This year Costa Rica became the 38th member of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The institution is an international entity founded in 1961 by the United States and over 10 European countries to share knowledge and recommendations on crucial matters. Today, it is recognized for its constant promotion of better practices such as establishing evidence-based international standards and finding solutions to a range of social, economic, and environmental challenges, as well as being one of the most complete, trustworthy statistic sources in the globe.
As the fourth country in Latin America to join the OECD, Costa Rica has improved its policies on the free-market economy, created a new strategy for its national statistic system, and strengthened its mechanisms for political transparency, under the supervision of the institution. According to the Costa Rican Presidential Ministry, the country will be in a permanent evaluation process, that will support companies to offer products and services that follow the highest quality standards.
Private and foreign enterprises that currently have or plan on establishing operations in Costa Rica will now find attractive benefits that are hard to come by in other non-OECD territories in the region. For example, excellent conditions for foreign direct investors and governmental efficiency. Other areas that are addressed are the reduction of bureaucratic procedures to obtain licenses or permits and the diminution of costs related to opening a new business. Looking at the example of earlier members, Costa Rica´s economy is expected to offer more subsidies and seed capital for upcoming startups as well.
Another relevant improvement acquired from the OECD membership is the adaptation of its current education tactics to increment the amount of highly qualified human talent, and support competitiveness. As well as updates on student programs and performance testing through a new international evaluation approach. With these changes, it is expected that enterprises find an even more diverse and abundant market when looking to recruit new employees.
Where in Costa Rica to open an office? Business hubs such as AFZ, located in the Great Metropolitan Area and ten minutes away from the capital, San José, offer modern and flexible office spaces for companies of every size.
At this business city, customers are ensured with excellent quality services and expansion potential. AFZ has the capacity to triple its current square footage, so that companies can access the necessary space needed to succeed at their goals, grow and strengthen their presence in the country.
AFZ is particularly identified by one of the OECD’s proposals for Costa Rica: cooperating to mitigate climate change. The latest projects, such as renovations and new facilities follow Core & Shell LEED-certified practices to improve energy efficiency. Also, bike riding is encouraged and soon a charging station for hybrid or electric vehicles will be available, to promote sustainable ways of transportation around our campus. In addition, AFZ is a Carbon Neutral and recently re-awarded Ecological Blue Flag company in the Climate Change category.
