#San Jose #Costa Rica #Investment #Trade Summit

Costa Rica Hosts Over 400 International Buyers

The second edition of the Costa Rica Trade & Investment Summit (CRTIS) kicked off recently, welcoming over 400 buyers and investors from more than 40 countries. This significant event aims to facilitate business relationships and investment opportunities in Costa Rica, spotlighting the nation as a desirable location for international commerce.

Purpose and Objectives

The CRTIS serves as a platform for global businesses to connect with Costa Rican companies, showcasing a range of local products and services. It allows international investors to evaluate prospective projects and explore the viability of establishing or expanding operations within Costa Rica. Laura López, General Director of PROCOMER, emphasized the country's skilled workforce, robust production capabilities, and access to global markets that position Costa Rica as an attractive destination for business expansion.

For three days, attendees participated in tailored business meetings aimed at fostering links between Costa Rican exporters and international potential clients. Over 1,000 Costa Rican companies from various sectors participated, including agriculture, medical technology, and innovative services, highlighting the country’s diverse export offerings.

Key Highlights of the Summit

The event encompassed over 3,600 customized business meetings, connecting delegations with a focus on key areas of interest such as digital transformation and artificial intelligence led by prominent speakers from various industries. Notable figures included Chris Knight from FT Locations and Microsoft Costa Rica's Jairo Londoño. The discussions provided attendees with insights into enhancing operational strategies and leveraging technology for better market performance.

Moreover, the summit allowed investors to assess opportunities in sectors like agriculture, high-tech industries, and tourism infrastructure. Their tailored programs provided a closer look at local human resources, infrastructures available, and the existing supplier ecosystem essential for supporting their business ventures.

A Focused Export Strategy

Costa Rica's export landscape is evolving, with services, medical devices, and agriculture leading the charge. In 2026, the country recorded exports reaching $13.821 billion, reflecting a 5% growth from the previous year. Notably, free trade zones and conventional export regimes both experienced significant increases, signifying a robust recovery and strategic focus on expanding international markets.

During the CRTIS, international buyers were given direct access to potential partners across diverse sectors, opening avenues for collaboration in food production, manufacturing, digital technologies, and innovation. This aimed to establish firsthand links that enable potential investors and buyers to understand the capabilities of local producers and service providers.

Outcomes from Past Summits

Reflecting on the inaugural summit’s success, where contracts worth $33 million were reported, the CRTIS aspires to build on this momentum. The previous year’s summit facilitated about 3,600 business meetings and showcased the rewards of participating in such international gatherings. By creating opportunities for Costa Rican businesses to engage with foreign decision-makers, this year’s summit is once again looking to amplify benefits for local industries and stakeholders.

Conclusion

As the Costa Rica Trade & Investment Summit showcases industry potential, it aims not only to promote local exports but also to integrate Costa Rican outputs into global supply chains. Through initiatives like CRTIS, Costa Rica is firmly positioning itself on the international business landscape, leveraging its unique strengths for future growth and investment. The hope is to see increased exports and broader opportunities for Costa Rican businesses participating in global economic networks.