The United States and the Dominican Republic have deepened their collaboration to enhance trade security and streamline cross-border logistics, particularly at the country’s ports and airports. This joint effort underscores a growing emphasis on fortifying the Dominican Republic logistics chain, a critical regional and international commerce component.

Strengthening Port and Airport Security Through U.S.-Dominican Cooperation

The collaboration involves U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel stationed directly at key logistics hubs in the Dominican Republic. These American officials are working closely with Dominican authorities to elevate the security standards of the country’s transportation infrastructure.

Abdías Ortiz, Regional Attaché for the Caribbean with CBP, confirmed the depth of this partnership during a recent high-level industry event. “We are working very closely with Dominican authorities to enhance port and airport security, thereby bringing a level of security to the supply and logistics chain for the United States,” Ortiz stated.

This cooperative model includes information sharing, joint surveillance strategies, and risk assessment measures designed to identify and neutralize threats such as the smuggling of illicit goods. Ortiz stressed that having U.S. personnel on the ground enables a proactive approach to potential issues, preventing them from impacting the Dominican Republic’s logistics chain or the broader international system.

A Milestone Event: BASC Certification Ceremony

These remarks were delivered at the prestigious certification ceremony of 52 Dominican companies under the BASC (Business Alliance for Secure Commerce) standard. Held at the El Embajador Hotel, the event formed part of the organization’s annual general assembly, where public and private sector leaders convened to discuss trade security trends and innovations.

BASC is an international business alliance promoting secure commerce through partnerships between governments and businesses. Certification under the BASC standard signifies compliance with global supply chain security protocols and operational integrity.

The president of BASC’s Dominican chapter, Horacio Lomba, opened the event with a powerful address on global logistics challenges. “We are living through turbulent times, in which geopolitical and economic shifts, technological advancements, and climate change have pressured and slowed global trade,” Lomba noted.

His comments reflected the urgency of shoring up infrastructure and processes within the Dominican Republic logistics chain to keep pace with international demands.

Global Shocks and Local Responses

Lomba further highlighted how synthetic drugs and counterfeit goods have strained national health systems, even in the most developed countries, calling for enhanced vigilance. “Supply chain disruptions, international wars, and the reduction of maritime traffic through the Suez and Panama Canals are redrawing the global map, forcing us to be far more alert and well-informed,” he said.

This global backdrop reinforces the importance of partnerships between the United States and the Dominican Republic. It also emphasizes the necessity for local companies to obtain certifications and adopt best practices that enhance the security and efficiency of the Dominican Republic logistics chain.

Spotlight on Certified Companies

The ceremony honored 52 Dominican institutions that achieved BASC certification. These organizations represent diverse sectors within the logistics and transportation ecosystem, playing crucial roles in moving goods across the Caribbean and beyond.

• Some of the certified companies include:
• Armadura Protección y Seguridad
• Agentes y Estibadores Portuarios
• Almacenes y Frigoríficos Dominicanos
• Dominican Watchman National
• Cervecería Nacional Dominicana
• Haina International Terminal
• Molinos del Ozama
• Pier 17 Group Dominicana
• Jabil Healthcare DR
• Hospifar
• Plásticos Multiform
• Now Logistics
• Rodemsa
• Sans Souci Ports
• Truckslogic Dominica

These companies exemplify the robust capacity and commitment of the private sector to uphold global security standards and enhance the resilience of the Dominican Republic logistics chain. Their certification signifies readiness to mitigate risks and capitalize on trade and investment opportunities with key partners such as the United States.

A Model for Regional Leadership

The Dominican Republic’s proactive stance has cemented its role as a leader in secure trade within the Caribbean. The country’s willingness to engage directly with U.S. security agencies and elevate its logistics protocols aligns with international expectations.

Through enhanced port surveillance, anti-smuggling measures, and industry certifications, the Dominican Republic logistics chain is increasingly viewed as a reliable link in the broader supply chain network that services the Americas and other global regions.

