Review

Dynamic Goals

As Beijing celebrated the 10th anniversary of diplomatic ties with Costa Rica in September, it pledged a generous aid package and promised to strengthen its ties with its most important Central American ally.

Guest Speaker

Luis Miguel Hincapié, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs , Panama

TBY talks to Luis Miguel Hincapié, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama, on the benefits of the bilateral FTA, boosting tourism in both countries, and moving toward a process of integration.

Interview

Manuel Antonio González Sanz, Minister , Foreign Affairs

TBY talks to Manuel Antonio González Sanz, Minister of Foreign Affairs, on new embassies abroad, multilateralism, and the challenges and benefits of not having an army.

Focus: Military Abolition

Indefinite Furlough

In what seems to be an increasingly militarized world, Costa Rica offers an alternative route to political peace and economic prosperity thanks to the abolition of its military, now in its 70th year.

Year In Review

What a Year

Costa Rica has hit headlines in recent years for all the right reasons; its solid green credentials, strong human resources, and increasingly high-tech manufacturing base put it in good stead to tackle the 21st century.

Review

Smart Green

Growth in the high-tech manufacturing and ecotourism sectors has made Costa Rica's economy a regional leader and gives it a strong foundation upon which to build.

Column

Franco Pacheco, President, UCCAEP

TBY talks to Franco Pacheco, President, UCCAEP, on the sector.

Interview

Pedro Beirute Prada, CEO, Procomer

TBY talks to Pedro Beirute Prada, CEO of Procomer, on the agency's impact on the local economy and society, its strategy of export diversification, and the importance of partnership.

Interview

Jorge Sequeira, Managing Director, CINDE

TBY talks to Jorge Sequeira, Managing Director of CINDE, on Costa Rica's economic evolution, the most attractive sectors in the country, and being a partner for growth.

Interview

Dennis Whitelaw, President, AmCham Costa Rica

TBY talks to Dennis Whitelaw, President of AmCham Costa Rica, on promoting greater competitiveness, attracting more companies to the country, and its efforts to promote fair trade.

Focus: Exports

More than Coffee and Bananas

With a focus on a highly educated, English-proficient workforce, Costa Rica is transforming itself from an economy dependent on agricultural exports to a skilled services economy.

Forum

Security

Labor reform and new technologies are changing the private security market, and firms are stepping up accordingly.

B2B

Services

By outsourcing services, companies can focus on their core operations and leave other aspects to the experts.

Forum

Why Costa Rica?

More than just its focus on sustainability and green ethos, Costa Rica's people are the key reason why multinationals are here to stay.

Review

Plant the Ignition

Costa Rica is building upon its longstanding reputation as an eco-friendly bastion via smart policies aimed at expanding electrical vehicle use and the launching of a new environmentally friendly eco-park.

Column

Silvia Chaves, Vice President, Florex

TBY talks Silvia Chaves, Vice President, Florex, on the sector.

Interview

Yamileth Astorga, President, Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA)

TBY talks to Yamileth Astorga, President of the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA), on the challenges of providing high-quality potable water and working to prevent a water deficit.

Focus: Solar Energy

The Shining Sun

Costa Rica rolls out its first solar energy projects for the purpose of distribution to households, supplying residential power demands and advancing Costa Rica's already green reputation.

Forum

Solar

When the energy sector in Costa Rica is opened up to the market, final users will reap the benefits, including lower prices and better-quality services.

Interview

Carlos Zacapa, Executive Director , Green Park Free Zone

TBY talks to Carlos Zacapa, Executive Director of the Green Park Free Zone, on its strategic decision to expand to Costa Rica, ensuring a sustainable business, and the importance of the human aspect.

Review: Banking

A Delicate Balance

Over the past 20 years the growth of Costa Rica's services sector has outpaced that of other economic engines, driven in strong measure by the financial services industry.

Column

Roger Porras , Executive Director, JUPEMA

TBY talks to Roger Porras Executive Director, JUPEMA, on the sector.

B2B

Cooperatives

A key part of the Costa Rican economy, cooperatives seek to incorporate more technological innovations and forge closer commercial linkages with private companies to remain current.

Column

Miguel Aguiar, General Manager, Banca Para el Desarrollo

TBY talks to Miguel Aguiar, General Manager, Banca Para el Desarrollo, on the sector.

