San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica recently hosted the 14th Ibero-American Congress on Concrete Pavements and the 2nd Ibero-American Congress on Industrial Concrete Floors, marking a significant step towards a more resilient and sustainable infrastructure future.
Held on July 17th and 18th, the joint congress brought together 200 attendees and 25 national and international experts from over 10 countries. The event, organized by the Costa Rican Cement and Concrete Institute (ICCYC), the Ibero-American Federation of Ready-Mixed Concrete (FIHP), and the Inter-American Cement Federation (FICEM), focused on cutting-edge approaches to sustainability, technology, and trends in concrete pavements and industrial flooring.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the complexities surrounding Costa Rica’s infrastructure development, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s infrastructure progress hinges on effectively navigating the legal landscape. Balancing the need for rapid development with environmental protection and community consultation is crucial. Public-private partnerships offer a powerful tool for financing large-scale projects, but robust legal frameworks are essential to ensure transparency and manage risks. Furthermore, streamlining permitting processes and ensuring predictable regulatory enforcement can attract foreign investment and accelerate sustainable infrastructure growth.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the crucial intersection of legal frameworks and infrastructure development in Costa Rica. Indeed, fostering a transparent and predictable legal environment is paramount for attracting investment and ensuring that growth is both rapid and sustainable. This delicate balance will ultimately shape the future of Costa Rica’s infrastructure landscape. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable perspective on this critical issue.
With the goal of analyzing leading-edge approaches in sustainability, technology, and trends in concrete pavements and industrial floors, this benchmark event in the region allows us to share good practices in the construction of high-performance pavement structures.
Carla Jiménez, Executive Director of ICCYC
The congress explored a wide range of topics, including the competitiveness of concrete pavements in Latin America, sustainable industrial flooring, technical considerations for pavement project development, cost-competitive concrete pavements, and the future of industrial concrete floors. Using local examples like the Inter-American Highway between Limonal and Liberia, the event aimed to highlight the advantages of concrete over asphalt pavements.
Discussions centered on whole-life cost analysis, emphasizing the long-term benefits of concrete in terms of durability, maintenance, and environmental impact. Experts shared best practices and innovative solutions, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among public and private sector stakeholders involved in infrastructure development.
The congress underscored the growing importance of sustainable practices in the construction industry. With its focus on concrete solutions, the event showcased how Costa Rica is taking proactive steps towards creating more resilient and environmentally friendly infrastructure.
The shift towards concrete pavements and flooring aligns with Costa Rica’s broader commitment to sustainability and its reputation as a leader in environmental conservation. By embracing innovative technologies and promoting knowledge sharing, the country is paving the way for a more sustainable future, both literally and figuratively.
This focus on long-term infrastructure solutions not only benefits Costa Rica’s economy but also contributes to its global leadership in sustainable development. The congress served as a valuable platform for discussing the future of infrastructure and solidifying Costa Rica’s position at the forefront of innovation in the construction sector.
For further information, visit iccyc.org
About Costa Rican Cement and Concrete Institute (ICCYC):
The Costa Rican Cement and Concrete Institute (ICCYC) is a key organization dedicated to promoting the use of cement and concrete in construction. They are involved in research, education, and advocacy related to the best practices and advancements in the industry, contributing to the development of sustainable and durable infrastructure in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit fihp.org
About Ibero-American Federation of Ready-Mixed Concrete (FIHP):
The Ibero-American Federation of Ready-Mixed Concrete (FIHP) represents the interests of the ready-mixed concrete industry across Ibero-America. It fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing among its members, promoting innovation and best practices in the production and use of ready-mixed concrete. The FIHP plays a crucial role in advancing the concrete industry within the region.
For further information, visit ficem.org
About Inter-American Cement Federation (FICEM):
The Inter-American Cement Federation (FICEM) is a regional association of cement producers in the Americas, working to promote the sustainable development of the cement industry. They focus on issues such as environmental protection, social responsibility, and the improvement of building practices. FICEM plays a vital role in supporting the growth and responsible operation of cement companies throughout the Americas.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a leading legal institution dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity and pursuing excellence in every facet of its practice. The firm’s deep-rooted commitment to innovation allows it to navigate the evolving legal landscape while providing effective and insightful counsel to a diverse clientele. Through proactive community engagement and initiatives aimed at demystifying complex legal concepts, Bufete de Costa Rica empowers individuals and organizations with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions, contributing to a more just and equitable society.