much lower growth rates. Traditional sectors such as construction, agriculture, and a large part of commerce have a much more “soft” performance. The slower growth of the domestic sector is a reflection of low investment, weak credit, and low confidence among local companies. This duality not only limits the overall dynamism of the economy but also accentuates the problem of regional and sectoral inequality.

Labor market and competitiveness tensions

This asymmetrical behavior is also reflected in the labor market. High-tech manufacturing and some specialized services are able to generate high-productivity jobs with better salaries, but there are many more workers who have access to more limited opportunities in other industries. Low labor force participation, low job creation, and a high proportion of informal employment continue to be latent problems in Costa Rica. Moreover, there is a growing shortage of skilled labor in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, digital services, engineering, and other knowledge-intensive industries.

Another challenge is the appreciated real exchange rate, which affects the competitiveness of Costa Rican exporters, tourism operators, and domestic companies that compete with imports. A strong currency erodes export margins and makes the country a relatively expensive destination compared to other regional countries. All this has a direct impact on investment and job creation and is among the economic challenges facing Costa Rica in 2026.

Moderate growth, low inflation, and policy limitations

For 2026, Cubero projects a scenario of moderate growth and low inflation, possibly below the target range set by the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR). Although low inflation can help preserve purchasing power, it also reflects a certain weakness in domestic demand and economic dynamism. In this context, the financial conditions are also expected to be relatively restrictive, limiting credit expansion and private investment.

Fiscal and political pressures also condition the future. Although Costa Rica has shown important advances in its fiscal profile in recent years, stabilizing public finances, and lowering the debt-GDP ratio, there are still pressures due to increased social demand, insecurity, and the political-electoral calendar that can put pressure on public finances. In the event that this is taken as a relaxation of fiscal discipline, this could feed into an increase in risk premiums that would further complicate the situation.

Social unrest and security as new factors

The macroeconomic variables are not the only ones that worry experts about the economic challenges facing Costa Rica in 2026. There is growing concern about the situation of insecurity, which, in addition to being problematic in itself, can also have an impact on tourism, discourage investment, and affect the overall quality of life in the country. In parallel, social discontent related to employment conditions, cost of living, and inequality can be a breeding ground for more political polarization, which complicates the design and implementation of consensus-driven reforms.

For foreign investors, stability and institutional continuity are important fundamental factors. In addition to continuing to preserve the country’s institutional framework, the rule of law, and transparent and effective policymaking, some agility in the public sector could be another very relevant element to address the economic challenges facing Costa Rica in 2026.

Bright spots and opportunities

Not everything is a concern for Costa Rica. The country is far from starting from zero. It continues to have a relatively orderly macroeconomic framework, a solid financial system, and a track record of attracting high-value foreign investment. These are points that should not be taken for granted and that place the country in good condition to face the economic challenges facing Costa Rica in 2026.

Opportunities for diversifying the productive matrix are also very good. There are segments such as knowledge-based services, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, logistics, semiconductors, and new models of sustainable and competitive agroindustry that allow a good way to decrease the high concentration of the productive base in traditional sectors. However, this will require taking advantage of nearshoring dynamics, investing in human capital, education and training, as well as in infrastructure to close the gap between the dynamic export sector and the much more “flat” domestic economy.

Coordinated and strategic actions

Tackling the economic challenges facing Costa Rica in 2026 will not be easy, but it is not insurmountable. Coordination and strategic vision will be needed among public and private-sector players. In this way, it will be necessary to focus on the implementation of structural reforms that improve competitiveness, update the educational system, and enhance security and innovation. In this way, the country can transform today’s challenges into opportunities for more sustainable and inclusive future growth.

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Costa Rican life sciences sector

Costa Rican Life Science Sector Leads the Region in Talent, Investment and Medical Device Growth

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Positioned as a Regional Leader in Life Sciences Export Capacity

The Costa Rican medical devices industry has made a significant impact in Latin America in recent years. With the region facing its largest shortage of trained technicians in at least the past two decades, Costa Rica’s Life Sciences sector has demonstrated a successful model of export manufacturing and talent development. In its latest Life Sciences sector (medical devices) market report, CBRE studied the ecosystem in Costa Rica and highlighted its leadership in the region across three key variables: operating conditions, supply chain depth and development, and consistent foreign investment.

