Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry or the specific initiative being evaluated. Core Insights - The Single Window for Investment (VUI) in Costa Rica aims to simplify, digitize, and centralize the processes required to establish a business, originally focused on free trade zone procedures but has evolved to encompass all types of businesses [32][44] - The VUI seeks to enhance the country's competitiveness by eliminating regulatory barriers and unnecessary requirements, with a strategy centered on process simplification and digitalization [33][45] - The report evaluates the effectiveness of the VUI against OECD principles, highlighting strengths such as political commitment and proactive leadership, while also identifying challenges in coordination and representation of municipalities [35][36] Summary by Sections 1. The Single Window for Investment in Costa Rica - The VUI is an inter-institutional effort led by PROCOMER to streamline the necessary procedures for business establishment [44] - The initiative began with a focus on free trade zones but has expanded to include all business types, addressing the need for a more efficient regulatory environment [44][48] 2. Comparative Analysis of Regulatory Best Practices - The report outlines general and specific principles for regulatory best practices, emphasizing the importance of political commitment and institutional cooperation [26][36] - It discusses the relevance of public consultation and the need for clear governance structures to enhance the effectiveness of the VUI [39][40] 3. Analysis of Simplification and Digitalization of Procedures - The VUI has made significant strides in digitalization, including the implementation of essential elements like a registry of procedures, georeferenced maps, and a digital file system [37][38] - However, not all processes are fully digital, and the adoption of digital signatures remains low, indicating areas for improvement [37][40] 4. Evaluation and Recommendations - To maximize its impact, the VUI must improve coordination with the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC) and establish formal mechanisms for technical and operational collaboration [38][41] - Strategic planning is crucial for managing the increasing demand from institutions wishing to integrate into the VUI, with a focus on user-centered approaches and systematic public consultation [39][41]

Investment Rating - The report evaluates Costa Rica's One-Stop Shop for Investment (VUI) as a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the country's investment climate through simplification and digitalization of business setup procedures [30][40]. Core Insights - The VUI is designed to centralize and streamline the procedures necessary for establishing a business in Costa Rica, originally focusing on free trade zone procedures but now encompassing all types of businesses [30][43]. - The initiative aims to improve Costa Rica's competitiveness by eliminating regulatory barriers, reducing processing times, and enhancing transparency for investors [44][40]. - The report highlights the importance of strong political commitment and proactive leadership from PROCOMER in driving the VUI's development and effectiveness [33][40]. - Despite progress, challenges remain in coordination between PROCOMER and the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC), particularly in aligning regulatory strategies [34][40]. - The VUI has made strides in digitalization, but not all processes are fully end-to-end digital, with low adoption of digital signatures and an underdeveloped inspection platform [35][40]. - Recommendations include improving coordination with MEIC, establishing formal mechanisms for collaboration, and enhancing user-centric approaches to simplify the business setup journey [36][40]. Summary by Sections 1. The One-Stop Shop for Investment in Costa Rica - The VUI is an inter-institutional initiative led by PROCOMER to simplify and digitize business setup procedures [30][43]. - The initiative has evolved from focusing solely on free trade zones to encompassing all business types, reflecting its growing demand [30][43]. 2. Comparative Analysis on Best Regulatory Practices - The report assesses the VUI against OECD principles, identifying strengths in political commitment and regulatory foundation while noting areas for improvement in coordination and stakeholder engagement [33][34]. 3. Analysis of the Level of Simplification and Digitalization of Procedures - The VUI has implemented essential digital tools, including a procedures registry and payment engine, but faces challenges in achieving full digital integration [35][40]. - The report outlines the need for increased adoption of digital signatures and further development of the inspection platform to enhance the user experience [35][40]. 4. Assessment and Recommendations - To maximize the VUI's impact, the report recommends enhancing coordination with MEIC, establishing clear performance indicators, and increasing efforts to promote the platform among businesses [36][40]. - Strategic planning and systematic public consultation mechanisms are essential for continuous improvement and stakeholder satisfaction [38][40].