New market study, "Central America Infrastructure Report Q1 2014", has been published

From: Fast Market Research, Inc.
Published: Mon Jan 06 2014


We see high risks, small scale and limited growth opportunities across the region as a whole. A crucial factor underpinning our forecasts for infrastructure investments in the coming years is political risk. To a very large extent, the out performance of Panama and Costa Rica is down to their relatively superior political and security stability. On the one hand there is Panama and Costa Rica, while on the other, characterised by very high levels of violence and security threats, income and social inequality, pervasive corruption and divisive political environment, are El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua. Local and regional companies, as well as Chinese construction companies, will be most likely to benefit.

Full Report Details at
- http://www.fastmr.com/prod/754485_central_america_infrastructure_report_q1_2014.aspx?afid=301

Central America presents a range of small scale opportunities across the infrastructure and wider construction sectors as infrastructure deficits across the region are addressed. However, it also poses significant risks. Home to deep-run corruption, high crime rates and unsophisticated institutions, the generally small industry sizes offer little to make those risks palatable. However, we do see sporadic growth opportunities, and highlight ports, airports, power and social infrastructure as key areas of growth. Panama, Costa Rica and Guatemala are the largest markets in terms of total construction industry value and this will remain the case to the end of our forecast period in 2022.

These opportunities are most likely to be picked up by a combination of smaller domestic players, regional players from Mexico and Brazil, Spanish companies which have a strong presence in the region already, and Chinese companies, which can provide their own financing and have higher tolerances for risks.

Broadly speaking, opportunities can be found across the region, with a handful of sectors having a positive medium-term growth outlook:

* Public-Private Partnerships: A number of countries in the region are pursuing public-private partnerships (PPPs) to develop infrastructure. In addition to Guatemala, which established a PPP agency in November 2011 is hoping to launch its first concession for Line 1 of the Guatemala City passenger railway in 2014. El Salvador announced in December 2012 that a PPP will be used to develop the Cuscatlan International Airport, and in May that one would be used for a wind farm. In April 2013, Honduras' public-private promotion agency, Coalianza, released the tender for construction and operation of the Palmerola Airport, with a contract hoped to be awarded in September 2013. However, on the whole, regulations across the region are largely in their infancy, and the longer-term policy environment does not instil enough confidence to attract long-term commitments from investors. Securing financing for investments in the region would also be a tall order. However, if we see a couple of projects move forward successfully, an encouraging precedent would be set.

About Fast Market Research

Fast Market Research is an online aggregator and distributor of market research and business information. We represent the world's top research publishers and analysts and provide quick and easy access to the best competitive intelligence available.

For more information about these or related research reports, please visit our website at http://www.fastmr.com or call us at 1.800.844.8156.

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Company: Fast Market Research, Inc.
Contact Name: Bill Thompson
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