INTERNATIONAL CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES EXPRESS OPTIMISM ABOUT THE EGYPTIAN MARKET AND EYE PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AT THE BIG 5 CONSTRUCT EGYPT

The inaugural edition of The Big 5 Construct Egypt, held at the Egypt International Exhibitions Center on the 18th – 21st of September 2018, and organized by dmg events, entered its second day with the participation of more than 200 exhibiting companies from around the globe, and 15 country pavilions, including Germany, Italy, UK, Spain, India, China, France and Greece among others.

The event, held under the patronage of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, is attracting to Cairo thousands of construction professionals. Exhibitors from 24 countries showcase the latest technologies for the country’s USD 335 billion worth construction market. Beyond that, they look at investing in Egypt, bringing business development opportunities and boosting FDI into Egypt.

The Big 5 Construct Egypt has opened a door for international know-how and investments to flow in the local construction sector. According to Josine Heijmans, Portfolio Director at dmg events,

“Opportunities in Egypt are immense. We are extremely glad of the successful launch of The Big 5 Construct Egypt yesterday, and we look forward to supporting the growth of the Egyptian construction industry introducing innovative products, facilitating partnerships, and offering free education to all built environmental professionals.”

Pavlos Petrou of Greece’s Nikolidakis Group praised The Big 5 Construct Egypt, saying:

“We regularly participate in B2B shows across the region and the world, and we have been part of The Big 5 portfolio in a number of countries. Coming here, we were surprised by the extent of potential and opportunities the Egyptian market presents.

“The show’s excellent organization and level of participation make it an ideal platform for developing new business with local companies. We are very happy with our decision to come to Egypt and, as we learn more about the Egyptian market, we are confident that this is the first of many more visits to come.” 

India’s Ambassador to Egypt, H.E. Rahul Kulshreshth, inaugurated India’s pavilion on the show’s first day. During a tour of his country’s exhibiting companies, H.E. the Ambassador said:

“This is the first time India has a pavilion in a construction trade show held in Egypt and I see this as a promising sign, given that trade volume between Egypt and India last year reached USD 3.68 billion. Exploring the Egyptian market will provide Indian companies with great exposure in Africa’s largest construction market.”

Commenting on The Big 5 Construct Egypt and their presence, Mr. Ming Gao, Foreign Manager at Yanghzou Weiguang Metal, part of China’s pavilion said:

“We have been doing business with Egyptian companies for years now, and being here today at The Big 5 Construct Egypt representing China fills me with hope that Egypt’s construction market is tremendously expanding. During the first day, we had constructive meetings with local companies seeking Chinese industry know-how and we are positive that the show’s first edition in Egypt will present us and Egyptian companies with long term business partnerships.”

Michael Monnerjahn, Consultant at the German pavilion shared his optimism of The Big 5 Construct Egypt and the country’s economy as a whole, saying:

“Germany has been a constant participant at a number of The Big 5 events in the region, and our participation in the show’s first edition in Egypt signals the German government’s strong interest in Africa and its booming construction sector.

“Since Egypt is Africa’s largest construction market, the German government fully supports The Big 5 portfolio to bring in new investments, initiatives and ideas to a market full of promise. Today, the German pavilion includes 17 German companies and others who are present independently. This show’s first edition is a turning point for the Egyptian construction market and I am confident that in the coming years our presence will increase, bringing internationally recognized German construction technology and machinery to this expanding market.” 

The Big 5 Construct Egypt’s exhibitors from across the globe provide participants with first-hand access to the latest worldwide innovations and technologies and a unique platform to connect and build strong business relationships. Their participation also offers Egyptian companies the chance to establish new, profitable export partnerships. 

More than 40 free and CPD-certified educational workshops are offered to visitors across the four days of the show. Some of the most popular sessions focus on Future Trends and Technologies, BIM and Project Management, New Policies and Reforms, Sustainability and Technology, Urban Development, Architecture and Design, and Contract Management. 

The Big 5 Construct Egypt is held under the patronage of the Ministry of Trade and Industry and supported by the Egyptian Federation for Construction and Building Contractors (EFCBC) and the African Federation for Construction Contractors Associations (AFCCA).

Some of the largest industry players have partnered up with the event including the Egyptian Chamber of Building Material, the Arab Water Council, the German Arab Chamber of Industry & Commerce, International Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Kandil Steel (Bronze Sponsor), Orascom Group (CPD Sponsor), Sphinx Glass, Ezzsteel, Al Sherif Group, and Al Bawani Company.

The Big 5 has been a staple of Dubai’s exhibition calendar for almost 40 years. Over the last few years, the exhibition has been held in countries beyond the UAE, including Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Kenya, becoming the largest and most influential go-to exhibition for the construction sector in the Middle East. 

Running until 21 September, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, at the Egypt International Exhibition Centre (EIEC), the event is free to attend.  To learn more about The Big 5 Construct Egypt, please visit www.thebig5constructegypt.com