This collaborative framework also serves as a potential model for neighboring countries aiming to improve their trade infrastructure and compliance with international security standards.

Future Prospects: Investing in Logistics Resilience

Looking ahead, continued investment in logistics infrastructure, digital security tools, and international partnerships will be crucial to maintaining and growing the Dominican Republic’s competitiveness in global trade.

With geopolitical tensions, climate-related disruptions, and evolving threats continuing to challenge supply chains, robust cooperation between countries like the U.S. and the Dominican Republic offers a vital path forward.

As certified companies expand their operations and new firms seek BASC certification, the Dominican Republic’s logistics chain will become stronger, able to withstand shocks and deliver value.

Conclusion

The United States—Dominican Republic partnership represents a high-impact initiative to safeguard and strengthen regional logistics operations. By stationing U.S. personnel in Dominican ports and sharing critical security data, both nations are building a safer, more efficient framework for trade.

With 52 Dominican companies now certified under the BASC standard, the Dominican Republic has signaled its commitment to international best practices and secure commerce. This strengthens the Dominican Republic logistics chain, reinforces trust among global trading partners, and positions the country as a regional benchmark for secure, resilient logistics.

Port development is essential for a country’s economic growth. Ports serve as vital hubs in international trade, facilitating the movement of goods and promoting competitiveness, productivity, and economic development across regions. They enable countries to participate more fully in the global economy, stimulate local industries, and attract foreign investment. In this regard, the Almirante Miguel Grau Port Terminal project in Tacna emerges as a strategic initiative for Peru’s southern region, potentially transforming it into a significant logistics hub.

This new project, estimated to cost around $ 400 million, is poised to become a key piece of infrastructure, with the capacity to handle imports and exports between Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Asian markets. Directly managing these commercial flows will significantly reduce dependence on other ports, particularly those located farther north or in neighboring countries. Given its strategic location near international borders, the new port in Peru will help to boost the country’s competitiveness and open new commercial routes to the Pacific Ocean.

Interest in the Almirante Miguel Grau Port project is growing internationally. Investors in the United States and Hong Kong have shown strong interest in developing and executing this new infrastructure. Their attention reflects the port’s promising potential and the broader opportunities arising from Peru’s expanding role in global trade networks.

Peruvian Port Attracts Investors Based in the U.S. and Hong Kong

The regional governor of Tacna, Luis Torres Robledo, recently announced that a second major international company had expressed a concrete interest in investing in the development of the Almirante Miguel Grau Port. This announcement came after the port’s master plan was officially approved by the National Port Authority (ANP), a milestone that marked a turning point for the project.

Governor Torres Robledo received a formal letter of intent from representatives of ANU Global Green Energy Holdings, a U.S.-based company with considerable expertise in infrastructure investments, particularly in renewable energy and energy transition projects. In their communication, the company outlined its intention not only to invest in the construction of the port infrastructure but also to participate in the execution and long-term management of the Almirante Miguel Grau Port Terminal, as well as the administration of the Exclusive Commercial Zone that will complement the port operations.

This announcement follows an earlier proposal made just two weeks prior by the Port and Investment Consortium Tuzel, a company headquartered in Hong Kong. Tuzel proposed offering a $500 million investment to fully finance the terminal’s development. This competition among international investors highlights the strategic value of the new port in Peru for regional logistics and commerce.

In light of the growing international interest, Governor Torres Robledo reiterated his call to the Ministry of Transport and Communications to prioritize including the project’s master plan in the Multiyear Investment Report for Public-Private Partnerships (Imiapp). This move is considered crucial for accelerating the port’s execution timeline and for establishing Tacna as a new and dynamic logistics and commercial hub in southern Peru.

The project’s success could create a ripple effect across multiple industries, including transportation, manufacturing, agriculture, and services, further cementing the strategic importance of developing this major port in Peru.

