Industry event in Macao spotlights Chinese contributions to sector; catalyzes deals worth billions
As one of the highest-profile, largest and most influential annual events in the sphere of global infrastructure collaboration, the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum (IIICF) has served as a key international platform to promote infrastructure connectivity under the China-led Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The 15th edition of the IIICF, co-hosted by the China International Contractors Association (CHINCA) and Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), successfully wrapped up last week in Macao after a three-day event starting June 19.
Recognized as a leading global event for infrastructure collaboration, the forum this year drew over 3,500 industry insiders from more than 70 countries and regions, representing 800 organizations. The projects signed at the 2024 event surpassed $13 billion in total deal value, with the power engineering sector accounting for $4.4 billion.
With the theme "Green Innovative Digital Connectivity", this year’s forum brought together over 200 speakers to explore the burgeoning industry and to engage in thought-provoking dialogues on emerging topics including energy transition, digital evolution, green investment, ESG (environmental, social and governance) management, digital integration of international engineering projects, dispute resolution, risk mitigation, and regional infrastructure connectivity.
The discussions by experts, officials, diplomats and guests focused on contributing China's expertise and innovative solutions to international infrastructure cooperation, catalyzing new growth in infrastructure partnerships between China and the countries involved in the BRI, and fostering consensus and insights for sustainable development of the global infrastructure industry.
During the forum, the Belt and Road Infrastructure Development Index (2024) and Portuguese-speaking Countries’ Infrastructure Development Index (2024), along with related reports, were released jointly by Fang Qiuchen, chairman of CHINCA and Vincent U, president of IPIM, on June 20.
Fang summarized the main achievements of the IIICF, which include comprehensively demonstrating the development results of green innovation and digital intelligence connectivity in the global infrastructure industry; building an international professional platform and pragmatically promoting project docking and cooperation among all parties; deepening the integration of Macao elements and promoting Macao’s participation in the joint construction of the BRI and the construction of the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao Deep Cooperation Zone.
A concurrent exhibition at the forum saw significant enhancement this year, building upon the success of the 2023 edition. The exhibition area has expanded by 60 percent compared to last year, with more than 90 percent of the booths customized to the exhibitors’ specifications.
The event boasted a robust lineup of exhibitors and organizations, comprising industry-leading engineering companies including China Communications Construction, China State Construction Engineering Group, and China Railway Construction.
Also present were premier communications and equipment manufacturers, such as Huawei, Caterpillar and LiuGong Machinery, as well as business delegations from several Chinese provinces.
The exhibition showcased four main highlights, namely emphasis on low-carbon environmental protection, innovation and technology leadership, digital integration and intelligent empowerment, and connectivity and collaborative success.
With green technology at the forefront, the exhibition spotlighted the latest advancements in clean energy, green building practices, energy-efficient material innovations, sewage treatment techniques, and successful smart city implementations.
It also showcased construction robots, intelligent sensing and monitoring equipment, intelligent construction methods, novel engineering materials, and prefabricated building solutions.
Digital infrastructure solutions and the application of big data, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things in international engineering projects were another focus area.
Meanwhile, it highlighted landmark projects and China's participation in joint construction efforts in countries and regions targeted by the BRI. The projects include ports, highways, bridges, railways, airports, and urban development projects, showcasing the strength of the "China Construction" brand.
The 10th China-LAC Infrastructure Forum and the 10th Forum of Infrastructure Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries & Business Meeting of Infrastructure Cooperation between Macao, Shandong and Portuguese-speaking countries also took place concurrently as part of this year’s forum.
Over the past 15 years, IIICF has drawn more than 30,000 attendees from around the world, including more than 570 guests at the ministerial level or above, and catalyzed development of over 180 international infrastructure projects involving a combined contract value of more than $100 billion.
This report has been authorized by the the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum.
