#San Jose #Costa Rica #PROCOMER #Investment Summit #Costa Rica Trade

Costa Rica Hosts Major Economic Gathering

Costa Rica recently kicked off the second edition of its Trade & Investment Summit (CRTIS), an event that gathers over 400 buyers and investors from more than 40 countries. Taking place over three days, the summit is designed to unite local businesses with global partners interested in sourcing products and services, while also providing a platform for investors to explore project possibilities within the region.

This year's event reflects the country’s growing significance in international trade and its ongoing economic expansion. During the summit, delegations are expected to engage in over 3,600 targeted business meetings with around 1,000 Costa Rican exporters and multinational companies, as reported by the Trade and Investment Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER).

Laura López, executive director of PROCOMER, emphasized the country’s advantages, such as a skilled workforce, strong production capacities, and robust access to global markets. She noted that these qualities are instrumental in supporting complex and value-adding projects. Furthermore, CRTIS aims to enable decision-makers to assess Costa Rica's capabilities directly, allowing them to integrate Costa Rican businesses into global supply chains more effectively.

Diverse Economic Opportunities

The summit showcases Costa Rica's diverse export portfolio, which now includes services contributing 34% of total exports, followed closely by medical devices at 31%, and agriculture at 11%. Together, these sectors demonstrate the nation’s capability to cater to traditional markets while also transitioning toward technology and knowledge-driven industries.

At CRTIS, international buyers have the opportunity to build relationships with companies across agriculture, food production, specialized manufacturing, digital technologies, corporate services, creative industries, and applied innovation. Meetings during the event facilitate direct discussions regarding technical requirements, production capacities, business terms, and sourcing opportunities with potential partners.

Investors can also explore expansion possibilities in several key sectors, including agriculture, advanced manufacturing, service industries, tourism infrastructure, and semiconductors. Tailored programs will offer direct insights into available workforce, infrastructure, operational capacities, and supplier networks, all crucial to their business activities in the region.

On-Site Experiences and Insights

Participants will have the opportunity to witness Costa Rica’s production capabilities firsthand through site visits and operational tours. Delegations will visit agricultural sites in the northern regions and Caribbean areas, ornamental plant businesses in the western Central Valley, and advanced manufacturing facilities located within the country's leading research centers and free trade zones. By observing operations on the ground, buyers and investors can engage directly with company teams and gain a deeper understanding of the capacities available throughout Costa Rica.

Economic Growth on the Global Stage

The summit takes place amidst a backdrop of economic resilience, with Costa Rica consistently increasing its presence in international markets. Between January and July 2026, the country’s merchandise exports reached $13.821 billion, indicating a 5% growth compared to the same period in 2025. Growth was observed across all sectors, propelled by the free trade zones and their improved performance.

Currently, over 1,000 companies with foreign direct investments operate in Costa Rica, generating around 312,000 jobs. Their ongoing contributions—along with the steady growth of local exporters and suppliers—foster a solid foundation for new business ventures, enhanced local sourcing, and stronger integration of Costa Rican expertise into global value chains.

A Platform for Success

The benefits of the summit extend well beyond the duration of the meetings themselves. At the inaugural event in 2025, participants took part in over 3,600 business meetings, resulting in 104 investment discussions followed by agreements that totaled $33 million. This data underscores the ability of the CRTIS to convert initial contacts into fruitful negotiations and, ultimately, successful contracts.

With this foundation, the current edition of the summit aims to broaden opportunities for Costa Rican firms to engage with international decision-makers exploring the global marketplace. The CRTIS fortifies the nation’s role as a vital player in the international economic landscape, demonstrating its readiness to embrace future collaborative ventures that will foster mutual growth and innovation.