Costa Rica Trade & Investment Summit 2025: A Global Platform for Sustainable Investment

By IDEAS

From September 1 to 5, 2025, Costa Rica hosted the inaugural Costa Rica Trade & Investment Summit 2025, a landmark event organized by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER). This summit marked a significant evolution from the traditional Buyers Trade Mission (BTM), integrating both export promotion and foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction into a single, comprehensive platform (source: PROCOMER).

What is PROCOMER?

PROCOMER is Costa Rica’s government agency responsible for promoting exports and attracting foreign investment. Its mission is to strengthen the country’s international competitiveness, foster sustainable investment, and support Costa Rican businesses in global markets.

A Hub for Global Business

Held at the Costa Rica Convention Center in San José, the summit brought together over 400 international buyers and investors from 45 countries, alongside more than 1,000 Costa Rican exporters, local suppliers, and multinational companies. The event facilitated over 3,700 business meetings, investment rounds, and networking opportunities, underscoring Costa Rica's strategic position as a regional hub for global business.

Focus on Sustainability and Innovation

A central theme of the summit was the promotion of sustainable investment. Discussions centered on Costa Rica's robust Zone Franca regime, which offers tax incentives and operational benefits to foreign investors, and the country's commitment to environmental sustainability. Participants explored opportunities in green technologies, clean energy, and sustainable supply chains, aligning with global trends toward responsible investment practices.

United Nations Delegation’s Engagement

A notable highlight was the participation of a delegation from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), accompanied by representatives from investment promotion agencies across Southeast Asia and Latin America. During their visit, the delegation engaged in strategic sessions with PROCOMER leaders, delving into Costa Rica's FDI attraction strategies, the benefits of the Zone Franca regime, commercial intelligence tools, gender initiatives, and the national semiconductor roadmap. These discussions provided valuable insights into how Costa Rica has successfully positioned itself as a competitive destination for high-value-added projects.

Economic Impact and Future Prospects

The summit highlighted Costa Rica's strong economic performance, with FDI reaching US$5.008 billion in 2024, a 32% increase from the previous year. The Zone Franca regime accounted for 74% of this investment, predominantly in the manufacturing sector. The first quarter of 2025 continued this positive trend, reflecting multinational confidence in the country's economic stability and growth potential.