Many associates and friends have said to me, they were thinking about moving their money and or business, or starting a new business in Central America… and ask “what can I do there?” Well, it is an “underdeveloped region” which means pretty much everything needs development. The lure of the tropics, new markets, corporate incentives, lower labor costs are attractive, and the Central Americas are an “emerging market”, so opportunities abound.

You will have to be a “hands on” leader. You cannot take your eyes off the ball in Central America.

The Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFT) has/is and will continue to alter the business landscape. New industries such as Biofuels and Medical Tourism, to name a couple, are fast rising, providing new opportunities and subsequent value chains.

You will be dealing with a social/nationalist mentality that is in a state of flux as the region adjusts to the “international” mindset.

If you have not been in business or at least lived here for a number of years you will need good intelligence of the region and the market you are entering.

Unforeseen costs in start up phase and Bad accounting... for more go to http://www.thecostaricanews.com/seven_deadly_sins_business.html