Twenty one years have elapsed since the IFAWPCA Convention was last held in India. On behalf of the Builders’ Association of India, I have great pleasure in welcoming the 40th Convention to Kochi, India.

This year’s theme, “Responsible Infrastructure”, is the need of the hour. As participants in the next wave of economic growth, we, the Asian countries, have a greater responsibility to hinge our construction activities on inclusive, sustainable, and socially Responsible Infrastructure. Our mandate should be to adhere to creating “Responsible Infrastructure” which meets these objectives while at the same time delivering the greatest benefit to the maximum number of people.

As ever before, the Convention will be a meeting ground for closer cooperation, exchange of ideas, sharing of experiences and construction technology among our member nations.

I am sure that you will take this excellent opportunity to network, forge new relationships and further strengthen ties with builders and contractors in the neighbouring region. Looking forward to your active participation to make the 40th Convention a grand success.

Wishing you all a wonderful and enjoyable trip to Kochi.

Cherian Varkey
President, Builders’ Association of India

At the outset, I would like to express my appreciation of the pioneering work done by IFAWPCA to promote the exchange of ideas, experiences and construction practices, within the region and globally.

Our business promotes economic growth which is intended to improve the quality of life for all people. We in this region, have an unparalleled opportunity to demonstrate to the world, our commitment to creating “Responsible Infrastructure”. It is crucial today, that we all embed sustainability, not only in the structures we build but into the operation of these structures as well. As we execute large and challenging projects we need to reduce material consumption and waste generation, manage and replenish water resources, adopt cleaner construction methods, along with effective health and safety systems.

We have enormous potential in this region to innovate and develop nextgen practices for sustainable infrastructure systems; we must encourage and support our skilled engineers in this task.

Leveraging our experience and knowledge through regional exchanges will speed up our collective capability to develop cost effective, Responsible Infrastructure; and share related learnings with the larger universe of members in UN Global Compact. In turn, the demand for new materials, equipment, and systems capable of meeting higher standards of sustainable construction will provide an impetus to economic growth.

The stage is set for our region to become leaders in sustainability practice in Engineering and Construction Community worldwide.

With best wishes,

Ajit Gulabchand
President, IFAWPCA