The New Nation - Internet Edition

NATION BUSINESS REPORT

An international construction exhibition will be held in the city in March, 2009.

Construction companies from 16 countries will participate in the convention to be held from March 4 to 7.

This was revealed at the 'registration launching session of 37th International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors' Associations (IFAWPCA) at the Jatiya Press Club Saturday.

The exhibition is expected to bring better recognition to Bangladesh as a business-friendly investment destination,

Bangladesh Association of Construction Industry (BACI), the premier body of all the construction-related firms of the country, will host the convention themed 'Construction for a greener world'. Alongside the convention, they will organise International Construction Exhibition 2009, an exhibition where the local and international construction firms will showcase their products and services.

High officials of BACI said more than 300 foreign delegates, who are the leaders of reputed construction firms of the world and construction industry professionals will attend the convention to see first hand the quality and the extent of construction works that have been going on in Bangladesh.

The convention which is expected to address key issues concerning the construction sector and the methods to achieve the goal commences on March 4 and ends on March 7.

The registration process of international construction exhibition was inaugurated at the ceremony by registering Dynamic Skafolding and Equipment Company from Kolkata and local firm Adex Engineering Ltd. Memorandum of understanding was also signed with Spellbound as the convention manager and Camair Tours as the official tour partner. An official website for 37th IFAWPCA convention was also launched on this occasion.

BACI is currently holding two of the senior posts of IFAWPCA. Aminul Islam, chairman of Project Builders Ltd., and Mir Zahir Hossain, chairman of Mir Group, were elected the president and the secretary general respectively for the term 2007-2009 during the 36th IFAWPCA convention held in Gold Coast, Australia in November 2007.

IFAWPCA president Aminul Islam said in his speech that the BACI Construction Industry Exhibition 2009 would be organised to showcase the achievements of the local construction sector. Many reputed international firms will take part in the exhibition. The exhibition will attract many foreign visitors and help bring much needed overseas investment to the local construction industry, he expressed the hope.

IFAWPCA Secretary General Mir Zahir Hossain, BACI President Md Rafiqul Islam and its Vice-President Shafiqul Bhuiyan and Director of Spellbound M Sadequl Arefeen also spoke on the occasion.

BACI President Rafiqul Islam said this convention is a very important one for Bangladesh and much depends on its successful completion. Therefore, proper planning and preparation have been going on to make the convention a memorable one, he added.