Costa Rica: Latin America's Silicon Valley

Costa Rica is lucky and has very good friends. The recent visit of U.S. Secretary of Commerce,  Gina Raimondo, together with the commander of the U.S. Southern Command, Laura Richardson, attests to this. Costa Rica has concluded with the northern giant a technological agreement known as the Chips and Science Act. Which means a wonderful opportunity for Costa Rica. 

As Ticos, we are very grateful and excited for this honor. Not only because we are the first country chosen by the U.S. to install the semiconductor industry, but also because it means thousands of new, highly qualified and very well-paid jobs, which will improve the Costa Rican economy. 

Costa Rica has shown strength and courage and we are here to support you, said Mrs. Raimondo. She also said that she thinks Costa Rica is the best place for a large investment. That the United States looks forward to strengthening its semiconductor alliance with Costa Rica because it is beneficial for both. The United States is a friend of Costa Rica, and we are allies, she said.

Raimondo emphasized that we have always been allies, and are now becoming strategic allies. 

Costa Rica is now a technological ally in the production of chips and microchips for the entire artificial intelligence industry for the most powerful economy on the planet. 

Minister of Foreign Trade Manuel Tovar agreed, saying that Costa Rica knows it has the conditions to promote its participation in the chip ecosystem and establish its own industrial park.

Tovar stressed that of course it is in Costa Rica’s best interest to be a strategic partner in this critical industrialization process on the continent. The country’s political stability, U.S. trust in the highly qualified talent of Ticos, its awareness of the environment and sustainability, and its experience in the development of such components have been key in the signing of this agreement. 

The Costa Rican government presented Ms. Raimondo with the country’s action plan for the high value-added semiconductor industry. In turn, the Commerce Secretary recognized the commitment of the country and the government to supplying energy and networks in keeping with the principles of democracy and respect for human rights.

Costa Rica is becoming the leader in semiconductor production in Latin America. “It is a great opportunity to be part of the North American Trade Agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada,” said President Rodrigo Chaves Robles. 

I don't know if we can be more grateful as Costa Ricans with the recent announcement made in San José just last week. We know that Ambassador Mrs. Cinthya Tellez has a lot to do with this process. And nothing makes us happier than hearing her speak Spanish with a Costa Rican accent. Thank you very much Madam Ambassador.

As she concluded her visit, Secretary Raimondo acknowledged that it is no coincidence that the U.S. named our country as its partner in the Chips and Science Act.

Opportunities are being seized!