FIDIC
Activities
Africa Upbeat as GAMA Celebrates 20th Anniversary
The mood was very positive as some 200 delegates and visitors met in Zambia in April to explore the challenges with increased investment in African infrastructure.
BUSINESS
Development
Cautious Optimism as EFCA Celebrates 20th Anniversary
The theme of this year’s conference, “Developing the Engineering World – winning strategies”, was inspired from a recent EFCA publication, “Taking hold of our future”.
Facelift for Integrity Management
As part of it upgrade for the Model Reps Agreement (the contract recommended for use when engaging a local agent overseas), FIDIC has consulted with a wide selection of stakeholders, including the multi-lateral development banks.
FIDIC Regional Presence Boosted
At its meeting in Tokyo in May 2012, the FIDIC Executive Committee agreed to a modified regional strategy which anticipates a stronger FIDIC presence in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Latin America, in addition to closer collaboration with EFCA in Europe.
Inaugural Launch of US FIDIC Seminar
The inaugural FIDIC/IBC Users Conference, will take place in New York from 2-3 October.
INDUSTRY
Representation
Enhanced Collaboration with World Bank and Inter-American DB
During FIDIC’s annual visit to Washington, in conjunction with the annual conference of US member ACEC, FIDIC President Geoff French and Managing Director Enrico Vink held extensive, and open discussions with a number of bank departments, including procurement, infrastructure, environment, and integrity.
FIDIC Rethinks Cities at UNEP Symposium
As all eyes focus on the Rio+20 conference in Rio de Janeiro, FIDIC, through close collaboration with construction industry partners, and with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), presented the EFCA-FIDIC report « Rethink Cities » at a special UNEP-SBCI (sustainable buildings and climate initiative) symposium.
Launch of UNEP-GIREC supported by FIDIC at Rio+20
FIDIC, represented by Francois Baillon, participated in and also made a statement at the press conference for the launch of UNEP’s “Global Initiative for Resource Efficient Cities”.
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New FIDIC Website Revealed
FIDIC is pleased to advise that a new website has now been launched.
FIDIC Centenary Awards Reminder
As part of the FIDIC centenary celebrations in Barcelona 2013, FIDIC will recognise and applaud the best consulting engineering achievements of the last 100 years
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Seoul Conference to Launch State of the World Sustainability Report
Under the guidance of Prof Peter Guthrie, Centre for Sustainable Development, Cambridge University, a comprehensive study is being prepared on sustainability in infrastructure projects relevant to FIDIC members around the world.
The World Bank Announces Fundamental Procurement Review
The World Bank has long played a leadership role in procurement in development. The Bank is now undertaking a major review of its procurement operational policy.
FIDIC Centenary Attracts the World
Planning is well advanced for this unique event in the history of the industry, taking place in Barcelona on September 2013. With it’s main theme “Quality of Life – Our Responsibility” the stage is set for debate
NEWS FROM FIDIC MEMBERS
100 Years of Success in Switzerland
Amidst a buoyant market, the Swiss Association of Consulting Engineers (USIC) celebrated its 100th anniversary in May 2012. FIDIC was represented by managing director Enrico Vink.
FIDIC Active in Palestine
FIDIC’s newly elected member association in Palestine is hosting the first FIDIC training course in Ramallah during July 2012
Korean Training Programme Expands
Building on the success of the extensive 2011 FIDIC-KENCA Training Programme, FIDIC and member association KENCA have expanded the 2012 programme to include more intensive training material .
Risk Management in Poland
Polish Consulting Engineers and Experts Association SIDiR is organising an international Conference on Risk Management, which will be held in Warsaw on 18-19 October 2012.
Australian Built Environment Meets Parliament (BEMP)
BEMP is an annual conversation between parliamentarians and industry leaders that showcases the relationship between Australian communities and their built environment.
FIDIC Affiliate, Dar Al-Handasah Consultants expands
Dar Group, the international design and project management services business in Lebanon, has acquired the UK-based consulting firm Currie & Brown.
FIDIC
ACTIVITIES
Africa Upbeat as GAMA Celebrates 20th Anniversary
The mood was very positive as some 200 delegates and visitors met in Zambia in April to explore the challenges with increased investment in African infrastructure. These are seen as providing more opportunities for local consulting firms, as well as partnering opportunities for international companies. The special event was attended by FIDIC President Geoff French, and managing director Enrico Vink.
