Costa Rica: opportunity for public works by concession

A combination of existing standards and a big government deficit, is creating an opportunity for the private sector to develop badly-needed public works, using the legal framework of a concession or license.

Since 2008, the government has faced the problem of a chronic deficit, which limits its ability to invest. Consequently, one way to solve the problem is through public-private participation, especially concessions.

In recent years, the experience of the concession has been controversial, mainly because it has tended to involve big projects, which affect various interest groups.

However, the concession can be an effective way to develop small and medium-scale projects, in the range of $20 million to $100 million.

The types of projects currently needed include local airport infrastructure, water and sewage, customs warehouses, education and medical infrastructure, and social housing.

For more information, please contact Carlos Arguedas at [email protected] or (506) 2257-3553.