Executive committee member Markus Akermann, who heads up activities and international cement trading for Holderbank's Latin American Group Region, recently commented on business developments in Latin America.

"A generally sound global economic backdrop is having a positive impact on the group's operations. Economic conditions in most Latin American countries have also improved over the year to date," he said.

According to Akermann, Mexico witnessed a renewed surge in building activity, and Chile and Ecuador reported increases in cement sales. Group companies in Brazil, Colombia, and Costa Rica also posted stronger results.

Akermann said that Latin America's building materials markets would continue their recovery over the coming months, assuming the world economy remains solid.