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From right to left (bottom):Aggrey Njekwa Mayor of Livingstone, GAMA chair Mayen Adetiba, Secretary of the Southern Province, Mr. Edwin Zumbunu, with GAMA executives and FIDIC president.The animated audience, representing some 15 African countries, including one of the newest countries in the world, South Sudan, focused on the important role of consulting engineers in developing projects for sustainable economic development. In Africa this also requires attention to the Millennium Development Goals, with core indicators for the improvement of health, standards of living, economic development, and education.
Recognising the importance of capacity building, the newly elected GAMA Executive Committee, under the chairmanship of Arthur Taute, has placed this on its priority list. They will work in collaboration with FIDIC to identify and address gaps in the skill sets of consulting firms, as well as clarify the importance of local expertise in the development of infrastructure. Representatives from the World Bank and African Development Bank also provided reassurances of closer collaboration in working toward common objectives.
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BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT
Cautious Optimism as EFCA Celebrates 20th Anniversary
The theme of this year’s conference, “Developing the Engineering World – winning strategies”, was inspired from a recent EFCA publication, “Taking hold of our future”. This briefing paper provides food for thought to firms coming to terms with the changing environment, and guidance in identifying where future opportunities lie for business. Supporting its member firms in identifying future perspectives and potential areas for growth More than 100 delegates and visitors met in Portugal in May to discuss strategies for growing business during challenging times, as well as sharing tips on client satisfaction. FIDIC President Geoff French (UK), Vice President Pablo Bueno Tomás (Spain) and board member Alain Bentéjac (France) participated, as well as FIDIC managing director Enrico Vink. |  Left to right: moderator, EFCA President Jan Bosschem, the first EFCA President Robert Reith, FIDIC President Geoff French |
and competitiveness are priorities to EFCA. Jan Bosschem, EFCA President, stated: “Our industry has the potential to nurture sustainable growth: it is a vital driver for the delivery of well-functioning public infrastructure and it helps the private industry to develop innovative products while raising the competitiveness of the European Union as a whole.
It is therefore essential that European legislation and policies create the right business climate. EFCA cannot be only responsive to the political agenda; it needs to influence this agenda to ensure that the firms’ interests are heard!”
He continued “I look forward to our continued cooperation with FIDIC and will foster EFCA’s relation with FIDIC to the advantage of our industry.”
As part of that agenda, FIDIC President Geoff French expressed a willingness to collaborate more closely with EFCA, and to explore common issues impacting on the industry – especially on procurement, sustainability, and risk management.
Closer ties between EFCA and FIDIC were also confirmed at Young Professional level, with FIDIC YP steering committee member Alejandro Varón Tischer making a presentation on Future Leaders of the industry. There is commitment from both YP steering groups to collaborate on initiatives of mutual benefit to the YP members and their firms, and to prepare a joint meeting as part of the FIDIC centenary events in Barcelona in September 2013.
Facelift for Integrity Management
As part of it upgrade for the Model Reps Agreement (the contract recommended for use when engaging a local agent overseas), FIDIC has consulted with a wide selection of stakeholders, including the multi-lateral development banks. This important contract is taking into account the latest developments in combatting corruption, and is seen as offering consulting engineers and others a useful tool to address one of the risks in undertaking work overseas where local expertise is engaged. The document, which accompanies the FIDIC Integrity Management System (FIMS) will be available in time for the FIDIC World Conference in Seoul.
FIDIC Regional Presence Boosted
At its meeting in Tokyo in May 2012, the FIDIC Executive Committee agreed to a modified regional strategy which anticipates a stronger FIDIC presence in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Latin America, in addition to closer collaboration with EFCA in Europe. The strategy will focus on capacity building initiatives, with an objective to also develop accredited trainers in the regions to offer more cost effective solutions to local requirements. Members as well as regional FIDIC organisations are being consulted, and other key partnering organisations such as the multi-lateral development banks have also been advised.
Whilst in Tokyo, a FIDIC delegation (President Geoff French, managing director Enrico Vink, EC member Akihiko Hirotani, and AJCE President) also met with Ministers and senior officials from key Ministries involved in economic development and investment in infrastructure. There was considerable support for the aims of the industry, and in promoting international activity, especially with constricting domestic market impacting on infrastructure investment. Useful discussions were also held with Japan’s aid agency JICA, which is already collaborating with FIDIC and FIDIC members in the region, as it expands its activities in developing infrastructure. | FIDIC president Geoff French and the Director General of the Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry, Mr Susumu Atsugi |
FIDIC also participated in a half day workshop involving clients and consultants, to explore the changing marketplace, the challenges facing the industry and Japanese consulting engineers, as well as opportunities outside Japan.