Costa Rica has now established itself as a production and export powerhouse with world-class medical device manufacturers such as Edwards Lifesciences, Getinge, Genstar, Smith + Nephew, Technimed, Tecnon, and more. The country is currently second in the region in terms of medical device exports, behind only Mexico. The Costa Rican Life Sciences sector is a major contributor to the national economy and now accounts for 13% of GDP and 43% of all export revenues.

The continued growth of the sector in the past year has been demonstrated by an increase in exports to $5.2 billion and a robust average annual growth rate of 35% over the past decade. Along with this, the industry also creates substantial economic linkages within the Costa Rican economy as it continues to deepen its supply chains and increase the share of value added that remains in the country.

Sustained Sector Growth and Deepening Local Integration

Costa Rica has been able to grow its Life Sciences ecosystem and attract world-class medical device manufacturers due to strong operating conditions for companies. As highlighted in the CBRE report, Costa Rica currently demonstrates the following indicators, among others:

  • Over 55,000 direct jobs
  • 600,000 m² in occupied production space
  • 11 new companies and 10 reinvestments in the past three years
  • Salaries 27% higher than the regional average for skilled professional positions
  • 24% share of Latin America’s medical device exports

The growth of Costa Rica’s Life Sciences sector and medical device industry in particular has shown to be both sustained and increasingly integrated, generating new domestic economic activity and building deeper supply chains. Costa Rica has quickly become a regional favorite among foreign Life Sciences companies due to the real estate, talent, and operating conditions it can provide.

CBRE’s Senior Vice President of Advisory & Transaction Services, Industrial & Logistics, Bernal Rodríguez, SIOR, spoke on the current competitiveness of the Costa Rican life sciences sector and how it has consolidated into one of the most capable in Latin America:

“The advanced manufacturing ecosystem that has developed in Costa Rica is unique in the region. Costa Rica offers investors a great combination of factors, such as a highly skilled workforce, institutional stability, and a modern industrial real estate offering, among others, which position it as a key destination for Life Sciences companies and other related industries.”

Costa Rica’s Competitive Advantages in the Region

Costa Rica’s advanced manufacturing and Life Sciences production ecosystem is seen to be a magnet for new and expanding foreign firms. The country offers a wide range of advantages that have been developed over many years. These include a competitive labor market, regulatory and tax stability, and a deepening infrastructure ecosystem, including new industrial real estate.

Among the industry’s most notable advantages, Costa Rica currently offers the following:

  1. Significant Labor Cost Savings

Companies can access a highly trained and experienced production workforce in Costa Rica that costs an average of 58% less than labor in the United States. This makes Costa Rica an appealing nearshoring option for many U.S.-headquartered companies in search of high-quality production at an attractive price point.

  1. Stable and Favorable Labor Environment

Costa Rica is a low-risk and low-cost country for labor issues, with minimal unionization and strikes in the country’s industrial sector. The country’s overall reputation as a politically and institutionally stable democracy also increases its reliability and predictability for long-term foreign investors.

  1. Highly Prepared Talent Pool

Costa Rica is home to one of the most prepared workforces in the region. The country’s higher education system, which includes highly regarded institutions such as the University of Costa Rica (regional ranking of 14th for human capital formation), and a network of technical training centers and bilingual schools that support the Costa Rican life sciences sector.

  1. Expansion of Industrial Infrastructure

Costa Rica’s industrial real estate market is currently undergoing a substantial expansion of new industrial space. There is currently 150,000 m² of new industrial space under construction, 75% of which is being built in the country’s fast-growing Grecia corridor. This region of the country has established itself as one of Costa Rica’s most important industrial zones thanks to modern free zone parks, top connectivity, and a tailored infrastructure to suit advanced manufacturing companies’ needs.

A Destination for Strategic and Sustainable Investment

As a core pillar long-term development strategy, foreign investment in the Costa Rican life sciences sector has been growing steadily in recent years. In the report, CBRE noted that companies are choosing to invest in Costa Rica, not only for its ability to drive down costs, but also for its long-term strategic vision and willingness to invest in sustainable growth. Multinationals are also attracted by the country’s environmental policies, renewable energy infrastructure, 100% reliable electric grid, and overall emphasis on ethical business practices.

