Costa Rica FDI on Pace to Break All-Time High

During the first 6 months of 2011, Costa Rica accumulated $1.06 billion in foreign direct investment, according to the Central Bank of Costa Rica.  Under President Chincillia, the Foreign Trade Ministry set an investment goal of $1.85 billion, and if FDI continues at its current pace, they'll surpass their record-breaking goal.    
IBM made the largest contribution to FDI in the first half of the year.  On June 30, the technology company accounced a $300 million increase in investment in Costa Rica which is expected to create 1,000 new jobs.  According to Carl Ingersoll, general manager of IBM Costa Rica, IBM wanted to invest in Latin America and chose Costa Rica based on "a number of competitve advantages".

source: The Tico Times

Will Costa Rica Stand the Test of Time?

Costa Rica has positioned itself as a key nearshoring destination and boasts solid track records with companies including Amway, Microsoft, and IBM.  This article examines Costa Rica’s success despite rising salaries and a miniscule labor force, questioning their ability to stay at the top amidst rising competition in Latin America. 

Read it at Global Services Media.