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Inaugural Launch of US FIDIC Seminar
The inaugural FIDIC/IBC Users Conference, will take place in New York from 2-3 October. With the support of FIDIC’s event management company IBC, FIDIC seeks to raise the awareness of FIDIC international standards in the construction sector, and to enable North American users of FIDIC contracts to discuss their experience in utilising the FIDIC suite of contracts. More details on FIDIC's website. |
INDUSTRY
Representation
Enhanced Collaboration with World Bank and Inter-American DB
During FIDIC’s annual visit to Washington, in conjunction with the annual conference of US member ACEC, FIDIC President Geoff French and Managing Director Enrico Vink held extensive, and open discussions with a number of bank departments, including procurement, infrastructure, environment, and integrity. A number of issues submitted by the industry were raised, on issues related to working on bank-funded projects, so as to clarify the bank’s position, as well as suggest ways in which procurement and implementation might be improved. This feedback will be shared back with the industry. |
The annual bi-lateral visits are seen as an ideal way to update key priorities for both sectors, as well as discuss common issues such as procurement policies and procedures; the impact of the financial crisis on funding development projects; dealing with climate change, corruption and sustainability.
A number of mutual events were also explored, including the FIDIC/MDB conference in Brussels in June, and also bank participation in the FIDIC World Conference in Seoul in September.
FIDIC Rethinks Cities at UNEP Symposium
As all eyes focus on the Rio+20 conference in Rio de Janeiro, FIDIC, through close collaboration with construction industry partners, and with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), presented the EFCA-FIDIC report « Rethink Cities » at a special UNEP-SBCI (sustainable buildings and climate initiative) symposium. |
Feedback from the symposium suggests that, in order to meet sustainable development goals, the developed countries need to drastically reduce their environmental footprint. Developing countries on the other hand are getting closer to sustainability as their environmental footprints are less severe and hence manageable.
In UNEP's new document: "Towards a Green Economy: Pathways to Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication" one solution put forward is to reconsider the role and importance of profit in the equation, to allow more flexibility for public sector funding.
Launch of UNEP-GIREC supported by FIDIC at Rio+20
FIDIC, represented by Francois Baillon, participated in and also made a statement at the press conference for the launch of UNEP’s “Global Initiative for Resource Efficient Cities”. |
The consulting engineering industry supports this initiative, as it looks at a more holistic approach to urbanisation and the challenges with buildings, transport, water & waste, and energy. A more sustainable approach to these issues is advocated, with consulting engineers offering their expertise and experience in the debate. This important topic will also be presented and discussed at FIDIC’s World Conference in Seoul in September.
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New FIDIC Website Revealed
FIDIC is pleased to advise that a new website has now been launched. In response to market demand, as well as internal efficiencies, it will provide a more efficient and user-friendly interface for buying documents, sharing information and on-line services for training and other FIDIC activities. Feedback is welcome. |
FIDIC Centenary Awards Reminder
| As part of the FIDIC centenary celebrations in Barcelona 2013, FIDIC will recognise and applaud the best consulting engineering achievements of the last 100 years, to help publicise the work of consulting engineers and the contribution they make to the way we all live, as well as to celebrate FIDIC’s centenary. |
The main ‘headline’ categories of Award will be:
- major building project of the last 100 years
- major civil engineering project of the last 100 years
- the leading consulting engineers of the last 100 years
The award nominations will be made by FIDIC Members. The projects nominated should have been designed by a member firm and they will be judged against a number of criteria including international recognition, technical excellence, innovation, how well they have endured and their sustainability. Entries close by 21 September 2012.
Further details are available on the FIDIC website.
Announcement
Seoul Conference to Launch State of the World Sustainability Report
Under the guidance of Prof Peter Guthrie, Centre for Sustainable Development, Cambridge University, a comprehensive study is being prepared on sustainability in infrastructure projects relevant to FIDIC members around the world. The report, offering practical guidance, will also propose an altogether new way of understanding and expressing sustainability at the different stages of a project’s development. This will assist decision making and encourage informed debate on investments in infrastructure.
The ground breaking report will set the scene for the FIDIC World Conference 9-12 September in Seoul, which also aims to demonstrate a new approach to conceiving, designing and delivering projects in the future, where society will demand better solutions to global challenges.
The emergence of green economic growth (as witnessed in many countries, including Korea), green technology and green procurement, will take centre stage. Case studies and examples of these new policies and new ways of developing projects will be highlighted to stimulate the debate on future for investments in the built environment. Speakers from all parts of the globe will share their thoughts and experiences on the new approaches to sustainable development, and the need for the consulting engineering industry to step up and take the lead in delivering sustainable solutions.
