IFC and FICEM will work together to promote sustainable practices

The IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has signed an agreement with the Inter-American Cement Federation (FICEM) that will support the development of sustainable cities and promote the adoption of clean technologies among Latin America’s cement industry. Through its alliance with FICEM, the IFC will develop financial services and technical advice for the sector. The collaboration will also help to increase efficiency along the production chain, thereby increasing the competitiveness of Latin America’s cement industry.

Furthermore, the agreement will encourage the use of best environmental practices, such as lowering carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency. This is in line with the key goals of FICEM, which facilitates the exchange of information and best practices among its members, particularly with regard to corporate social responsibility and the environment, in addition to promoting sustainable development within the region’s cement sector. FICEM President, Gabriel Restrepo, hailed the agreement as a significant step in the promotion of green technologies, noting that the association’s objective is to work alongside the IFC in order to encourage the implementation of best international practices.

According to the IFC’s Kristtian Rada, the agreement will also contribute to the sustainable development of Latin America’s cities. The IFC operates a programme focusing on investment in sustainable cities in the region via the use of clean technologies and favourable environmental regulation. The World Bank Group member has the capacity to invest in companies that boost sustainable development of cities in both Latin America and the Caribbean.

The agreement was signed in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, ahead of the XXXI Technical Congress FICEM (8 – 11 September). The annual event brings together industry experts, international suppliers and cement producers from South, Central America and the Caribbean. The conference and exhibition ran for three days, followed by a tour of Domicem’s Sabana Grande de Palenque plant. Some photos from the congress can be found on World Cement’s Facebook page. A full round-up of the event will be available in an upcoming issue of World Cement magazine.

Adapted from press release by Louise Fordham

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/19092014/ficem-and-ifc-sign-agreement-to-promote-sustainable-practices-518/