Costa Rica

In July 2023, Costa Rica and Luxembourg signed a bilateral cooperation agreement, followed by the opening of LuxDev’s representation office in September. By December 2024, the framework agreement formalising this new partnership was published in the official gazette. This agreement outlines key areas of Luxembourg Cooperation in Costa Rica, including socio-economic integration of women and youth, climate resilience and environmental sustainability, social cohesion, and human rights. Cross-cutting themes such as impact finance and digital development are also covered.

The two countries operate on a project-based cooperation model. LuxDev’s main institutional partners in Costa Rica are the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship and the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Policy.

Costa Rica is globally recognised for its exceptional biodiversity, conservation efforts, and its historic abolition of the military in 1949. 

The country invests heavily in education and healthcare. It continues to advance gender equality and minority rights.

Its diverse economy is driven by tourism, agriculture, and services. Costa Rica has also strengthened its climate change and conservation policies, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050.

Despite these achievements, Costa Rica faces significant environmental challenges, including water pollution and waste management issues resulting from extensive agriculture, inadequate wastewater treatment infrastructure, and a lack of integrated land-use policies. 

In terms of migration, the country serves as both a destination and transit hub for many migrants, creating social, economic, and institutional pressures. 

Economically, Costa Rica is working to diversify its industries and improve infrastructure to sustain long-term growth while addressing persistent social inequalities.

LuxDev implements innovative projects tailored to Costa Rica’s development challenges.