Miguel Grau Port in Tacna Receives Master Plan Approval from ANP

A critical milestone for the Almirante Miguel Grau Port was achieved in September 2024 when the Board of Directors of the National Port Authority (ANP) officially approved the Grau Port Master Plan. The Regional Government of Tacna prepared and submitted this plan and underwent rigorous evaluations before being accepted and incorporated into the National Port Development Plan. The approval is widely regarded as a significant step forward, formally recognizing the project as a national priority and making it eligible for greater institutional support and investment promotion.

“We now have a birth certificate — we exist, we are no longer nameless, we are no longer just a dream, we are a reality. This is the first step. Now, hand in hand with ProInversión, we will work on the project’s economic and financial viability to promote it worldwide and begin construction as soon as possible,” Governor Torres Robledo emphasized in a statement to local media.

The development of the Almirante Miguel Grau Port goes hand in hand with broader regional initiatives, particularly the ambitious project to build the bioceanic railway. This railway aims to link southern Peru with Bolivia and Brazil, creating a powerful logistical corridor from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. Integrating the port infrastructure with the new railway system would provide unparalleled connectivity for international trade routes, further increasing the importance of this new port in Peru.

Meanwhile, the president of the ANP underlined that the approval of the master plan represents the “birth certificate” of this key project. He pointed out that this step paves the way for more detailed technical, economic, and financial studies to be conducted in collaboration with the Private Investment Promotion Agency (ProInversión). These studies will be essential for structuring the project to attract both domestic and international investors and ensure the long-term success of the new port in Peru.

Conclusion

The Almirante Miguel Grau Port project in Tacna has rapidly evolved from a visionary idea into an emerging reality, thanks to strategic planning, strong government support, and growing international interest. With investors from the United States and Hong Kong already signaling their commitment and with formal backing from Peru’s key regulatory bodies, the future of this port in Peru looks promising.

As construction begins and related infrastructure projects like the bioceanic railway advance, the port is poised to redefine southern Peru’s role in global trade. It will create new economic opportunities for the region and contribute significantly to Peru’s overall economic resilience and international connectivity.

A New Global Trade Landscape Creates Openings for Guatemala

Guatemala stands before a remarkable opportunity in the evolving world of international commerce. The traditional dominance of Asian manufacturers, especially those in China, in light manufacturing sectors like toys is being challenged by global supply chain shifts. Tensions between the United States and China have disrupted established trade routes, creating a vacuum for new players to emerge. According to Juan Esteban Sánchez, executive director of the public-private initiative Invest Guatemala, these disruptions present a strategic chance for Guatemala to position itself as a competitive supplier in the global toy market.

Guatemala and the global toy industry are becoming increasingly intertwined as international companies seek reliable, cost-effective, and geographically closer alternatives to Asian production hubs. Sánchez emphasizes that Guatemala’s logistical proximity to North America, a key consumer market, makes it an attractive destination for new manufacturing investments.

Competitive Advantages Bolster Guatemala’s Case

Several factors make Guatemala a compelling contender in this shifting landscape. The country boasts a network of trade agreements that facilitates preferential access to major markets, including the United States, Mexico, and Central America. Affordable production costs further incentivize investors who seek to maximize value while maintaining high-quality standards.

In addition to cost and access advantages, Guatemala offers a macroeconomic and institutional environment characterized by stability and openness to foreign investment. In a world where supply chain resilience and predictability have become more crucial than ever, these attributes enhance Guatemala’s profile among global decision-makers.

Sánchez notes that Guatemala’s workforce is another key asset. The country already has companies with proven experience exporting goods made from plastics, wood, cardboard, and textiles—all critical raw materials for the toy industry. These firms operate modern plants and employ trained personnel ready to adapt to new manufacturing requirements, making the transition into toy production a feasible and attractive proposition.