Interview

Luis Carlos Delgado Murillo, President, National Supervisory Council for the Financial System (CONASSIF)

TBY talks to Luis Carlos Delgado Murillo, President of the National Supervisory Council for the Financial System (CONASSIF), on the importance of collaboration between the private and public sectors and facilitating new business.

Interview

Federico Odio, Country Manager, BAC Credomatic

TBY talks to Federico Odio, Country Manager of BAC Credomatic, on the need to remain up to date, providing solutions for SMEs, and its recent investments in the country.

Focus: Cooperatives

The Way Forward

Cooperatives are a critical social and economic lifeline for the country's rural communities. They are also an increasingly important contributor to the nation's financial sector.

Forum

Banks

The SME sector and technological innovation continue to be major initiatives for banks in Costa Rica.

Vox Populi

Capital investors

Though there are many opportunities to invest in Costa Rica, start-ups and entrepreneurial ventures are in short supply, hampering further development.

Forum

Insurance

Insurance companies are forced to provide a wide variety of offerings and focus on customer satisfaction given the small market size.

Review

Carbon Is Dated

Costa Rica continues to build on its already formidable renewable energy matrix on the road to carbon neutrality.

Column

Mario Patricio Solís, General Manager, Coopesantos

TBY talks to Mario Patricio Solís, General Manager, Coopesantos, on the sector.

Interview

Carlos Obregón, CEO, Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE)

TBY talks to Carlos Obregón, CEO of Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE), on the issue of electricity prices and looking into alternative sources of generating energy.

Interview

Sara Salazar, CEO, RECOPE

TBY talks to Sara Salazar, CEO of RECOPE, on important projects on the books, helping Costa Rica to reduce its carbon footprint, and becoming a more efficient business.

Focus: Carbon Neutrality

Carbon Not Yet Gone

Costa Rica has made strides toward its goal of becoming the first carbon-neutral country in the world by 2021, but challenges remain in completing the systematic changes needed to lower emissions and transform all energy consumption.

Interview

Omar Miranda Murillo, General Manager, Coopelesca

TBY talks to Omar Miranda Murillo, General Manager of Coopelesca, on diversifying into energy generation, becoming more sustainable, and upcoming investment projects.

Interview

Elkin Suarez Durall, General Manager, Emerson Electronics

TBY talks to Elkin Suarez Durall, General Manager of Emerson Electronics, on the company's growth in the last few years, the peculiarities of Costa Rican talent, and his outlook for the future.

Review

Industrial Complex

Costa Rica's industrial sector has differentiated itself through its high-tech manufacturing, becoming a regional leader in medical and electronic exports.

Interview

Enrique J. Egloff, President, Chamber of Industries

TBY talks to Enrique J. Egloff, President of the Chamber of Industries, on facilitating a good business environment for companies, the benefits of the free zones, and the future of the sector.

Interview

Gastón Monge, CEO, Grupo Monge

TBY talks to Gastón Monge, CEO of Grupo Monge, on its operations in nano-credit, its regional aspirations, and managing risks.

Interview

Anibal Lagos, General Manager, FEMSA

TBY talks to Anibal Lagos, General Manager of FEMSA, on the benefits of working in Costa Rica, opportunities in the drinks segment, and regional differences in taste.

Focus: SME Integration

A Formal Affair

Costa Rica has been plagued by high levels of informality that have contributed to rising inequality, but a number of recent government initiatives are working to reverse this trend.

B2B

Printing

Leaders in Costa Rica's printing industry are focused on bringing innovative products to market—locally, regionally, and globally.

Interview

Enrique Ortiz, President & CEO, Camtronics

TBY talks to Enrique Ortiz, President & CEO of Camtronics, on the advantages of pursuing quality, not quantity, and the potential of Costa Rica's aerospace sector.

Vox Populi

Aerospace Cluster

Companies in Costa Rica's aerospace industry, most specifically within the electronic and software segments, are excited to push the nascent sector's limits with the right products and high-quality human resources.

B2B

Advanced Manufacturing

Human capital has long been a key driver of Costa Rica's industry and manufacturing, and increasing competition is making quality labor even more important.

B2B

Distribution

With Costa Rica's strong emphasis on manufacturing and industry, distributors have been able to grow the country's food service market and are looking to replicate this success throughout the region.

Review

Traveling Light

Congestion has risen as Costa Rica has urbanized, and the government faces a challenge in increasing capacity while still adhering to the country's environmental principles.

