Free trade zones in Costa Rica drive the national economy
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Contact the Central American Group to establish a nearshore manufacturing operation in the Green Park Free Zone in Costa Rica
Free zones in Costa Rica, also known as “zonas francas” in Spanish, are designated areas within a country where businesses can operate with specific tax and trade incentives. In Costa Rica, these zones have significantly driven economic growth by attracting foreign investment and fostering export-oriented industries, most notably in the production of medical devices.
Free zones in Costa Rica offer tax benefits
One of the main benefits of free zones in Costa Rica is that they offer companies reduced tariffs on imported raw materials and machinery, income tax, and exemptions from other related taxes. These incentives make it more attractive for foreign companies to set up operations in the country, leading to a notable influx of foreign investment. This investment brings capital into the country, creates jobs for Costa Rican citizens, and helps develop local industries and suppliers.
As is the case with other industries, medical device manufacturers in Costa Rica enjoy reduced tariffs on imported raw materials and machinery. Medical device manufacturers rely on a wide range of materials, components, and equipment, which can be expensive to import. However, by operating in a free zone, these manufacturers can save money on tariffs and use these savings to invest in their operations and expand their businesses.
The free zones in Costa Rica have also helped to diversify the country’s economy. Historically, Costa Rica’s economy has heavily depended on agriculture, particularly coffee and banana exports. However, establishing free zones has allowed the country to develop other industries, such as medical devices and other advanced manufacturing. This diversification has helped to insulate the country’s economy from fluctuations in global commodity prices and has made it more resilient in the face of economic downturns.
The medical device industry has grown in the free zones in Costa Rica
In the case of medical devices, the industry has grown significantly in recent years, becoming an essential contributor to the country’s economy. Costa Rica’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and favorable business environment have made it an attractive destination for companies in the sector.
Costa Rica’s well-educated and bilingual workforce is another significant advantage for medical device and other advanced manufacturing industries. The country has a strong technical, scientific, and dual education tradition, which has led to a large pool of highly skilled engineers, technicians, and other professionals in manufacturing. This skilled workforce has been a critical factor in attracting foreign investment in the medical device sector. Some of the companies that employ Costa Rican workers are:
- Boston Scientific: This is a leading medical device company that operates in Costa Rica. They manufacture and export various medical devices such as stents, catheters, and guidewires.
- Medtronic: This is another leading medical device company that operates in Costa Rica. They manufacture and export various medical devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators, and spinal cord stimulation devices.
- Alcon: This is a subsidiary of Novartis, is a global leader in eye care, and operates in Costa Rica. They manufacture and export a variety of medical devices, such as intraocular lenses, surgical instruments, and diagnostic equipment.
- Covidien: This company operates in Costa Rica and manufactures and exports various medical devices such as surgical instruments, wound care products, and diagnostic equipment.
- Jabil: This manufacturer operates in Costa Rica and specializes in the contract manufacturing of medical devices and diagnostic equipment.
- Tecomet: This organization manufactures its products in Costa Rica and specializes in contract manufacturing of orthopedic implant devices, instrumentation and precision machined components.
These are just a few examples of the many companies in the sector that operate in Costa Rica. Beyond the manufacturers mentioned above, thirteen of the world’s top twenty medical device producers have operations in the country.
The economic impacts of free zones in Costa Rica have been positive
The free zones in Costa Rica have also positively impacted the country’s trade balance. By attracting foreign investment and promoting export-oriented industries, the free zones have helped to increase the country’s exports and reduce its dependence on imports. This has helped improve Costa Rica’s trade balance and support its economic growth. While Promer, Costa Rica’s export promotion agency, reports that economic activity in the country accounts for approximately 8% of the nation’s GDP, employment in free zones in Costa Rica has averaged an annual growth of just over 12% annually in recent years. Currently, approximately 395 companies generate more than 134,000 direct labor jobs and thousands of indirect positions.
In addition to the economic benefits, Costa Rica’s free zones have also positively impacted the country’s social and environmental development. Many companies operating in the free zones have implemented corporate social responsibility programs and are investing in local communities by promoting sustainable practices. This has helped improve Costa Rican citizens’ living standards and protect the country’s natural resources.
The location of free zones in Costa Rica has played a significant role in the country’s economic growth and development. The proximity to major transportation hubs, availability of skilled labor, promotion of regional development, poverty reduction, and environmental sustainability are some benefits that the location of free zones has brought to Costa Rica. In addition, these zones’ strategic areas have helped attract foreign investment, create jobs, and promote sustainable development in various parts of the country. Some of the leading free zones in Costa Rica and their locations are listed below:
- The Green Park Free Zone: The Green Park is one of Costa Rica’s newest free zones. It is located in Alajuela in the San Jose Greater Metropolitan Area (FMA). It is in proximity to Juan Santa Maria International Airport. The park’s management has prioritized sustainability and has achieved both LEED and EDGE certifications.
- The Puntarenas Free Zone: The Puntarenas Free Zone was built in 1992 in the province of Puntarenas and is located ten kilometers from Costa Rica’s main Pacific Ocean port, Puerto Caldera. Also, it is situated 80 kilometers from the country’s capital, San Jose.
- The Metro Free Zone & Business Park: The Metro Free Zone is located in the province of Heredia. In addition to housing manufacturing facilities, the Zone also services call centers, back office support activities, and software development operations.
- The Coyol Free Zone: The Coyol Free Zone is located in Alajuela. It houses many of the country’s medical device manufacturing facilities and has been recognized both in Latin America and globally for the quality of its facilities.
Overall, free zones in Costa Rica continue to play a crucial role in driving national economic growth. By offering tax and trade incentives, attracting foreign investment, and fostering export-oriented industries, the free zones have helped to diversify the country’s economy and improve its trade balance. They have also positively impacted the country’s social and environmental development. As a result, Costa Rica’s free zones have boosted national economic growth and development.
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