Holzmann has a base in Buenos Aires and is bidding in Brazil, Chile and Argentina. However, the firm is working on a Brazilian gypsum plant for a British investor and for its parent company on an Argentine port. With its historical links, Spain's Dragados-fcc, is well established. The company's toll highway business in Argentina is mature and the company is bidding for new concessions. It has other bots, including the extension of Santiago's airport terminal and a prison in Buenos Aires.
Hydroelectric work is the main attraction, although the firm also is building gas-fired plants.
And the newcomers are beginning to crowd Dragados-fcc. However, contractors remain unflustered about the Asian crisis. The Asian financial crisis marred Impregilo's launch, with partners from Sweden and Germany, of a joint venture for large projects in Southeast Asia, says Gallizzi. Meanwhile, China seems to be riding the storm. With the government turning the investment away from the overheated coastal zones, he sees opportunities emerging in China's interior.