Green Timber Investments

One of the most stable and prosperous countries in Latin America, Costa Rica has deep financial ties to the United States as well as constitutionally protected private property rights for foreigners. Costa Rica entered a peaceful democratic era in 1899, which has continued to this day but for a dictatorship from 1917-19 and a 44-day civil war in 1948 after a disputed presidential election. The civil war resulted in the constitutional guarantee of free elections, universal suffrage, and the abolition of the military.

In modern times, Costa Rica has emerged as an international leader on environmental and human rights issues and has strongly supported peaceful dispute resolution. As Switzerland did in the 1800’s, Costa Rica proclaimed permanent neutrality in 1993.

The United States and Costa Rica have a long history of favorable economic relations. The U.S. accounts for one-half of Costa Rican exports, imports and tourism, and over two-thirds of the foreign investment in Costa Rica. Over 20,000 United States citizens live in the country, and over 600,000 visit every year.

The following is a partial list of major investors in Costa Rica: Intel, Standard Fruit Company (Dole), Chiquita, Abbot Laboratories, Baxter, Scott Paper, Proctor and Gamble, Citibank, Bechtel, Marriott, Western Union, ALCOA, Conair, Warners, Merk, Pfizer, McDonalds, Four Seasons Hotel, Price Smart, Payless Shoe Source and IBM.