Challenges to Overcome for Long-Term Success

While the opportunity is clear, Sánchez is candid about the challenges that Guatemala must address to capitalize on its potential fully. Infrastructure remains a pressing issue. The country must invest in strengthening its logistics backbone, particularly in areas such as road connectivity, port efficiency, and customs services. Delays and added costs could undermine Guatemala’s competitive advantages if transportation and trade facilitation are not efficient.

Moreover, Sánchez stresses the importance of facilitating investment in technological modernization. Guatemalan manufacturers must meet stringent quality, safety, and sustainability standards to compete globally. This requires access to modern machinery, automation tools, and enhanced production processes. Supporting companies with access to working capital is equally vital so they can make the necessary investments to upgrade facilities and expand production capacity.

Guatemala and the global toy industry must move forward by addressing these systemic challenges through coordinated public and private sector initiatives.

Sustainability and Culture: Unique Selling Points for Guatemalan Toys

Beyond logistics and cost competitiveness, Guatemala has the potential to offer something uniquely valuable to the global toy industry: authenticity and sustainability. Sánchez highlights that integrating important symbolic values into toy production could help Guatemalan products stand out in an increasingly discerning global market.

Toys that reflect Guatemala’s rich cultural heritage—traditions, folklore, and Indigenous artistry—could captivate international consumers seeking unique and meaningful products. Furthermore, sustainable materials and embracing circular economy practices in manufacturing would resonate strongly with eco-conscious buyers.

Guatemala and the global toy industry are poised to align on these shared values, offering toys that are not only fun but also tell a story and contribute to a greener planet.

Existing Capabilities Provide a Strong Foundation

Guatemala doesn’t have to start from scratch to build its presence in the toy industry. According to Sánchez, several companies already manufacture children’s products such as tricycles, furniture, and food containers. These firms have the production know-how, regulatory understanding, and logistical networks needed to scale up and diversify into a broader range of toy products.

Leveraging these existing capabilities gives Guatemala an edge over other emerging competitors. With strategic investment in design, branding, and global marketing, local manufacturers could rapidly expand their footprint and build globally recognized brands.

Guatemala and the global toy industry are poised to enter into a partnership that could bring significant economic benefits to the country while enriching the international toy market.

Moving Forward: Strategic Collaboration is Key

Coordination among government agencies, private enterprises, and international investors will be essential to seize this opportunity. Public policies that promote investment streamline regulatory procedures, and improve education and training in manufacturing technologies will enhance Guatemala’s attractiveness as a production base.

Additionally, partnerships with global toy brands could accelerate Guatemalan companies’ learning curve. Joint ventures, licensing agreements, and technical collaborations enable local manufacturers to adopt international best practices quickly and gain credibility with global buyers.

In conclusion, Guatemala and the global toy industry stand at a pivotal intersection. If the right strategic moves are made now—investing in infrastructure, fostering innovation, and emphasizing sustainability—Guatemala could establish itself as a dynamic new player in this lucrative sector. With commitment, vision, and collaboration, the land of the quetzal may soon become synonymous with quality toys that delight children worldwide.

Mexican startups are attracting substantial angel investments, positioning themselves as key players in Latin America’s burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem. The startup scene in Mexico is experiencing a moment of intense excitement, attracting significant volumes of angel investment, driving the transformation of key economic sectors, and solidifying Mexico’s status as a robust and promising market for emerging companies across the region.

Sectors Drawing the Most Investor Attention

An in-depth analysis conducted by Dinero.mx reveals that the sectors garnering the most interest from angel investors in Mexico are fintech, e-commerce, and logistics, where innovation, technological disruption, and rapid growth potential are particularly evident. This momentum highlights not only the creativity of Mexican entrepreneurs but also the strategic vision of investors who recognize the country’s unique advantages in launching and scaling high-potential businesses.

