CAMBUILD’14 Grows With Building Sector

• 31 December 2015
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Investment in construction projects in Cambodia grew from US$2.1 billion in 2012 to US$2.8 billion in 2013; a 31% increase. This double-digit figure growth is also a main factor behind the growing size of the annual Cambodia International Building and Construction Industry Show (CAMBUILD’14).

Hosted on 10-12 September 2014 at the Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Center, over 350 exhibitors from 23 countries attended CAMBUILD’14, up from 318 at last year’s show.

Andrew Siow, Director of organiser AMB Events Group, reported that the first expo, CAMBUILD’10, only hosted 70 booths. It then quickly grew to 100 booths in 2012, 180 booths in 2013, and more than 350 booths this year.

“The international community has clearly started to look at Cambodia as a viable market for construction investment. Especially the Indians – they are coming in very strong,” he told the Phnom Penh Post during the show.

The major national pavilions included Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, India, China, Korea and Taiwan, while India was the biggest pavilion with over 60 booths. Indian ambassador to Cambodia, H.E. Dinesh K. Patneik said the large turnout of Indian companies to Cambodia was because of the Embassy’s strong effort to bring them in. Ambassador Patneik also pointed out that while some of Indian companies, had previously focused only on African markets, many are now looking for new opportunities in markets like Cambodia.

“The first Indian construction company came to Cambodia about 12 centuries ago to help build the temples surrounding the country,” he said. “After 12 centuries, many Indian construction firms including manufacturers are coming to look for opportunity here again.”

Five related events were organised concurrently at this year’s show, up from three events at CAMBUILD’13. They were; CAMWATER’14, showcasing international water and wastewater technology; CAMSECURITY’14, a security, safety and fire protection expo; CIVAR’14, focused on ventilation and air-conditioning technology; CAMENERGY’14, highlighting electrical engineering; and CAMPROPERTY’14, the Cambodia International Property Show.

The event also hosted a number of seminars on various topics including the Cambodia Building and Construction Seminar, the Cambodia Green Energy Seminar, and the Cambodia Property Investment Seminar.

H.E. Im Chhun Lim, Senior Minister, Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction believed the exhibition-conference approach would be an opportunity to build business partnerships and cooperation, and to promote foreign investment in Cambodia.

He predicts that strong growth in the construction sector will require more technologies to ensure sustainable building development. “This CAMBUILD’ 14 exhibition-conference will bring along many technologies and materials to meet the need of the construction industry,” he said.

Neak Oknha Pung Kheav Se, Chairman of the Cambodia Constructors Association (CCA) that currently has 75 members, said the expo reflected the remarkably rapid growth and development of the construction industry, particularly in Phnom Penh where most projects were built by CCA member companies.

“This exhibition is very important since it has revealed the volume of trade and the international free trade conditions in Cambodia,” he said. “The materials, equipment, and construction machineries we witness showcased in this expo are imported from various countries over the world and are now available on Cambodia market.”

AMB Event Group is planning a bigger expo next year by adding a new event for interior design and home living since more Cambodians are looking for better quality furniture, furnishings, kitchen, bathroom, and home appliances.