Vice President Faisal Naseem has stated that the most significant contribution the construction sector can make in the fight against climate change is exploring and adopting green construction options. He made the remark while speaking at the opening ceremony of the 45th International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors Associations (IFAWPCA) Convention. The five-day convention is being held at Paradise Island Resort.
Speaking at the ceremony, Vice President Naseem highlighted the relevance of the convention's theme to the Maldives, which is Construction with Conservation: Building a Better World. He noted that despite the country's massive construction boom, it has the world's lowest terrain, making it one of the most vulnerable to climate change and rising sea levels. He recognised the significance of using and recycling materials in construction, building smarter, and incorporating alternative energy sources. He added that conservation should also focus on preserving the country’s rich culture and heritage.
Additionally, Vice President Naseem shed light on the development of the construction industry in the Maldives, adding that since the introduction of tourism over 50 years ago, the residential, corporate, and industrial construction sectors have undergone a significant transformation. He said that Maldivian tourist resorts are second to none regarding design and construction standards. He further said that local artisans, designers, and contractors are taking great strides alongside their international partners and that their creative skills, craftsmanship, and innovative ideas are reflected in the concepts and new resort developments seen today. He also called on more local companies to explore the prospects of carrying out construction projects in other countries.
Also at the ceremony, the President of IFAWPCA Mohamed Ali Janah said that construction should aim to preserve the surrounding natural environment and that this year’s theme of building a better world with construction and conservation aims to highlight its importance for the government and industry stakeholders.
IFAWPCA is an international federation comprising 19 member countries across Asia and the Western Pacific region that promotes social and economic progress through construction development. It is the first IFAWPCA convention held in the Maldives since the Maldives National Association of Construction Industry (MNACI) joined the federation in 2007. Over 400 investors from 22 countries are joining the 45th IFAWPCA convention, as well as cabinet ministers who are speaking on the lucrative investment opportunities in the Maldives.