Column

Elizabeth Briceño, Executive President, Incofer

TBY talks to Elizabeth Briceño, Executive President, Incofer, on the sector.

Interview

Minor Rodríguez, General Manager, Coopesa

TBY talks to Minor Rodríguez, General Manager of Coopesa, on being the only self-managing cooperative in the world dedicated to heavy aircraft, the importance of communication, and maintaining a flat and democratic governance structure.

B2B

Air connectivity

Smart expansion, good government relations, and constant adaptation to new industry trends have made Costa Rica a far more important air hub in the past five years.

Focus: Orotina Airport

The Runway for Airways, Highways, and Railways

Costa Rica is currently in the process of constructing an airport large enough for its ambitions.

Interview

Ricardo Ospina, General Manager, Caldera Port

TBY talks to Ricardo Ospina, General Manager of Caldera Port, on building upon good practices, the importance of free trade with Asia, and overcoming the upgrading barrier.

Interview

Jimmy Avendaño, General Manager, Port to Port International

TBY talks to Jimmy Avendaño, General Manager of Port to Port International, on technological changes in the industry, building the right infrastructure, and meeting a critical societal demand.

Interview

Juan Carlos Contreras, General Manager, Yobel

TBY talks to Juan Carlos Contreras, General Manager of Yobel, on meeting international regulation requirements, implementing a unique philosophy, and helping clients meet their professional targets.

Interview

Alonso Bogantes, General Manager, MATRA

TBY talks to Alonso Bogantes, General Manager of MATRA, on enlarging its footprint, meeting the expansion in Caribbean demand, and the recipe for lasting client relationships.

Review

Reaching the Sky

The construction sector in Costa Rica has recovered significantly from a slump in 2016. However, the country has much to accomplish, especially in terms of ensuring new residential projects are inclusive for all income levels and fixing the infrastructure problem.

Column

Carlos Robles, General Manager, Newmark Grubb

TBY talks to Carlos Robles, General Manager, Newmark Grubb, on the sector.

Column

Esteban Cespedes, General Manager, Civitar

TBY talks to Esteban Cespedes, General Manager, Civitar, on the sector.

Interview

Roberto Acosta, General Manager, HSOLIS

TBY talks to Roberto Acosta, General Manager of HSOLIS, on its business portfolio, changing needs and solutions, and sources of growth in the future.

Forum

Infrastructure

Construction firms across the country are taking advantage of public-private partnerships and other model methods to expand not only outside San José, but also into the rest of Central America.

Interview

Héctor Lee, Directing General, Edificadora Industrial, S.A

TBY talks to Héctor Lee, Director General of Edificadora Industrial, S.A., Geopier in Costa Rica, on replicating best practices in Costa Rica, providing unique solutions, and bringing development outside the capital.

Interview

Carlos Brenes, Partner, GCI Ingenieria

TBY talks to Carlos Brenes, Partner of GCI Ingenieria, on opportunities in the public sector, preparing for construction cycles, and maintaining best practices.

Vox Populi

Construction Services

Interview

Manuel Zúñiga Sibaja,, Executive President, Cuestamoras

TBY talks to Manuel Zúñiga Sibaja, Executive President of Cuestamoras, on removing physical barriers in social spaces and building stronger communities.

Focus: Vertical Construction

Excuse Me While I Touch the Sky

An increase in vertical construction has been hailed as the solution to San José's congestion issues, and a number of new projects are in the process of transforming the skyline.

Interview

Jose Luis Salinas, President, SCGMTD Architecture and Design

TBY talks to Jose Luis Salinas, President of SCGMTD Architecture and Design, on bringing people back to the city, smart zoning changes, and the right matrix for building.

Focus: REITs

Real Estate, Real Gains

2017 proved to be a pinnacle year for real estate investment, and 2018 is poised to reach even greater heights.

Forum

Developers

Many of the biggest Costa Rican developers rarely set out with the goal of restricting themselves to that market alone, or even entering it to begin with. Rather, a combination of a fortuitous market trends and ample supply led them to develop the booming sector.

Review

Steady As She Grows

Highly competitive exports and traditional farming converge in Costa Rica, while corporate social responsibility and environmental mindedness are key.

Column

Giancarlo Bombardelli C. , General Manager, Café Volio

TBY talks to Giancarlo Bombardelli C. , General Manager, Café Volio, on the sector.

