People often ask me, “Is it safe to invest in Costa Rica?” I don’t purport to be an expert in the field of international investments but lately have seen a growing number of big name U.S. companies and individuals investing in Costa Rica. They would never think of putting their capital here if the investment climate was not favorable.

Intel was the first major play to invest in Costa Rica in 1998. A significant amount of Intel’s major manufacturing and technology development has taken place at its award-winning site in Costa Rica. This site includes two manufacturing plants and one distribution center dedicated to the assembly, testing and distribution of the world’s fastest processors.

Let’s look at who else has invested recently in Costa Rica.

• General Electric purchased 50% of the Bank of San Jose, a private local bank. As a result the bank plans to expand to other areas of the country.
• Wal-Mart just purchased stock in Supermercados Unidos, the largest supermarket chain in Central America.
• Steve Case, the founder of AOL and of Time Warner fame, just purchased 23 million dollars worth of beach property. He plans to build an upscale resort at Punta Cacique.
• Wendy’s Hamburger chain will open over 15 stores in Costa Rica starting in May of 2006. All 15 of the stores should be completed by 2010.

On January 4, 2006 I was privileged to meet with Dr Oscar Arias Sánchez at his home. He is one of Costa Rica’s most distinguished citizens. Don Oscar was president of Costa Rica from 1986 to 1990. His most notable achievement was the Central American Peace Plan which ended year’s of conflict in the region in 1987. For his efforts he earned the 1987 Nobel Peace Prize. In 1988 Dr. Arias furthered his vision of democracy and nonviolence by founding the Arias Foundation for Peace and Human Progress. The mission of the Foundation is to promote just and peaceful societies in Central America and other regions (see www.arias.or.cr). Don Oscar is now the front runner in the 2006 presidential race. He is expected to win easily.

When my two Costa Rican friends and I arrived at the Arias residence in the San Jose suburb of Rohrmoser and were escorted through the main entrance by one of Don Oscar’s assistants. He took us to the ex-president’s study and told us to make ourselves comfortable.

One of the things the impressed me the most was that the former president was not surrounded by scores of body guards. In fact, during his presidency he would often walk alone in the nearby Sabana Park. This would never happen in the U.S. or any other country. Costa Rica is a country with no enemies. Even the presidents and ex-presidents feel comfortable with little security.

The first thing that caught me eye while sitting in the study was the large number of books that lined three sides of the room. There were also 50 to 100 books on a large circular table in the center of the room. I glanced at some of the titles and was really impressed by the subject matter. There were awards and medals displayed and pictures or Dr. Arias with several U.S. presidents.

After about a ten minute wait Don Oscar entered and greeted us warmly. We talked about various subjects including his current presidential campaign, art and culture, education, poverty and the growing number of baby boomers moving to Costa Rica. The former president proved to be an exceptional listener and very knowledgeable on all topics. After about forty minutes he had to leave due to prior commitment. We took a few pictures with Mr. Arias and said good-by to him.

We were really impressed by the way we were treated and grateful for having had the opportunity to meet a person of Dr. Arias’ stature.