Rodríguez added that CBRE plays a critical role in the decision-making process as companies weigh their key variables when choosing a country for operations:

“In the eyes of our clients, every factor matters. Labor costs, tax incentives, operating costs, logistics costs, real estate availability, and other considerations all play a factor. Our work is to help our clients understand and secure their long-term success in Costa Rica, and that means analyzing every single variable that matters to them.”

Costa Rica also has a Free Trade Zone Regime offering a range of tax exemptions and benefits, along with a streamlined regulatory process, specifically intended to attract foreign companies and to help grow high-value industries such as Life Sciences, precision manufacturing, and biotechnology.

A Future of Continued Innovation and Growth

The Costa Rican life sciences sector is currently performing strongly in all key categories. The industry produces $5.2 billion in exports and has been growing by an average rate of 35% each year over the past decade. Costa Rica is quickly consolidating itself as a world leader in the life sciences and medical devices industry and has already secured its place in the global medical device supply chain.

These numbers reflect a sophistication in the products Costa Rica can produce and the diversification of the overall product portfolio. The industry has continued to grow in recent years and is also a beneficiary of firm reinvestments and new companies entering the market.

CBRE expects Costa Rica to continue to consolidate itself as a regional hub for innovation and specialized manufacturing. This growth will likely be defined by an increase in highly technical companies that are looking for a scientifically capable workforce, high operational stability and security, and a strategic geographic location close to North American markets. As medical device demand increases worldwide and as companies seek more resilient, nearshored supply chains, the Costa Rican life sciences sector is well-positioned to remain one of the most competitive and forward-thinking in Latin America.

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AZOFRAS

AZOFRAS Defines Five Priorities for the Next Costa Rican Government

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The next administration will need to address investment, cost, and labor regulation challenges

The Free Trade Zone (FTZ) Regime supports a large portion of Costa Rica’s exports. In 2024 alone, it accounted for 66.5% of the country’s total export volume.

During that year, its contribution to the economy was equivalent to 15% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to data from the Foreign Trade Promoter (Procomer). However, attention is now focused on the outcomes expected at the end of 2025, as the National University predicts that exports will be affected by the gradual closure of Intel’s microprocessor assembly and testing plant and by Qorvo’s relocation of operations to Asia.

While awaiting these results, in September the regime reported 22.8% year-on-year growth in exports, though this was slower than in the previous two months. The contrasts are clear: foreign direct investment (FDI) generated by the free trade zones during the first half of the year reached $1.099 billion, the lowest level recorded for this period in the last three years. This dichotomy in competitiveness has not gone unnoticed by the Association of Free Trade Zone Companies (Azofras).  

The next government should pursue the following priorities as communicated by AZOFRAS to maintain positive results and attract more investment.

4×3 Work Schedules

The free trade zones support the Bill on Exceptional Work Schedules for Specific and Highly Qualified Cases (24290), known as “4×3 Work Schedules.” The initiative proposes 12-hour workdays for four consecutive days, with three days off, in certain industries and private companies.

Azofras considers its approval crucial to guarantee the country’s competitiveness, ensure the attraction and retention of FDI, provide legal certainty for companies and workers operating under continuous production processes, and establish a legal framework adapted to the labor environment.

Ronald Lachner, Chairman of Azofras’ Board of Directors, clarified that the bill does not modify established work schedules but “addresses exceptional situations by creating a new work schedule modality that expands options to respond to the different production realities of both companies and individuals, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

For the sector, these schedules would improve competitiveness in a context where national goods face a 15% tariff in their main export market, the United States. Additionally, the U.S. is researching the impact of medical device imports on national security, which could result in additional tariffs on these products, which represent 48% of the country’s exports.

Exchange Rate

The appreciation of the Costa Rican colón forces free trade zone companies to allocate more dollars to meet their local currency commitments, increasing operational costs by up to 30%, according to Azofras.

In 2025, the exchange rate remained stable around ₡500, a relatively low level compared to the last decade and far from its all-time high of ₡700 in June 2022.

“From an operational competitiveness perspective, this significant additional cost affects companies’ growth plans, limits their capacity to expand, and hinders the execution of projects that would generate more employment in Costa Rica,” said Lachner.

