The forthcoming Asian Construction Forum is bringing the Kiwi and Asian building sectors together to foster collaboration and celebrate the contribution Asian construction companies are making to New Zealand
Asian companies contribute more than $7billion each year to New Zealand’s construction sector and are to helping us meet our demands for the large scale, quality construction and infrastructure projects the country needs, yet many of these businesses currently sit outside New Zealand’s traditional sector.
“Productspec are launching the Asian Construction Forum to acknowledge and welcome the significant contribution that participants from Asian countries make to New Zealand’s building and construction industry,” says Ian Watt General Manager at Productspec and Construction Marketing Services (CMS).
“This is a hugely important event as it brings together local and Asian industry leaders, connects local suppliers with Asian trade specialists and provides information on local products.”
About a third of properties being built in Auckland have a Chinese builder, investor or some other link to the Chinese community, he observes.
“This event puts local suppliers in front of Asian builders, developers, architects and designers. It also launches a Mandarin version of Productspec’s online library, which makes the process of sourcing and specifying building products and other data much easier,” Watt says.
Organisations including The Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ), the Building Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO), Auckland City Council, Barfoot and Thompson and Skills will share insights on market trends and forecasts, factors which influence sales values, property development tips, and information on how to boost your career in the building and construction sector.
Participants are being given access to the latest information on new products, market developments, important legislative requirements, and information about gaining local qualifications.
“We want to make it easier for Asian companies to do business here and to conform to New Zealand’s building legislations,” Watt says.
Upskilling migrant workers helps address labour shortages and encourages the use of local products and techniques.
“Increasing the sectors use of local products and training leads to better outcomes for the sector as a whole,” Watt maintains.
“We enjoy collaborating with New Zealand businesses like Productspec and the Asian Construction Forum is a great opportunity for us to share our experiences and ideas,” says Wayne Zeng, managing director of Auckland-based project management company Chancellor Construction.
New Zealand needs more skilled workers to meet demand, Zeng notes.
“We are improving industry efficiency and productivity by training people to be qualified project managers and quantity surveyors.”
The Asian Construction Forum is being held on Saturday 11 August 2018 at the Ellerslie Event Centre in Auckland and is sponsored by Barfoot and Thompson and CARTERS.
