El Salvador: The cement industry in El Salvador is expected to grow by just 1% in 2014, according to the executive director of Holcim in the country, Ricardo Chavez Caparroso. Holcim itself will grow very little, with lower exports expected. Investments into property projects have been low and planning permission rules are 'too tight' according to Chavez Caparroso.
Chavez Caparroso believes that the government should come up with a new strategy to boost the cement sector and that housing projects should be supported via clear and well-defined policies, especially given the country's current housing deficit. He added that Holcim hopes to secure a lucrative road contract in the country, which would help its sales.