The 26th edition of the Buyers Trade Mission (BTM), one of Central America’s largest and most influential business matchmaking events, kicked off this morning at the Costa Rica Convention Center. Organised by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER), BTM 2024 is set to host over 500 national exporters and 300 international buyers for more than 3,000 business meetings scheduled over two days, on September 11 and 12.
BTM 2024 serves as a critical platform for boosting international trade and investment opportunities for Costa Rican businesses. The event aims to drive business development, create lasting partnerships, and build strategic alliances by connecting local companies from sectors such as agriculture, food, industry, and services with buyers from over 40 countries. Participating countries include prominent markets such as the United States, Germany, Turkey, Greece, China, Chile, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Canada, among others.
Boosting Costa Rica’s Trade Opportunities
Manuel Tovar, Chairman of PROCOMER’s Board and Minister of Foreign Trade, emphasised the event’s significance for Costa Rica’s economy. He highlighted how important it is for Costa Rica to remain open to international markets, pointing out that the country currently benefits from a range of trade agreements that give it access to approximately two-thirds of the world’s GDP.
Costa Rica remains committed to open trade, leveraging these agreements to foster opportunities. Events such as BTM play a crucial role in driving business growth, job creation, and overall development for the nation. These initiatives strengthen Costa Rica’s economic position globally,” Tovar stated.
Laura López, CEO of PROCOMER, echoed these sentiments, adding that sustainability is a core value at the heart of Costa Rica’s export efforts. BTM 2024 exemplifies how sustainability influences our business operations and enhances export potential. Through these events, PROCOMER aims to link our exporters with international buyers, foster business opportunities, and extend the positive impact of our exports nationwide. We aim to foster well-being that also boosts the growth of SMEs and communities outside the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM),” López said.
A noteworthy aspect of this year’s event is the focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which play a crucial role in driving the country’s economy. Nearly 70% of the companies participating in BTM 2024 are SMEs, and more than 40% are based outside the GAM. This represents Costa Rica’s dedication to regional development and promoting SME growth as a vital economic engine.
Field Tours and Strategic Talks for Buyers
In addition to the business matchmaking meetings, BTM 2024 features specialised talks and field tours, known as “reverse missions.” These tours are designed to give international buyers a hands-on experience of Costa Rica’s capabilities and export potential. Buyers will have the opportunity to explore key sectors, including agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and creative industries. This direct interaction enables buyers to gain firsthand insight into the strengths and offerings of Costa Rican businesses, fostering deeper connections and trust.
Introducing Costa Rica Trade & Investment Summit 2025
During her presentation at BTM 2024, PROCOMER’s CEO Laura López unveiled an exciting new development for the future of business matchmaking in Costa Rica: the Costa Rica Trade & Investment Summit 2025. This innovative platform will replace the Buyers Trade Mission and aims to transform the way business is conducted by integrating both the promotion of exports and foreign direct investment (FDI) into a single, comprehensive event.
PROCOMER is continuously evolving, innovating, and responding to global trends and the needs of our export and investment sectors. With the launch of the Costa Rica Trade & Investment Summit, we are turning the country into a global business hub by merging export and FDI promotion into one event,” López explained.
Scheduled for September 2025, the Costa Rica Trade & Investment Summit will bring together more than 400 investors and buyers from 45 countries, along with 1,000 exporters, multinationals, and suppliers, facilitating over 3,200 business meetings. This initiative marks a significant step forward in positioning Costa Rica as a premier partner for international business and trade.