Costa Rica Promotes the Light Manufacturing Sector in European Mission

Costa Rica is positioning itself as a destination for the investment and development of the Light Manufacturing Sector in an international mission in Portugal and Spain. This promotion focuses on innovation, circularity, and sustainability in the textile sector to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities and increase investment. Costa Rica promotes the light manufacturing sector by showcasing its ability to integrate cutting-edge technologies and sustainable processes in production.

Mission for Foreign Direct Investment Promotion

The investment mission, promoted by PROCOMER and carried out in Portugal and Spain this October 10th – 14th, 2023, takes place at the same time as the Textile Exchange 2025 Conference in Lisbon. This international forum brings together decision-makers from the textile, fashion, and apparel industries to discuss the latest trends, technologies, and innovations in sustainable supply chains. Costa Rica participates in the conference and extends its program to hold business meetings, visit companies, and hold sector meetings to find opportunities for biomaterials, circular processes, and responsible manufacturing models that respond to the sustainability strategies of European companies that are moving towards a more sustainable production.

The participating companies in the mission include YKK, Lenzing Fibers, Target, Aquafil, Primark, Rejú, Mistolin, and DS Packaging, recognized international companies in textile manufacturing, sustainable fiber production, recycling plants, packaging materials, and manufacturing of cleaning and personal care products, among others. In this way, Costa Rica will be able to demonstrate to these companies that it has the potential and added value to be their manufacturer of sustainable products. Mónica Umaña, Manager of Foreign Direct Investment Attraction of PROCOMER, indicated that “our country is ready and proposes to remain in the short list of options for all the companies that are evaluating other options to manufacture products in Latin America.”

Costa Rica continues to demonstrate to foreign companies that it can be a competitive location for the development of manufacturing. “Innovations and advances in global manufacturing generate opportunities for countries that have conditions that provide a secure and predictable environment, skilled labor, and a clear and transparent regulatory framework,” added Umaña. “Meetings of this type are important since they allow the companies to directly learn about the Costa Rican operational environment, the available incentives, and other factors that make Costa Rica a competitive location for their business.” Costa Rica promotes the light manufacturing sector by emphasizing these competitive advantages to international partners.

Strengths as a Manufacturing Location

Costa Rica has various competitive advantages for international investment in manufacturing, including a highly skilled labor force capable of operating in an advanced manufacturing industry, a clear and transparent regulatory framework that facilitates business setup, a robust commitment to sustainability, and the incorporation of circular economy principles in business models. There are also incentives for foreign investment that make Costa Rica attractive for foreign investment and the promotion of industry.

Meetings with Portuguese and Spanish Companies

In Lisbon, the mission also held meetings with companies, chambers of commerce, and sector representatives to present the Costa Rican operational environment and available incentives, showing the competitive advantages that Costa Rica has as a manufacturing destination. This information helps European companies understand the operating conditions, as well as how Costa Rica promotes the Light Manufacturing Sector and integrates responsible and innovative practices. The meetings also seek synergies and collaboration opportunities for new sectors such as the circular economy, biomaterials, responsible production processes, and new technologies.

Meetings and sectoral explorations will continue in Barcelona, which is the most important industrial center in southern Europe. In this city, Costa Rica will search for synergies and explore possibilities with companies in the chemicals, plastics, agrifood, and digital technology sectors. In this way, Costa Rica shows that it is ready to build synergies with various industries and position itself as a reliable and flexible manufacturing destination for global companies.

Innovation and Sustainability

One of the main objectives of this activity is to position Costa Rica as a country that promotes the Light Manufacturing Sector by placing a special emphasis on innovative and sustainable solutions. Visiting companies have the opportunity to explore their supply chain and raw materials development possibilities, circularity, and eco-friendly processes and technologies.

Costa Rica also promotes the Light Manufacturing Sector

The mission that Costa Rica is carrying out to Europe is expected to result in increased foreign investment, diversification of the industrial sector, and sustainable growth. In addition, it seeks to position Costa Rica as a regional hub for responsible manufacturing and a strategic partner for European companies that wish to expand and move to Latin America. Costa Rica promotes the light manufacturing sector by actively seeking partnerships that advance innovation, circular production, and environmentally responsible solutions.

Costa Rica as a Responsible Manufacturing Location

Costa Rica promotes the Light Manufacturing Sector internationally by opening strategic meetings with European companies, chambers of commerce, and industry leaders. In these spaces, the country presents its operational capacities, value proposition for manufacturing, commitment to sustainability, and investment incentives that attract foreign companies. Costa Rica does this in different cities such as Lisbon and Barcelona, demonstrating its willingness to be an attractive and responsible manufacturing location, to attract foreign investment, and to generate long-term industrial partnerships. Costa Rica has all the attributes of a reliable and prepared manufacturing destination, a skilled labor force, clear regulations, and strong sustainability practices. The mission strengthens its commitment to responsible manufacturing through innovation, circular production, and eco-friendly solutions.