Mexico’s Rise as a Startup Investment Hub

Mexico has strategically positioned itself as one of the primary hubs for early-stage venture capital in Latin America. The country has demonstrated a notable increase in the flow of angel investments directed toward high-potential startups. This uptick in investment reflects a broader trend: Mexico’s increasingly sophisticated market conditions, improving access to capital, and a growing network of experienced entrepreneurs and investors willing to bet on local innovation.

Success Stories Boost Investor Confidence

The technology and fintech sectors, in particular, continue to attract significant angel investments. Emerging companies like Kueski and Creditea have secured substantial funding rounds, fueling their expansion and allowing them to develop new products and reach broader audiences. These success stories have inspired other entrepreneurs and built investor confidence in the scalability and profitability of Mexican startups.

The Role of Angel Investment in Startup Development

While startups and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) have access to various financing avenues, angel investment represents a distinctive modality. An analysis by Dinero.mx, based on data provided by Angels Nest Latam, positions Mexico at the forefront in Latin America, with a network of approximately 800 active angel investors. This strong base of investors is critical to the country’s sustained startup growth, offering financial support, mentorship, industry connections, and strategic guidance vital to early-stage success.

Target Sectors for Angel Investment

This regional leadership underscores the maturity and dynamism of Mexico’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Furthermore, the analysis identifies fintech, e-commerce, and logistics as the sectors with the most significant appeal for this type of investment. Mexican startups operating within these sectors are particularly well-positioned to leverage technological innovation to address substantial market gaps, enhancing efficiency, access, and convenience for businesses and consumers.

More than Capital: Strategic Support for Startups

Angel investment transcends mere capital injection; it reflects a profound conviction in the business model’s intrinsic potential and the entrepreneurial team. In Mexico, this combination of financial resources and strategic expertise provided by investors has been a decisive factor in the trajectory of numerous startups that have achieved multimillion-dollar valuations in a relatively brief period. For Mexican startups, the infusion of capital and expertise often acts as a catalyst, helping them navigate the early challenges of scaling operations, refining products, and expanding into new markets.

Top Mexican Startups Leading the Way

In this context, the financial information platform Dinero.mx has compiled a list of the 15 Mexican startups that have achieved million-dollar valuations and secured the most significant angel investments in recent years, based on data gathered by Startupeable:

• Kavak, founded by Carlos García Ottati, Roger Laughlin, and Loreanne García, revolutionized the used car buying and selling market through its e-commerce platform. By surpassing $2 billion in total investment, it became Mexico’s first unicorn, highlighting the explosive potential of well-executed e-commerce platforms in emerging markets.
• In the fintech sector, Konfío, led by David Arana and Francisco Padilla, has fully digitized the credit cycle for SMEs, positioning itself as one of the few Latin American fintech unicorns with over $500 million in cumulative investment.
• Stori, a fintech focused on financial inclusion for the unbanked and founded by Marlene Garayzar, the first Mexican woman to found a unicorn, has attracted $50 million in angel investment. This significant achievement underscores the untapped potential in Mexico’s financial services market.
• Clara, a corporate expense management and credit card platform founded by Diego Iván Garcia Escobedo and Gerry Giacoman Colyer, also surpassed the $50 million mark in angel investment, joining the select group of Mexico’s first unicorns.
• Clip, which facilitates digital payment adoption for small and medium-sized businesses thanks to the vision of Adolfo Babatz and Vilash Poovala, has attracted more than $25 million in angel investment—a figure similar to that achieved by Klar, the fintech founded by Stefan Möller to democratize financial services.
• Merama, founded by Sujay Tyle, Felipe Delgado, and Renato Andrade, drives the growth of e-commerce companies and has emerged as one of Mexico’s first unicorns, reaching $445 million in total investment.
• Valoreo, a company that acquires and develops e-commerce brands in Latin America and was founded by Martín and Stefan Florea, Alexander Gruell, Cedrik Hoffmann, and Miguel Oehlin, has obtained $50 million in angel investment.
• Nowports, a Monterrey-based startup focused on real-time cargo tracking and logistics, was founded by Alfonso de los Ríos and Maximiliano Casal. With nearly $25 million invested, it is nearing unicorn status.

