Jonathan Calderon

International Relations professional with over 10 years of experience in areas such as Foreign Direct Investment attraction and advisory, public-private stakeholder management, and international trade promotion. Experienced in coordinating delegations and alliances with companies and institutions from different countries. Currently completing a thesis for a Master's degree in Trade and International Markets.

Specialist in the regulatory framework governing Costa Rica's Free Trade Zone regime, including compliance processes, procedural requirements, and stakeholder engagement across the entities related to the regime.

Business Climate Specialist at CINDE - Investment Promotion Agency in Costa Rica (2019-01 – Present)

• Provide specialized advisory to multinational companies on establishing operations in Costa Rica under the Free Trade Zone regime, streamlining the setup process and supporting to the successful launch of operations in the country.
• Coordinate with public and private stakeholders (including legislators, ministries, public and private organizations and local governments to design and drive initiatives focused on improving Costa Rica's business climate.
• Lead working groups with multinational companies to identify continuous improvement opportunities and operational bottlenecks, supporting efficient business operations for companies in Costa Rica
• Drive the execution of talent development programs in coordination with local and international organizations, strengthening the country's advanced human capital pipeline.

Commercial Delegate of Extremadura AVANTE in Costa Rica at Extremadura AVANTE Spain (2018-01 – 2019-12)

• Advised more than 50 companies in Extremadura on international trade, import/export processes, and market opportunities, facilitating commercial exchange between Costa Rica and Spain.
• Coordinated the commercial promotion of Extremadura in Costa Rica by organizing more than 10 trade missions, participating in multiple trade fairs, and facilitating business matchmaking, generating new client and supplier relationships and increasing market visibility across diverse industries.

Foreign Trade Coordinator at CRECEX- Costa Rican Chamber of Foreign Trade (2016-01 – 2019-12)

• Led the organization and coordination of more than 30 trade missions in Costa Rica with international business delegations from the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, and India, generating business connections, identifying trade opportunities, and facilitating potential commercial agreements.
• Coordinated participation of Costa Rican companies in more than 15 international trade fairs and business events, developing commercial opportunities, strengthening international partnerships, and increasing market visibility across different sectors.
• Advised more than 300 companies on import and export processes, including customs duty calculations, tariff classification, and logistics cost analysis, ensuring compliance and supporting efficient international trade operations.
• Identified and developed relationships with new suppliers and clients for Costa Rican import and export companies, expanding their commercial networks and creating new business opportunities across multiple markets.

Bachelor's degree in International Relations – National University of Costa Rica (UNA) (2013-01 – 2016-12)

Master's degree in International Markets and Commerce – LEAD University (ULEAD) (2020-01)