Azofras emphasizes that rising operational costs—in a sector where revenues are in dollars—make it difficult to compete internationally for new FDI projects compared to Mexico, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic, “where production costs are substantially lower.”

Social Security Contributions

The OECD Economic Studies: Costa Rica 2025 report states that employer payroll contributions in the country are high compared to international levels.

The OECD notes that employer contributions to social security account for 20% of salary costs, while the average among its member countries is 13%. Overall, payroll charges represent 37% of salary costs, with employers covering 72% of these costs.

In response, free trade zone companies argue that a more balanced system would reduce business costs, strengthen formal employment creation, and consolidate Costa Rica as an attractive destination for investment and economic development.

The study indicates that approximately 35% of employer contributions do not go to social security but instead finance institutions such as the National Learning Institute (INA), the Social Development and Family Allowances Fund (Fodesaf), and the Popular Bank. This system is considered inefficient and regressive; it is suggested that contributions to the bank be eliminated, and that INA and Fodesaf be progressively financed through the national budget. Changes to payroll contributions would reduce employer costs by 7.25 percentage points without compromising social security funding, according to the OECD.

Electricity Costs

Lachner noted that the current average electricity cost for the industrial sector in Costa Rica is 13.8 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), double the U.S. rate of 7.95 cents per kWh. Because of this disparity, the sector is requesting approval of the Bill on Harmonization of the National Electric System (23.424) to modernize energy infrastructure and ensure a more efficient, sustainable, and affordable energy supply.

“We consider it urgent to advance a transformation of the electricity sector that diversifies the energy matrix, expands supply, and offers more competitive rates,” Lachner emphasized.

Infrastructure Improvement

The transport of goods produced in free trade zones, as well as imported materials, relies primarily on maritime and air transport services. However, the outdated infrastructure of Puerto Caldera, which has already reached 100% of its capacity, slows the unloading process and reduces the country’s competitiveness.

Road congestion also acts as a deterrent to investors, according to Azofras. For example, the trip from Belén, where a free trade zone is located, to Puerto Moín (about 150 km) takes 3 hours and 20 minutes, while travel to Juan Santamaría Airport (6–8 km depending on the route) takes 22 minutes; these calculations were based on the national competitiveness index.

“For years, many strategic projects have faced delays due to complex administrative procedures, overly rigid regulatory frameworks, and red tape that discourages investment and slows decision-making,” Lachner noted.

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Harland Medical Systems

New Harland Medical Systems Plant in Costa Rica Strengthens Country’s Leadership in the Manufacturing of Medical Devices

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Minnesota-based life sciences and medical technology company Harland Medical Systems inaugurated its first manufacturing facility in Latin America, strengthening Costa Rica’s reputation as an advanced manufacturing hub for medical devices.

Costa Rica has become a global leader in the manufacturing and export of precision medical technologies and instruments, with medical devices representing nearly 50% of the country’s total goods exports in recent years. In this context, Harland Medical Systems announced the opening of its new operations center in The Green Park, Coyol, Alajuela.

“Choosing Costa Rica as a new operations center was a highly calculated move. Costa Rica has grown over the years to become a global powerhouse in medical device manufacturing innovation, known for its strong and specialized workforce, local stability, and free trade zones that are well-organized,” says Aaron Anderson, Global Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Harland Medical Systems.

A Factory Dedicated to Sophisticated Medical Manufacturing Services

The new facility encompasses more than 1,200 square meters. It will initially offer the following three service lines: hydrophilic coating of medical components (Coating Services), local distribution of coating materials, and regional technical assistance for the company’s specialized coating machines.

Hydrophilic coatings are of critical importance in many modern medical devices. By making a device “slippery when wet,” these coatings dramatically reduce friction during many medical procedures and are particularly important in fields like cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology, urology, and orthopedics, where minimally invasive procedures are most prevalent.

Due to its operational capabilities, the Costa Rica factory is optimized for high-volume, rapid turnaround manufacturing. In addition to allowing for faster response times for existing major clients, many of whom already operate within the medical device clusters in Costa Rica, this strategic positioning also offers local technical assistance and shorter lead times, making for greater production efficiency, less need for international shipping of materials and components, and reduced operational costs for its partners.

