Evolution Free Zone strengthens biodiversity conservation in the Western Region through the planting of 430 native trees
24 de August de 2026
Evolution Free Zone consolidates its position as an investment and development hub outside the Greater Metropolitan Area
September, 2026. The growing presence of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) outside the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) is creating new development opportunities to provide competitive conditions for companies establishing operations in Costa Rica while increasing their contribution to the local economy.
In this context, Evolution Free Zone stands out as an investment hub for companies seeking to establish themselves or expand their operations in Costa Rica, with its rapid growth driving the development of infrastructure, quality jobs, services, and business linkages.
On September 9, the Park participated in the second edition of the Convention on Free Trade Zones Outside the Greater Metropolitan Area (GMA), which highlighted the potential of various regions across the country to foster new investment opportunities and strengthen regional development
According to data from the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER), FDI in Free Trade Zones outside the Greater Metropolitan Area (GMA) grew by 24.3% in 2025, reflecting increased momentum in attracting investment to these regions. Since 2023, the number of projects has tripled, with 58 of the 190 new projects attracted by PROCOMER established outside the GMA. Currently, more than 120 companies operating under the Free Trade Zone regime are located outside the central region of the country.
This trend reflects a shift in Costa Rica’s investment landscape and highlights the challenge of creating the conditions needed in the regions to acommodate new operations and support the growth of companies, both new and already established in the country.
“The opportunity for the country lies in building the capabilities that companies need to establish themselves and grow. That is why our approach combines infrastructure, connectivity, specialized talent development, and quality employment, with a long-term vision aimed at enabling companies to expand their operations from Costa Rica into international markets,” said Jorge Monge Víquez, Managing Director of CODE Development Group, the developer of Evolution Free Zone.
A clear example of this transformation is Evolution Free Zone, located in Tacares, Grecia, which already has an ecosystem of eight advanced manufacturing companies. As these companies begin operations, the creation of the first 6,000 high-quality jobs is confirmed in the short term, with the potential to reach up to 20,000 jobs over the next 15 years.
The scope of this investment extends beyond the borders of a single canton, as the new opportunities will benefit people in Alajuela and throughout the Western Region:
- Grecia
- Sarchí (Valverde Vega)
- Naranjo
- Zarcero
- Palmares
- San Ramón
- San Mateo
- Poás
- Peñas Blancas
- Atenas and Río Cuarto.
Collaboration among businesses, local governments, and institutions has been key to supporting this process and maximizing its impact across the region. In this regard, engagement and coordination with stakeholders such as the Federation of Municipalities of Alajuela (FEDOMA) help create the conditions needed to ensure that the benefits of investment translate into greater opportunities for local communities.
Development Opportunities
The second edition of this Convention was organized by the Costa Rican Free Trade Zones Association (AZOFRAS) and the Costa Rican Chamber of Exporters (CADEXCO), under the slogan “The future of investment is also built outside the GMA.”
“Regions outside the Greater Metropolitan Area (GMA) have the talent, businesses, communities, and capabilities needed to continue diversifying Costa Rica’s economic growth. Most importantly, the successful projects that have already been carried out demonstrate that this vision is not merely aspirational, but a reality that is unfolding today,” said Ronald Lachner, President of AZOFRAS.
During the event, participants analyzed the opportunities and needs arising from the growing presence of FDI in the regions, particularly in areas such as specialized talent, connectivity, services, infrastructure, and productive linkages. Addressing these factors will be critical to ensuring that business growth can be sustained over time and generate greater opportunities throughout the country.
Evolution Free Zone, as the fastest-growing business ecosystem in Costa Rica, has developed its value proposition around elements that directly address those needs.
One of these advantages is its strategic location, with direct access to Route 1, providing connectivity to the Greater Metropolitan Area and to key points within the country’s logistics and industrial infrastructure, including its proximity to Juan Santamaría International Airport. This advantage is complemented by the investment made to improve a 1.5-kilometer overpass along Route 1, through infrastructure works donated to the State, helping strengthen connectivity and access conditions in the area.
Another key component is access to specialized talent. To strengthen these capabilities, the Park promotes initiatives designed to align technical training with the evolving needs of businesses. Among them is the National Institute for Learning (INA) Center located within the Park, making Evolution Free Zone the first Free Trade Zone in the country to host an INA training center on-site.
This partnership makes it possible to respond more directly to the demand for technical talent from companies, strengthen the skills required by the industry, and expand opportunities for specialized employment in the region.
LUMINO is also part of this ecosystem. As CODE Development Group’s specialized talent development unit, it strengthens business competitiveness through training and development solutions, with a special emphasis on regulated industries, Medical Devices, and Smart Manufacturing.
Its proposal integrates specialized programs, certifications, microcredentials, and tailor-made solutions. In this way, LUMINO complements the value proposition of the Park and helps build skills aligned with the evolving needs of companies.
Through these efforts, Evolution Free Zone contributes to strengthening the national ecosystem to attract high-value investment and support companies at every stage of their growth, while creating new opportunities for the surrounding community.
