Costa Rica's Construction Sector Rebounds

Costa Rica's construction sector grew 13.53% in the half of 2012, with San José leading in first place with the greatest increase in construction projects.

The growth is in square metres processed as compared to the same period in 2011.

In real numbers, this means that some 357.824 square metres more were built this year over last, according to the Cámara Costarricense de la Construcción (CCC) - Costa Rican Construction Association.

San José led with the highest growth (31.4%, followed by Heredia (17.5%), Alajuela (14.4%) and Puntarenas (13.5%).

Gonzalo Delgado, president of the CCC, said that although the data show as the industry recovers from the crisis, major improvements are required in terms of infrastructure, planning, maintenance works and above all in the paperwork.

Residential building projects represent 55% of all construction, followed by commercial projects (22.9%) and office space (8.8%).