The specialized coatings services provided by Harland Medical Systems will complete and upgrade Costa Rica’s local medical technology industry. So far, the existing industry has either imported the coating services it requires or outsourced them to other external laboratories and companies.

“The arrival of Harland Medical has a very special significance, as it is the first company to offer specialized hydrophilic coating services in Costa Rica to the country’s medical industry ecosystem,” said Lila Johnson, Director of Foreign Trade at Costa Rica’s Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (Procomer).

The local medical device industry hosts over 90 multinational companies, including global leaders such as Boston Scientific, Abbott, and Medtronic. These companies require a broad, sophisticated set of services for every aspect of the design, production, assembly, testing, and certification of their products, with a highly developed supply chain capable of providing components and services as diverse as cleanrooms, sterilization, testing, packaging, and the like. The arrival of Harland Medical Systems fills a long-standing gap in the medical device value chain, making the country’s industry an even more attractive and integrated option for international investment.

Harland Medical Systems is also committed to sustainability and integration with local producers and skilled professionals in the region. As part of its activities, Harland will implement a recycling program and responsible chemical waste management practices that comply with Costa Rica’s local environmental and industry regulations.

The country has a reputation as a global leader in sustainability, with environmental policies that are among the most progressive in the world and a production sector that uses more than 98% renewable energy sources. Harland’s commitments are perfectly in line with the country’s development and environmental agenda.

By integrating with the regional economy, focusing on the development of local suppliers and the hiring of specialized local talent, and adopting an environmentally friendly approach to production, Harland’s Costa Rica operations will drive economic development, growth of local SMEs in the life sciences sector, and reduced environmental impact.

Harland Medical Systems: Growth and the Second Phase

The new operations center in Costa Rica will also be key to the company’s next steps, with Harland Medical Systems set to offer additional services to the region in the near future. The next phase of the project will include the creation of laboratory and testing services, which will enable the company to provide customers with in-country testing, validation, and quality assurance of coated medical devices.

In addition to being an essential service for many international regulatory requirements, these capabilities will also further strengthen Costa Rica’s position as a full-service medical manufacturing destination, cutting down on the need to outsource to foreign laboratories and speeding up time-to-market for innovative devices and new technologies. In turn, this will allow manufacturers to prototype and test their products more quickly and efficiently, supporting product development and innovation in the medical device sector.

Costa Rica: A Medical Device Manufacturing Hub

Costa Rica has rapidly evolved to become one of the most advanced, innovation-driven, and export-oriented medical device industries in Latin America and, in fact, in the world. The country is the second-largest exporter of medical devices among American nations, surpassed only by the United States.

This has been achieved with a combination of advantages such as a highly qualified workforce with education and experience in engineering and life sciences, a free trade zone regime offering significant tax advantages and logistical benefits, a stable political and regulatory environment with a strong legal framework for foreign investment, a proximity to major medical technology markets such as the US, and a modern infrastructure that allows for efficient logistics through ports like Limón and Caldera.

Harland Medical Systems’ arrival in Costa Rica is a significant new investment in the industry and further proof that the country remains a magnet for multinationals that are looking for a sustainable, competitive, and innovation-led location for their production facilities. In this case, not only is Costa Rica’s location important, but also its sector-specific assets, which offer sophisticated capabilities and a strong ecosystem that can fully support companies like Harland Medical Systems as they expand operations and grow in their local and international markets.

A New Era of Medical Innovation in Costa Rica

Harland Medical Systems’ decision to open its first manufacturing plant in Latin America in Costa Rica signals a commitment to the country and its important role in the life sciences ecosystem. In addition to creating jobs and other benefits to the local economy, Harland’s presence will help Costa Rican manufacturers improve their efficiency, compliance, and product quality, while strengthening the global competitiveness of the country’s entire industry.

As medical technology continues to progress towards even less invasive procedures and a focus on improved patient care and comfort, solutions such as hydrophilic coatings and advanced materials will continue to play a critical role. Harland Medical Systems’ new operations center in Costa Rica will not only help ensure that the country remains at the forefront of these emerging technologies, but also play a role in the innovation and future of the medical technology industry itself.

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