Growth Paradigm: Sustainable Economic Development Global Context: Globally, companies face increasing pressure to balance economic growth with sustainability. Costa Rica has emerged as a leader in promoting a growth model that prioritizes social and environmental impact.

• Focus on Sustainability: Costa Rica fosters an economy based on sustainability and attracting investments aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Incentives for Responsible Companies: The country has established investment attraction policies in key sectors such as biotechnology, information technology, smart manufacturing, and life sciences, encouraging the development of projects with long-term positive impacts.

Export Growth: Since the beginning of the pandemic, Costa Rica has shown remarkable capacity to maintain and increase its exports in technology and health sectors. In 2020, medical technology exports grew by 8%, consolidating this as the country’s main export product.

People and Talent: High-Quality Human Capital Commitment to Education:

• Investment: Costa Rica allocates 14% of its government budget to education, one of the highest percentages globally and nearly double the OECD average.
• Educational Quality: The country ranks first in workforce skills and educational quality in Latin America, according to the World Economic Forum. These ratings reflect its citizens' capabilities in digital skills, essential for the current and future economy.

Linguistic and Technical Competencies:

• Digital Skills Initiatives: Costa Rica trains over 50,000 people annually in technical, technological, and language skills, especially English, to facilitate integration into the global economy.
• Talent Development Programs:
  • Courses and Certifications: In collaboration with learning platforms and universities, multiple certification programs are offered in high-demand areas, such as advanced manufacturing and information technology.
  • PINN Scholarships: These scholarships fund studies in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), essential for the country's digital economy.

Collaborative Ecosystem and Knowledge-Based Economy Leadership in Knowledge Services:

• Knowledge-Intensive Services Export: Costa Rica leads Latin America as the country with the highest per capita exports of knowledge-intensive services, particularly in IT, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing.
• Legal Framework for Digital Companies: The country has implemented the lowest digital trade restriction index among OECD countries, promoting a highly favorable environment for digital commerce.

Incentives and Facilities for Investors:

• Free Trade Zones: Companies located in free trade zones benefit from tax exemptions, including a 0% corporate income tax, and enjoy redundant telecommunications infrastructure to ensure business continuity.
• Immigration Facilities: Simplified processes for the entry of foreign workers, with no quantity limit, allow companies to quickly access the talent they need.

Business Continuity and Economic Resilience Resilience Strategies during Crises:

• Export Stability: Costa Rica demonstrated low volatility in its exports during the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining supply chains without disruptions and adapting to remote work.
• Medical Device Exports: This sector became the primary export area, with sustained growth in 2020, positioning Costa Rica as a leader in medical technology in the region.

Innovative Policies for Business Continuity:

• National Recovery Plan: This plan included specific incentives to maintain economic activity and job creation, especially in knowledge-intensive sectors.
• Diversified Exports: Costa Rica’s economy has evolved, reducing its dependence on traditional agricultural products and increasing the share of industrial and high-tech products.

Sustainability and Environment: A Historical Commitment Leadership in Sustainability:

• First Nation to Reverse Deforestation: Costa Rica became the first country in the world to reverse its deforestation rate in the 1990s and has been recognized by the UN as the first "Champion of the Earth."
• Decarbonization Plan: With a goal set for 2050, Costa Rica is committed to eliminating carbon emissions, serving as a global model for green economic transition.

RE100 Companies: Costa Rica hosts more than 20 RE100 companies, an initiative of corporations committed to using 100% renewable electricity by 2050. This commitment demonstrates the country’s corporate sustainability strategy.

Tourism and Quality of Life High-Quality and Safe Destination:

• International Recognition: Costa Rica has been ranked as one of the safest destinations with the highest quality of life for expatriates in Latin America, with locations like San José recognized in the global livability index.
• Study and Retirement Destination: Costa Rica is a popular destination for international students, especially from the United States, and a highly valued retirement spot for retirees, according to International Living.

Sustainable Tourism and Unique Experiences:

• Tourism Exports: Costa Rica generated $3.98 billion in tourism revenue in 2019, a testament to the international appeal of its natural resources, biodiversity, and eco-friendly services.
• Blue Zones: The country hosts one of the world’s five Blue Zones, where life expectancy is remarkably high, highlighting Costa Rica’s quality of life and focus on well-being.