Costa Rica’s OECD membership may assist its recovery

Significance

Admission to the group demonstrates international confidence in Costa Rica’s economic management, even as the government struggles with the prolonged negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. OECD accession should provide an economic boost for Costa Rica, alongside domestic stimulus measures.

Impacts

• The benefits of OECD membership will be felt well beyond the immediate post-pandemic period.
• OECD accession will help encourage more foreign investment into Costa Rica, potentially giving it advantages over neighbouring Panama.
• Costa Rican economic recovery may spur more migration from Nicaragua, especially if repression there worsens as November’s elections near.