Interview

Gonzalo Chaves, CEO, Dos Pinos

TBY talks to Gonzalo Chaves, CEO of Dos Pinos, on the importance of the cooperative model, developing otherwise inaccessible parts of the country, and pivoting from a dairy to a food industry player.

Interview

Jorge Sauma, General Manager, National Banana Corporation (Corbana)

TBY talks to Jorge Sauma, General Manager of National Banana Corporation (Corbana), on giving banana workers optimal social conditions, maintaining the best environmental practices, and innovating constantly.

Forum

Agroindustry Exports

Agricultural exports have benefitted hugely from initial strong domestic growth bolstered by good practices, a recipe that has catapulted many firms to international success.

Focus: Pineapples

Pineapple Promised Land?

Costa Rica must contemplate the economic and environmental feasibility of becoming a large pineapple exporter following its first shipment to China in 2017.

Column

Abel Chaves, President, National Chamber of Pineapple Producers (CANAPEP)

TBY talks to Abel Chaves, President, National Chamber of Pineapple Producers (CANAPEP), on the sector.

Review: Health

First Do No Harm

Costa Rica's public healthcare system is one of the best in Latin America, but funding issues have led government leaders to carefully seek new private partnerships and decentralize key networks in order to maintain quality care.

Column

Ornes Calvo, Country Manager, Asofarma

TBY talks to Ornes Calvo, Country Manager, Asofarma, on the sector.

Interview

Dr. Fernando Llorca Castro, Executive President, Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social

TBY talks to Dr. Fernando Llorca Castro, Executive President of Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social, on the importance of institutional longevity, joining the OECD, and bringing standardized services to every part of the country.

B2B

Hospitals

Costa Rican hospitals are innovating and internationalizing without forgetting their original purpose or roots—to treat the sick, the traveling, and the poor.

Forum

Pharmaceuticals

A combination of smart business practices, international experience, strong human relations, and growing demand on the ground have made Costa Rica an ideal place for pharmaceuticals to set up shop.

Focus: Pharma Industry

Pills, Pills, Pills

Eager to take advantage of preexisting logistical networks and a skilled population, pharmaceutical firms have begun to seek out Costa Rica as a base of operations in Latin America.

Focus: Education Training

Get the Ball Rolling

One of the main factors that attracts investors to Costa Rica has been its skilled human capital. For this purpose, the government and academia are collaborating to improve programs and better align them to the requirements of several industries.

Forum

Education

Since the government's monopoly on education broke down in the 1970s, there has been a profusion of high-quality institutes of higher learning ensuring that increasing amounts of Costa Ricans get a world-class education.

Interview

Silvia Castro, Rector, ULACIT

TBY talks to Silvia Castro, Rector of ULACIT, on building the country's best student body, the perks of internationalization, and the importance of a liberal arts education.

Interview

Sonia Marta Mora Escalante, Minister , Public Education

TBY talks to Sonia Marta Mora Escalante, Minister of Public Education, on discovering new educational methods, enabling continuing adult education, and developing educational alliances.

Review: Education

Class Is In Session

High levels of public investment have made Costa Rica's education system one of the strongest in Latin America, and government leaders are working to improve teacher quality and ensure that the poorest Costa Ricans have access to quality secondary and tertiary schools.

Interview

Mauricio Ventura, Minister , Tourism

TBY talks to Mauricio Ventura, Minister of Tourism, on how to show the world a more complete Costa Rica, increasing connectivity, and the meaning of true sustainability.

Photo Essay: Guanacaste

Tip-Top Shape

A check up on medical tourism's potential in Guanacaste, Costa Rica's most developed tourist spot, will help the sector diagnose both problematic and prosperous segments.

B2B

Tourism

Showcasing Costa Rica's authenticity is priority number one in the tourism sector in addition to maintaining sustainable, unique tourism experiences.

Review

International Appeal

Thanks to a decades-old policy of actively courting foreign investment, Costa Rica has tax and legal frameworks that encourage free trade and the movement of capital.

B2B

Accounting

Costa Rica enjoys certain structural accounting advantages over other Central and Latin American countries, but further reforms are still needed.

Interview

Botho Steinvorth, Partner, LatinAlliance

TBY talks to Botho Steinvorth, Partner at LatinAlliance, on needed improvements to the judicial system, Costa Rica's comparative challenges and advantages, and how to enhance arbitral judgment.

Review: Legal

The Pura Vida Guide to Doing Business

LatinAlliance runs down all the crucial information investors should know when setting up in the country.