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Major infrastructure projects in focus

By By A Staff Reporter Diverse list of topics at Oman Construction Summit
MUSCAT -- After an illuminating opening day spotlight on the Omani government's ambitious Duqm Project, the focus on the second day shifted to the broader vision behind the government's strategy to develop and modernise the nation's infrastructure.

On the agenda at the Grand Hyatt yesterday was a diverse list of topics highlighting key developments not only within Oman's construction sector, but elsewhere in the wider Middle East as well. The speaker-list included high-ranking officials from the Sultanate, as well as visiting dignitaries and executives from Germany, Turkey, among other major markets.

The three-day event is being held in co-operation with the Ministry of Housing and was officially inaugurated by Dr Rasheed bin al Safi al Huraibi, Chairman of the Tender Board. The formal opening ceremony was attended by ministry officials, diplomats, the top executives of companies and industry experts representing many leading players in the region's construction industry.

Organised by Global Exhibitions and Conferences (GEC) and International Quality and Productivity Centre (IQPC) the Oman Construction Summit concludes today.

Abdullah bin Rashid al Kiyumi, Director-General of Projects, made the opening address, which was followed by a keynote presentation by Said bin Hamdoon al Harthy, Under-Secretary for Ports and Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Transport and Communications . Al Harthy outlined some of the big-ticket infrastructure projects identified for implementation in the 8th Five- Year Plan, and the opportunities they entailed for contractors.

The global appeal of Oman's construction sector was also evident from the presence of several overseas presenters on the speaker-list. European powerhouse Germany, a major trading partner of Oman, was represented by Rainer Bomba, Vice-Minister and Secretary of State in the Federal Ministry of Transport , Building and Urban Development. Bomba spoke about the link between infrastructure and economic growth, citing Germany as an example.

Insights into Turkey's successes in developing efficient urban transportation systems were offered by high-level executive of Makyol, a major Turkish contractor, which is also undertaking construction projects in Oman. Other highlights of the day included presentations by senior figures from STFA, Omran, PDO, Volkmann & Rossbach, and the British Standards Institution. "This second edition of the Oman Construction Summit builds on the enormous success of our maiden Summit last year, which was extremely well-received for its comprehensive and incisive focus on the industry.

This time around, a host of exciting, new themes have been added to the agenda, with several eminent speakers - local and international -- brought on board to add further value to the proceedings," said C J Paul, Chief Executive Officer of GEC.

"Oman Construction Summit 2012 brings together high government officials, industry players and professionals on a common platform that seeks to enable all of the stakeholders make common cause in translating the nation's developmental vision into reality.

High-profile conferences of this nature go a significant way in giving impetus to the government's economic agenda," commented Rozenn Cornec, Divisional Director -- Oman at IQPC Middle East.

The Oman Construction Summit 2012 also features contractors and materials suppliers showcasing their range of products and services for the building and construction.

The sponsors and exhibiting companies include STFA, Makyol, VR, ABB, Doka Muscat, Target, BWS, Arminox, Pitchmastic PmB, Kayson Al Omania, Oman Cables, PERI, Horizons, J&P.

© Oman Daily Observer 2012