Security sector in Costa Rica

President Chinchilla’s plan 2010-2014 states that security is the country’s biggest challenge to face during her mandate and is her number one priority.

Market overview

Costa Rica has set aside about 2.5% of its GDP to invest in Security of which £345 million will go towards Public Safety and the Justice Administration System. Additionally an estimated £235 million will be spent on private security, including homes and businesses.*

Furthermore, the private security market in Latin American is among the fastest growing in the world, with Costa Rica ranking fifth in the region, with a total of more than 452 private agents per 100,000 inhabitants.**

In 2011 Costa Rica was ranked 61st (of a possible 142) for security, compared with 56th the previous year. Geographical location, a perceived deterioration in the country’s sense of security ( a feature common of almost all Central American economies) and a lack of improvement to the infrastructure of the country (caused by insufficient investment and maintenance) all played a part in the ratings drop.***

In her first two years of presidency Ms. Chinchilla has added 3 thousand new policeman to the country’s payroll an increase of 27%.|****

* World Bank Report, 2011.

** Small Arms Survey 2011 study by the Institute of International Studies and Development in Geneva, Switzerland.

*** World Economic Forum’s annual global competitiveness rankings, 2011.

**** http://www.dialogo-americas.com/es/articles/rmisa/features/regional_news/2012/06/01/costa-rica-police

Key opportunities

Consultancy Services

General crime prevention
Organised crime prevention
Rehabilitation and reinsertion
Institutional strengthening
Crowd Control (for the 2013 Central American Games)

Electronic Security Equipment

CCTV Camera Systems
Alarm equipment
Access control systems
Electronic locks and cylinders

Security Equipment

Safety vests
Ballistic plates
Explosives detectors
Radios & communication equipment
Arms
Metal detectors & scanners
Building and perimeter security products
Accessories

Latest export opportunities – Security

Latest export opportunities – Costa Rica

Getting into the market

Costa Rica boasts more than 100 years of democracy and has a strategic location and an excellent business climate. Costa Rican laws guarantee equal rights to foreign companies.

Businessmen will generally speak reasonable English, but if not they will let you know. They tend to avoid precise commitments, although they may make them vocally to avoid hurting another’s feelings. Appointing a local representative works well as an initial point of entry into market since they understand local bureaucracy and law.

The European Union and Central America have concluded negotiations for an association agreement which is hoped to be ratified in late 2012, which will bring new benefits, such as lower trade tariffs for European goods.

Bureaucracy is still a challenge, however the Ministry of Foreign Commerce (COMEX) and the Export Trade Promoter (PROCOMER) are currently working on improving procedures so that all steps can be carried out in the same office thus reducing costs and time.

More about doing business in Costa Rica

Contacts

Market intelligence is critical when doing business overseas and UKTI can provide bespoke market research and support during overseas visits though our chargeable Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS).

To commission research or for general advice about the market, get in touch with our specialists based overseas - or contact your local international trade team.

Luisa C. Pastor, Director Trade & Investment, British Embassy San José. Tel: +506 2258 2025 or email: Luisa.pastor@fco.gov.uk.
Kate Cruse, Trade & Investment Officer, British Embassy San José. Tel: 506 2258 2025 or email: Kate.cruse@fco.gov.uk.

Contact your local international trade team

UKTI Events

UKTI runs a range of events for exporters, including seminars in the UK, trade missions to overseas markets and support for attendance at overseas trade shows.

Latest events – Security