The Rise of Nearshore Tech Talent in Latin America

In this episode of LATAM FDI, host Steve speaks with Arin Sime, CEO and founder of AgilityFeat, a U.S.-based software development and nearshore staffing firm operating in Latin America. With over 15 years of experience, Arin shares powerful insights into why nearshoring to Latin America is becoming a game-changer for U.S. tech companies.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Why Nearshoring Works: Arin breaks down the top three benefits of nearshoring—geographic proximity, cost efficiency, and access to skilled tech talent with strong English skills. With time zone alignment, communication is seamless, and collaboration is more effective than with offshore teams on the other side of the world.

• Why Panama & Colombia: Arin chose Panama for its business-friendly policies and Colombia for its massive, growing tech community. Both offer vibrant ecosystems, easy travel, and high English proficiency—ideal for companies looking to scale in Latin America.

• Pandemic-Driven Shift: The pandemic fast-tracked the acceptance of remote work, opening up U.S. companies to the idea that their teams could be based anywhere—including Latin America—without sacrificing performance or productivity.

• Pitfalls of Traditional Outsourcing: From compliance challenges to IP protection and vendor lock-in, Arin outlines why many firms hesitate—and how AgilityFeat's new Build, Operate, Transfer model helps overcome these hurdles by guiding companies through setting up their own secure, cost-effective subsidiaries.

• The Future of Tech in LATAM: Countries like Colombia, Chile, and Argentina are investing heavily in education, AI training, and public-private tech partnerships. Arin emphasizes the importance of international collaboration and AI readiness to maintain LATAM's upward trajectory.

💬 “If it’s good enough for Google, it’s probably good enough for your tech company too.” – Arin Sime

Whether you're a startup or an enterprise, this episode offers practical insights and a clear roadmap for tapping into the nearshore tech goldmine waiting for you.

Marcial Smester, Investment Director at ProDominicana

In this eye-opening episode of the LATAM FDI podcast, Marcial Smester, Investment Director at ProDominicana, breaks down why the Dominican Republic is becoming one of the most attractive destinations for foreign direct investment in Latin America.

From nearly 60 years of economic stability and consistent 5%+ GDP growth, to a prime geographic location and robust trade agreements with the U.S., EU, CARICOM, and more—Marcial shares the strategic advantages that position the DR as a gateway to over 1.2 billion consumers worldwide.

You’ll hear about:

• Special Economic Zones offering full tax exemptions for exporters

• Incentives for tourism, renewable energy, and high-tech manufacturing

• The country’s transformation from a textile hub to a leader in medical devices and semiconductors

• Competitive labor and industrial space costs

• A skilled, English-speaking workforce backed by world-class training programs

Marcial also shares success stories of global players like AES, Barrick Gold, and Medtronic thriving in the DR—and invites investors to come experience the opportunity firsthand.

📩 Contact Marcial: [email protected]

In this episode of the LATAM FDI Podcast, we sit down with Maria Paula Arenas, the Vice President of Investment at ProColombia, the agency tasked with promoting investment, exports, and tourism in Colombia. With her deep background in public policy and economic development, Maria Paula offers a rich and honest look at what makes Colombia a rising destination for foreign direct investment (FDI).

Here’s what you’ll hear:

🌱 Top Sectors for Investment – Colombia is laser-focused on sectors aligned with sustainable growth from agro-industry to renewable energy. Maria Paula outlines the five key industries investors should watch and highlights the critical role of value-added services.

⚡ Energy Transition & Reindustrialization – Colombia is not just talking about sustainability—it’s taking serious action. Discover how the country’s clean energy matrix, policy roadmap, and long-term vision draw global interest in solar, hydro, and photovoltaic projects.

🌍 Global Strategy & Local Partnerships – With 24 offices worldwide, ProColombia is everywhere investors need them to be. Maria Paula shares how they provide “after-care” services, help investors navigate regulations, and form strategic alliances like their recent MOU with the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

🇺🇸 Focus on U.S. Investors – While the U.S. remains Colombia’s top partner, new regional collaborations are opening doors in states like North Carolina and potentially Arizona. Maria Paula emphasizes ProColombia’s truthful, supportive approach to building lasting investor relationships.

🎧 LATAM FDI Podcast: Business Opportunities in Paraguay with Javier Viveros 🇵🇾

In this episode of the LATAM FDI podcast, we welcome Javier Viveros, Vice Minister of Investments and Exports at Rediex Paraguay. Javier shares valuable insights into Paraguay’s thriving investment climate, including:

✅ Paraguay’s competitive tax structure and business-friendly policies

✅ The success of the Maquiladora Program and its opportunities for foreign investors

✅ Key industries driving the economy, from agribusiness to manufacturing

✅ Paraguay’s strategic role within Mercosur and access to a 300-million-strong market

✅ Investment opportunities in infrastructure and logistics development

Javier also highlights Paraguay’s young and skilled workforce, flexible labor laws, and the country’s impressive macroeconomic stability, which have positioned it as a top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in Latin America.

Economist and Former Minster of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru