Major US technology companies have announced a $300 million investment to expand semiconductor assembly, packaging and testing facilities in Costa Rica's free trade zones. The expansion strengthens the country's role in global chip supply chains as manufacturers seek production capacity closer to North American markets.
Costa Rica Reports Record Medical Device Exports as Global Manufacturers Expand Production
Costa Rica's foreign trade promotion agency says medical device exports have reached record levels, supported by continued investment from international healthcare technology companies. Manufacturers are expanding facilities in Alajuela and Heredia, reinforcing the sector's importance to the country's export economy.
Costa Rica and Panama Introduce Joint Border Processing Measures Amid Rising Migration
Costa Rican and Panamanian authorities have introduced coordinated digital registration systems and joint humanitarian processing centres at Paso Canoas. The measures aim to manage growing numbers of migrants travelling north through Central America while improving border coordination and humanitarian assistance.
Costa Rican and US Forces Intercept Major Drug Shipment Near Caribbean Port
Costa Rican security forces and the US Coast Guard have intercepted a multi-tonne narcotics shipment in the Caribbean Sea near the port of Limón. The joint operation forms part of efforts to disrupt international drug trafficking and protect the country's maritime trade routes from organized crime.
Costa Rica Holds Interest Rates Steady as Inflation and Currency Remain Stable
The Central Bank of Costa Rica has kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged following its latest economic review, citing controlled domestic inflation and relatively stable exchange rates. The decision reflects confidence in current monetary conditions as policymakers monitor the economy and the value of the colón against the US dollar.
Costa Rica Activates New Geothermal Power Capacity Ahead of Dry Season
The Costa Rican Electricity Institute has brought expanded geothermal facilities in Guanacaste into operation, adding a reliable source of renewable electricity to the national grid. The additional capacity is intended to offset reduced hydropower generation during the coming dry season and help maintain fully renewable electricity supplies.
Costa Rica Secures $50 Million to Expand Marine Protection Around Cocos Island
International conservation partners have committed $50 million to strengthen marine protection around Costa Rica's Cocos Island National Park. The funding will support enforcement of expanded protected areas in the eastern tropical Pacific, restricting industrial fishing and helping safeguard threatened marine species.
Costa Rica Introduces National AI Guidelines to Attract International Technology Investment
Costa Rica's Ministry of Science, Technology and Telecommunications has released national guidelines for the ethical use of artificial intelligence. The framework aims to provide clearer rules for technology companies and investors while supporting the country's ambitions in digital services and international technology development.
Costa Rica and Mexico Sign Agreement to Simplify Agricultural and Industrial Trade
Costa Rica and Mexico have finalized an updated bilateral trade agreement aimed at reducing customs delays and improving the movement of goods between the two countries. The measures are designed to lower trade costs for agricultural products, medical components and technology-related manufacturing exports.
Costa Rican Exporters Secure EU Deforestation Compliance for Coffee, Cocoa and Fruit
Agricultural cooperatives in Costa Rica have completed supply chain audits required under European Union deforestation regulations. The compliance measures are intended to preserve access to European markets for Costa Rican coffee, cocoa and fruit producers as environmental requirements become more demanding.
Costa Rica's Moín Container Terminal Reports Record Third-Quarter Cargo Volumes
The Moín Container Terminal on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast handled record container volumes during the third quarter, reflecting growing activity at one of the country's main export gateways. Improved port operations have helped reduce shipping times for agricultural exporters and strengthen Costa Rica's position in regional trade.
Costa Rica Debates Financing for San José Metropolitan Electric Train Project
Costa Rican lawmakers have begun formal discussions on international financing arrangements for a proposed electric railway serving the San José metropolitan area. The project is intended to ease urban traffic congestion, improve public transport and reduce emissions from road vehicles.
Costa Rica Continues Receiving Asylum Applications From Nicaraguan Opposition Figures
Costa Rican immigration authorities are processing continued asylum requests from Nicaraguan political opponents, journalists and civil society leaders fleeing repression in their home country. The situation remains a sensitive diplomatic issue for San José as political tensions with neighbouring Nicaragua persist.
Costa Rica Mobilizes Emergency Funding as Heavy Rain Raises Flood Risks in Pacific Provinces
Costa Rica's National Emergency Commission has deployed engineering resources and emergency infrastructure funding following unusually intense rainfall in Puntarenas and Guanacaste. Authorities are reinforcing vulnerable riverbanks and protecting coastal roads to limit potential damage from flooding.
Costa Rica Tourism Authorities Forecast Record Winter Season With New Guanacaste Flights
Costa Rican tourism officials expect a record international visitor season following the introduction of additional direct flights from North America and Europe to Guanacaste's Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport. The expanded air connections are expected to support tourism growth along the country's Pacific coast.
Global Pharmaceutical Companies Plan Regional Clinical Trial Hubs in Costa Rica
International pharmaceutical companies have announced plans to establish regional clinical trial operations within Costa Rican medical institutions. The companies cited the country's healthcare infrastructure, regulatory environment and skilled medical workforce as reasons for expanding clinical research activities there.
Costa Rican Universities Introduce Semiconductor Engineering Programs to Meet Industry Demand
Universities in Costa Rica are working with multinational technology companies to introduce specialized engineering and microelectronics degree programs. The initiative aims to develop a larger pool of skilled workers as semiconductor manufacturers expand their operations in the country.
Costa Rican Fintech Startups Secure New Funding to Expand Digital Payments Across Central America
Financial technology companies based in San José have attracted international venture capital investment to expand digital wallets and cross-border money transfer services. The funding will support efforts to bring Costa Rican payment technology to additional Central American markets.
Costa Rica Introduces Regenerative Tourism Certification for Hotels and Resorts
Costa Rican tourism operators and environmental regulators have introduced a certification program requiring participating hotels and resorts to restore local ecosystems and support Indigenous communities. The initiative seeks to build on the country's established ecotourism industry by encouraging measurable environmental and community benefits.
San José Chosen to Host International Climate Resilience Summit
United Nations environmental programs have selected San José, Costa Rica, to host an upcoming international conference on climate resilience. The event will bring together environmental policymakers to discuss climate adaptation and conservation, highlighting Costa Rica's continuing involvement in international environmental cooperation.