#San Jose #Costa Rica #CINDE #MDM West

Costa Rica's Growing Influence in the Global Life Sciences Sector

Costa Rica is increasingly recognized as a leading hub for life sciences companies, and its participation in events like MDM West 2025 underscores this trend. Taking place from February 4 to 6 at the Anaheim Convention Center in California, this premier medical device trade show brings together key players in the industry. With organizations like CINDE, BAC, Baker Tilly, and Cushman & Wakefield | AB Advisory in attendance, Costa Rica is poised to demonstrate its competitive advantages in the manufacturing and export of medical devices.

Marianela Urgellés Batalla, Managing Director of CINDE, emphasized the significance of the showcase. "Through MDM West 2025, we see an exciting opportunity to present the dynamism of Costa Rica’s life sciences sector on a global stage. The event offers us a platform to engage with potential investors and stay aligned with emerging industry trends."

Costa Rica’s commitment to the life sciences sector has been reinforced through recent investments from noteworthy global firms. For instance, Harland Medical Systems has recently established its operations in the country, creating a facility in The Green Park Free Zone in Alajuela focusing on hydrophilic coatings. This move expands the supplier ecosystem, thereby enhancing the value chain within the industry.

In addition, Edwards Lifesciences, known for its innovative solutions for cardiovascular diseases, has further diversified its presence by opening a new Corporate Services Center in La Lima Business Park, Cartago. These expansions underscore the country’s attractiveness as a destination for high-value medical device manufacturing.

Notably, Costa Rica has experienced impressive growth in its medical device exports, with an average annual increase of 18% since 2017. In 2024, exports surpassed $8 billion, cementing Costa Rica's position as the second largest exporter of medical devices in Latin America and the fifth largest provider to the United States market.

This upward trajectory is not coincidental. The country's strategic investments in talent development, business infrastructure, and favorable policies for multinational companies contribute to its robust growth in the sector. CINDE has played an instrumental role in these initiatives, working alongside over 450 multinational companies to shape Costa Rica's favorable investment climate.

As Costa Rica continues to foster innovation and attract investment, its role as a hub for life sciences will likely strengthen further. For more insights into the investment opportunities in the life sciences sector and Costa Rica's involvement in MDM West 2025, interested parties can visit www.cinde.org.

Through these developments, Costa Rica not only enhances its own economy but also increasingly contributes to the global life sciences landscape, positioning itself as a vital player for the future. As the country pursues strategic engagements and continues to innovate, it will be fascinating to observe how its influence in this critical sector evolves going forward.

In summary, with significant benefits offered to life sciences firms and an impressive growth trajectory, Costa Rica stands out as a beacon of opportunity in the medical device arena. The ongoing engagements and representation at high-profile industry events underscore the country’s commitment to becoming a powerhouse in the global life sciences field.