CAF and PIARC Partner Up to Enhance Road Infrastructure in Latin America

With a view to promoting and disseminating best practices in the public and private road sector, CAF—development bank of Latin America—and PIARC (World Road Association) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together, strengthen cooperation and create the best conditions for developing high-quality road infrastructure and improving road management in Latin American and Caribbean countries.

PIARC is the most relevant intergovernmental organization in road infrastructure issues worldwide. The Paris-based non-profit association was established in 1909 and brings together 125 government members. It serves as a global forum to generate and exchange knowledge on roads and road transport.

Both institutions will promote the dissemination of best practices and innovative road technologies through joint training initiatives in Latin America and the Caribbean, thus promoting an ongoing, mutually beneficial knowledge exchange between experts by integrating CAF officials into 13 PIARC International Technical Committees. 

During the signing of the memorandum, CAF executive president Luis Carranza Ugarte highlighted: “Our close relationship with government agencies of shareholder countries, our in-depth knowledge of the sector in the region and the ability to identify high-impact initiatives are complemented by PIARC’s expertise in developing knowledge associated with quality road infrastructure and promoting best practices in this area.”

In addition, PIARC President Claude Van Rooten noted: “The Memorandum of Understanding between PIARC and CAF allows us to coordinate and pool our efforts to better serve our member countries, some of which are members of both organizations. PIARC’s expertise in roads and road transport policies and practices, together with CAF-funded operational projects, makes for a great combination that will benefit our member countries and the international road sector.”

The benefits of this partnership include the invitation to CAF to participate in PIARC Advisory Group meetings, where international organizations share their experiences, discuss industry trends and participate in the development of the PIARC Strategic Plan. In addition, CAF invites PIARC to participate in external consultations related to road transport and road infrastructure it funds in the region, and in the development of online courses on road infrastructure to be offered by CAF.