E-commerce and Foodtech Startups on the Rise

In the e-commerce and foodtech sector:

• Jüsto, the online supermarket founded by Ricardo Weder, Ricardo Martínez, and Alejandro Sisniega, has raised between $10 million and $25 million in angel investment.
• Gaia Design, founded by Rafaello Starace and Hassan Yasine, is dedicated to designing and manufacturing accessible furniture. This segment is growing as Mexican consumers increasingly seek high-quality, affordable design options.

Finally:

• Kubo Financiero, the multi-product financial services platform founded by Vicente Fenoll, has also secured angel investments between $10 million and $25 million, reinforcing the appeal of fintech ventures to angel investors in Mexico.

The agility demonstrated by these startups in identifying market inefficiencies and proposing disruptive solutions has served as a powerful magnet for angel investors. Drawn by the potential for substantial returns in high-growth markets, these investors actively seek promising projects and companies to propel them toward new stages of development within Mexico’s dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Mexican startups have earned a reputation for resilience, adaptability, and innovation, which makes them attractive to local investors and international venture capitalists seeking new opportunities in emerging markets. The increasing sophistication of the startup ecosystem and the continued expansion of support networks for entrepreneurs suggest that Mexico’s momentum in this space is far from reaching its peak.

Conclusion

The future looks bright for Mexican startups as they continue to drive economic transformation, attract significant investments, and expand their local and international footprint. With a robust angel investor network, a fertile environment for innovation, and an entrepreneurial spirit that thrives on overcoming challenges, Mexico is poised to remain a leading force in the Latin American startup scene for years to come. As more success stories emerge and investment opportunities grow, Mexican startups will continue to shape the future of technology, finance, logistics, and beyond across the region.

Costa Rica’s Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministers, Arnoldo André Tinoco and Manuel Tovar, recently underscored their ambitions to deepen exchanges with Japan and attract new investments in the semiconductor sector during a key diplomatic mission to Tokyo. The visit forms part of a broader Asian tour that will also take Minister André to South Korea, signaling a clear strategic focus on strengthening Costa Rica’s ties with the Asia-Pacific region.

Accompanying André is Minister of Foreign Trade Manuel Tovar. Notably, this marks the third time the ministers have traveled together to Japan since President Rodrigo Chaves took office in 2016. These nearly annual trips highlight Costa Rica’s consistent efforts to expand its visibility and influence in Japan and Asia. “Costa Rica’s efforts to foster and increase its presence in Japan and Asia overall, particularly in the political and investment fields, are more important now than ever,” emphasized Minister André during the visit.

As part of this deepening bilateral relationship, an agreement is expected to be signed to establish a framework for regular political consultations, coinciding with the 90th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Costa Rica and Japan. This initiative will serve as a foundation for even more structured and sustained engagement between the two countries in the years ahead.

The CPTPP as a Path for Trade Diversification

Another significant topic on the agenda during this mission is Costa Rica’s ongoing process to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), an extensive trade agreement of which Japan is a leading member. For Costa Rica, joining this economic bloc represents a significant milestone in its efforts to diversify its trade relationships and enhance global competitiveness.

Minister Tovar stressed that joining the CPTPP “represents the main trade policy” of the Chaves administration. He pointed out that the CPTPP currently accounts for 15% of global GDP and 20% of foreign direct investment, highlighting the immense opportunities that membership would bring. According to Tovar, negotiations with the CPTPP member countries are progressing “decisively,” driven by a “shared will on both sides to move forward as quickly as possible.”

The goal is to finalize negotiations by the end of the year, after which the accession treaty will be submitted for parliamentary ratification, a critical step to bring it into formal force. By joining the CPTPP, Costa Rica aims to expand its access to new markets and increase its appeal as a prime destination for industries such as high-tech manufacturing, which will further boost Costa Rica’s semiconductor investment opportunities.

