In Costa Rica, we usually associate the free trade zone (FTZ) with the export of goods, most often medical devices. However, according to COMEX statistics, the country’s export of services has had an annual growth rate of 6%, reaching a staggering $11.79 billion in 2022, with a substantial portion of such exports centered on technology.
Costa Rica broadened its focus to fortify the services sector while actively promoting foreign investments from manufacturing companies dedicated to technology and medical devices. This success was made possible by leveraging the country’s bilingual workforce and its strategic regional positioning. Milestones facilitating this transformation include: i) the introduction of high-tech services, ii) the training of a highly qualified workforce, iii) strategic geographical positioning, and iv) the diversification of services to encourage high-tech companies to invest in Costa Rica.
