COSTA RICAN AIRPORTS: NO EVIDENCE OF A

UNCLAS SAN JOSE 000338

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EEB/TPP/MTAA MTOLLIVER; PLEASE PASS TO USTR JGRIER
AND AMALITO

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON EAIR PREL PGOV CS
SUBJECT: COSTA RICAN AIRPORTS: NO EVIDENCE OF A
DISCRIMINATORY BIDDING PROCESS

REF: STATE 34118


1. Post confirms that there is no discernible evidence of
discrimination confronting U.S. suppliers or bidders
regarding airport construction projects. Currently, the GOCR
is working with the Airport Development Corporation/Houston
Airport Systems (ADC/HAS),an American, Canadian, and
Brazilian airport operator consortium and the bidder for the
management and development rights for San Jose's
international airport. If successful, then the airport's
management and development rights would transfer from the
current operator -- Alterra -- to ADC/HAS.


2. The ADC/HAS consortium consists of three entities:

-- A subsidiary of Houston Airport Systems (HAS) of Houston,
Texas (for finance, operations, and development);

-- Airport Development Corporation (ADC) Management of
Toronto, Canada (for management); and

-- Andrade Gutierrez Concesiones of Belo Horizonte, Brazil
(for concession management/construction).


3. In addition to the bid for San Jose's international
airport, ADC/HAS won the rights for the management and
development of Costa Rica's only other international airport
located in Liberia, a gateway to popular resort destinations
in northwest Costa Rica.


4. If the ADC/HAS bid fails, Post will report on any
possibility of discriminatory practices on the part of the
GOCR.

CIANCHETTE