In explaining the strategic rationale behind the push for diversification, Tovar noted that Costa Rica seeks to “inoculate itself against any risk,” particularly risks associated with overdependence on its leading trading partner, the United States. Despite Washington’s imposition of ‘reciprocal’ tariffs, Tovar dismissed suggestions that these tariffs drove Costa Rica’s pivot toward Asia and beyond.

“We began our diversification process long before the implementation of tariffs by the Donald Trump administration,” he affirmed. Tovar emphasized that the decision to seek expanded global markets through efforts such as CPTPP accession and stronger ties with South Korea, Singapore, China, Europe, and South America predated these external pressures.

“What we want is to continue expanding globally and continue inoculating ourselves against any risk, whether it be tariffs, a pandemic, or an economic recession,” he said. In this sense, Costa Rican semiconductor investment fits squarely within the country’s broader strategy of reducing vulnerabilities and strengthening economic resilience through innovation and global integration.

Seeking Asian Partners in Semiconductors

Strengthening trade and political ties with Japan and other Asian nations is particularly significant for Costa Rica’s burgeoning semiconductor industry. As Tovar explained, accession to the CPTPP will enable Costa Rica to tap into “synergies” with Asian countries like Vietnam and Malaysia, further integrating itself into global technology supply chains.

Costa Rica already boasts considerable experience in the semiconductor sector, with major international players such as Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) and Applied Materials (NASDAQ: AMAT) maintaining critical operations there. Building on this strong foundation, the government is actively working to position the country as an increasingly attractive hub for semiconductor investment in Costa Rica.

Minister Tovar highlighted several of the country’s competitive advantages, including decades of experience in the sector, a highly attractive system of fiscal incentives, an energy matrix that is almost entirely based on renewable sources, a skilled workforce, and exceptional political stability.

These strengths are expected to be key selling points during meetings with Japanese semiconductor companies, which are part of the Tokyo leg of the visit. An investment seminar was held at the Tokyo headquarters of the Inter-American Development Bank to showcase Costa Rica’s potential. One-on-one meetings with corporate leaders are also scheduled to promote Costa Rican semiconductor investment further.

Beyond Japan, Costa Rica’s leadership sees broader opportunities across the region. Japan is seen as a crucial entry point to the broader Asian market. Foreign Minister André stressed that, unlike other countries in Central and South America, Costa Rica has maintained a relatively low profile regarding Chinese investment and business presence. This makes it a particularly attractive partner for Japan, which is eager to bolster ties with like-minded nations that share free-market values and political stability.

“For Costa Rica, Japan is the gateway to Asia,” said André, who also mentioned Costa Rica’s strong relationships with Singapore and South Korea. After concluding the Tokyo visit, André will travel to South Korea from April 28 to 30, 2025, to participate in the “Our Ocean” Conference — a major event focused on promoting sustainable marine economies and protecting ocean ecosystems.

Costa Rica’s decision to emphasize semiconductor investment during this tour recognizes global technological trends and the need for smaller economies to carve out strategic niches within global supply chains. With semiconductors forming the backbone of industries ranging from consumer electronics to electric vehicles and defense technologies, Costa Rica is well-positioned to attract a new wave of investment, driving further economic growth and resilience.

Semiconductors are a part of Costa Rica’s economic development strategy

Efforts to encourage Costa Rican semiconductor investment are not isolated but are integrated into the government’s broader economic development strategy, which includes investments in education, infrastructure, and clean energy. By continuing to capitalize on its strengths and forging new partnerships, Costa Rica aims to build a future-ready economy that can withstand global uncertainties while creating high-quality jobs for its people.

The recent diplomatic mission to Japan highlights a proactive and forward-looking approach to economic diversification. With Costa Rican semiconductor investment at the forefront of its strategy, the country is setting the stage for long-term prosperity, innovation, and global competitiveness.