Lafarge’s urban renewal a major theme at interbuild egypt 2013

CAIRO, Egypt – July 15, 2013: 

 

Urban regeneration was one of the main themes running through the region's foremost annual construction event, InterBuild Egypt 2013, which concluded in Cairo last month

 

The world's leader in building materials, Lafarge, played a significant role at the show, as it promulgated its vision of city renewal and rejuvenation. Lafarge, which specialises in cement, construction aggregates and concrete, was one of the main exhibitors at the show, which took place at Cairo International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Egypt from June 20-24. The company hosted a number of seminars and meetings to share its plans for suburban development throughout the country.

 

"InterBuild Egypt is the largest construction exhibition for the Middle East & North Africa and as such was the perfect forum for us to communicate our plans for rebuilding cities and urban environments across the country," said Ghandi Gharaibeh, Marketing Director, Lafarge Egypt. "Globally, the Middle East is the fastest growing market for construction and allied industries and the largest single market in the region is Egypt, so we were able to generate a huge response to our messaging from this platform from both our existing stakeholders and from potential future partners visiting the show," Gharaibeh added.

 

Lafarge is arguably having the biggest impact in Egypt of any construction organisation with a presence in the country. The company employs more than 3,000 people and is the leading producer of building materials in the country. It operates the largest cement factory in Egypt - the second largest in the world - and projects built using Lafarge cement include the American University in Cairo, Luxor Airport and the Cairo subway, as well hospitals, bridges, roads and monuments, which form an integral part of the country's landscape.

 

One of Lafarge's main goals over the next five years is to efficiently contribute to building low-cost housing for poor communities in Egypt over the next five years. It aims to achieve this affordable housing project in partnership with private sector stakeholders whom it is currently reaching out to.

 

"Egypt's entire population lives on just 5.5 per cent of the country's land, with 45 per cent of its citizens crammed into urban areas. It is estimated that 14 million people will be added to the urban population over the period 2005-2020, so urban development is essential if we are to meet the demand for housing," said  Ghandi Gharaibeh. "Lafarge's impressive track record of playing a leading role in the construction of Egypt's infrastructure is now expanding to affordable housing programmes that will help build communities. As a regional forum, InterBuild Egypt has been integral to this vision," Ghandi Gharaibeh added.

 

InterBuild Egypt 2013 was the 20th edition of the exhibition. This year 1030 exhibitors showcased their products and services in over 30 categories, utilising 30,000 sqm floor space. It was estimated that 150,000 visitors attended the exhibition, 50 per cent of which were decision makers.