Some 1000 participants from 75 countries are anticipated. The significant opportunities in the consulting industry, which will be explored in Seoul, will act as an added incentive for the world’s leading consulting firms, and a number of their clients and other stakeholder groups. Details on the full programme are available at www.fidic2012.org
The World Bank Announces Fundamental Procurement Review
The World Bank has long played a leadership role in procurement in development. While its policies and procedures have been updated from time to time, most recently in January 2011, the Bank’s basic procurement model has remained largely unchanged for more than two decades. This period has seen profound changes in the global economy, in the conditions of the countries in which the Bank is engaged, and in the nature and range of the Bank’s projects and activities. |
The Bank is now undertaking a major review of its procurement operational policy. The review aims to identify possible changes to the policy that will allow the Bank to continue to be a global leader in procurement in development, building on its traditional strengths while adapting to new opportunities and challenges in a changing world.
As part of its extensive external consultation, an International Advisory Group has been formed, and FIDIC has been invited to participate. Managing Director Enrico Vink will be representing FIDIC, and he will seek input from all members and other partnering organisations. All relevant information is available on the Bank’s dedicated site http://www.worldbank.org/procurement
FIDIC Centenary Attracts the World
| Planning is well advanced for this unique event in the history of the industry, taking place in Barcelona on September 2013. With it’s main theme “Quality of Life – Our Responsibility” the stage is set for debate on the global challenges confronting humanity, and how, collectively with partnering organisations, better solutions might be found to these challenges. |
A full two day programme for the main part of the conference is being developed in consultation with a number of international organisations which also have interests in our Quality of Life, including water, transport, buildings, energy, the environment, urbanisation. Also invited to participate are the finance sector, insurance, law, construction and architecture.
Day One will focus on what has been achieved to date and how, plus lessons learnt. Day two will then focus on a more collaborative approach to finding better and more sustainable solutions to the needs of society and its quality of life.
Social activities are also planned to encourage networking and to enjoy the special things that Barcelona has to offer. Details will progressively become available on www.fidic2013.org.
NEWS FROM FIDIC MEMBERS
100 Years of Success in Switzerland
Amidst a buoyant market, the Swiss Association of Consulting Engineers (USIC) celebrated its 100th anniversary in May 2012. FIDIC was represented by managing director Enrico Vink. In 1912, the association ASIC (former name) was founded in Lausanne to support and develop the interests of consulting engineers in Switzerland. To celebrate the last century, USIC highlighted different projects through the production of a short anniversary movie, a special edition of the journal “USIC news” and the creation of an art exhibition with different artists working on the topic of engineering. More information concerning the anniversary activities can be found on the USIC website: www.usic.ch/100
FIDIC Active in Palestine
FIDIC’s newly elected member association in Palestine is hosting the first FIDIC training course in Ramallah during July 2012; the theme is “The Practical Use of the FIDIC Conditions of Contracts”; for more details and registration please visit the Events site on the FIDIC website.
Korean Training Programme Expands
Building on the success of the extensive 2011 FIDIC-KENCA Training Programme, FIDIC and member association KENCA have expanded the 2012 programme to include more intensive training material focussing on enhancing knowledge of FIDIC’s training modules covering human resources, finance, integrity, sustainability and risk management for consulting firms. As part of the process, FIDIC also assesses and accredits suitably qualified Korean trainers, who will be able to undertake training in their own right.
Risk Management in Poland
Polish Consulting Engineers and Experts Association SIDiR is organising an international Conference on Risk Management, which will be held in Warsaw on 18-19 October 2012. Details will be announced on the SIDiR website www.sidir.pl.
Australian Built Environment Meets Parliament (BEMP)
BEMP is an annual conversation between parliamentarians and industry leaders that showcases the relationship between Australian communities and their built environment. It offers an opportunity to explore the economic, social, environmental and governance issues that influence national prosperity. This event (taking place late June) is co-hosted by industry associations; Consult Australia, the Australian Institute of Architects, the Planning Institute of Australia, the Property Council of Australia and the Green Building Council of Australia.
FIDIC Affiliate, Dar Al-Handasah Consultants expands
Dar Group, the international design and project management services business in Lebanon, has acquired the UK-based consulting firm Currie & Brown. "This transaction brings a large group of talented people with specific expertise in areas such as cost management, project management, building surveying, PFI/PPP services, asset management and other associated advisory services into Dar Group" commented Dar Group Chairman and CEO, Mr Talal Shair. The Dar Group was established in 1985 and now employs 13,000 people in 169 offices throughout 44 countries. Dar Group includes leading design and engineering consultancies in key markets such as the USA, Europe, Africa and Asia.
