Costa Rica has reached a historic milestone by becoming the first country in the Americas to receive certification from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) for its free trade zones. This recognition reinforces its position as a key destination for foreign investment and the promotion of quality employment.
A seal of international excellence
According to official information from the Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX) and the Costa Rican Coalition for Development Initiatives (CINDE), this achievement was reached after a rigorous evaluation process in which the country demonstrated compliance with the OECD’s high standards for transparency, governance, and sustainable business practices.
Free trade zones are areas where companies operate under tax and customs benefits, provided they meet requirements for job creation, technology transfer, and contribution to economic development. Costa Rica has more than 400 companies under this regime, including leading multinationals in sectors such as technology, advanced manufacturing, and services. Two of the certified parks—Zona Franca La Lima and Coyol Free Zone—were included in the pilot phase for their leadership in security and traceability in foreign trade.
Economic impact and prospects
The OECD certification not only validates the Costa Rican model but also strengthens the confidence of international investors. According to data from the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR), free trade zones account for more than 50% of the country’s exports and generate employment for more than 182,000 people, with salaries significantly higher than the national average.
Costa Rican authorities emphasized that this recognition is the result of a joint strategy between the public and private sectors, designed in accordance with the highest international standards. This advance positions the country as a reliable destination for companies that value innovation, sustainable practices, and highly trained human capital.
What’s next for Costa Rica?
With this certification, the country not only reinforces its attractiveness for new investments but also sets a precedent for other nations in the region. Costa Rican authorities anticipate that this advance will drive the diversification of strategic sectors, such as the green economy, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology.
Costa Rica continues to demonstrate that, even in a competitive global context, legal stability, human talent, and a commitment to excellence are the keys to standing out on the international stage.