The Big 5 Construct North Africa set to support the Moroccan construction industry

Construction, one of Morocco’s most dynamic and strategic sectors employing 1 million people, is soon to receive a powerful boost. From April 25 to 27 at the Parc Des Expostions de l’Office des Changes, Moroccan construction professionals will be able to delve into key industry influencing trends and discover the latest solutions for the built environment at the world-renowned The Big 5 show, which finally opens in Casablanca. 

“The Big 5 Construct North Africa in Morocco will promote the long term growth opportunities, and development of the Moroccan construction industry, along with creating new export partnerships for local Moroccan companies,” Portfolio Exhibitions Director, Andy Pert, said.

“By sharing global best practices and innovative ideas, beyond providing networking, business and learning opportunities through our internationally recognised Continued Professional Development (CPD) workshops, we are confident The Big 5 will support the Moroccan economy catering to the needs of the local manufactures and construction professionals.”

Organised by dmg events Middle East, Asia and Africa with its network of over 300,000 suppliers and buyers of construction products from 120 countries, The Big 5 is the largest, most influential and renowned portfolio of construction industry events spanning the Middle East, India, South East Asia and Africa. In 2016, it connected over 35,600 exhibitors, 195,500 visitors, 1000 speakers and 20,000 conference and summit attendees.

This growing participation along with The Big 5 portfolio’s proven track record of success in supporting the construction industry is driving its geographical expansion.

The first show in the African continent, The Big 5 Construct East Africa 2016, which took place in Kenya in partnership with the National Construction Authority (NCA) and with the support of the Kenyan Government, is the latest example of the brand’s ability to help local construction industries grow.

“The world renowned Big 5 show brought a wealth of knowledge and experience in construction materials and technologies to Kenya. The time and resources invested in this partnership will propel our Annual Construction Research Conference to greater heights, becoming the reference point in all construction matters in 10 years,” the Executive Director of the NCA, Arch. Daniel O. Manduku, said.

Private as well as foreign direct investments are deemed necessary to address the current financing challenges of the construction industry in Morocco, whose output value is expected to rise at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.07% in the next four years.

Real estate accounts for the largest share of FDIs, at 38.6% in 2016, according to the Moroccan Investment Development Agency, and around 20% of developers in Morocco conduct business as part of a joint venture, many involving Gulf countries, Oxford Business Group reports.

Moroccan companies such as Mall Zellij, Chaoui Bois, Vicaima Africa, Le Comptoir and Patmas Afrique already announced their participation to The Big 5 Construct North Africa 2017.

Here, they will be able to meet with thousands of buyers as well as potential global partners: “The event will facilitate future regional and global distribution opportunities by welcoming construction players from around the globe, ultimately supporting Moroccan exports,” Mr. Pert commented.

Dubai Exports confirmed that it will take part in the show with a delegation of buyers with the aim of establishing new partnerships with local manufacturers.

Also, the Developers & Builders Alliance (DBA), the American Institute of Architect (AIA), the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Kenya Federation of Master Builders (KFMB) are just some of the associations supporting The Big 5 Construct North Africa 2017.

Thousands of products for the Moroccan construction industry will be showcased at the event. The Casablanca-based exhibitor Mall Zellij revealed it will launch a set of new ceramic tiles never before seen in the country.

“We sincerely believe that this event will have a positive impact on introducing Mall Zellij as a specialized importer of well-known brands of tiles from Europe,” General Manager, Youssef Senhaji, stated.

“We look forward to establishing new contacts with professionals and introducing our large range of products dedicated to projects, professionals as well as end users at The Big 5 Construct North Africa.”

More than just an exhibition, the event will offer an extensive educational programme. “Since 2010, dmg events has placed an increasing emphasis on certified education in the form of conferences, seminars and workshops supporting thousands of professionals develop their carriers through Continued Professional Development (CPD). The Big 5 Construct North Africa 2017 will be no exception,” Mr. Pert promised.

Over 10 CPD certified and free to attend workshops will be delivered by industry experts throughout the three days of the event. Architects, engineers, project managers, contractors and interior designers will be able to expand their skill set and knowledge, network with peers and collect CPD points.

The education agenda will address some of the most compelling challenges faced by construction professionals in Morocco, from Health & Safety to Sustainability.

dmg events will bring to Morocco its well proven formula to support manufacturers and facilitate business. The last edition of The Big 5, which took place in Dubai in November, saw several contracts being signed onsite, including a.2 2 AED billion deal secured by the UAE based Al Baddad group exhibiting at the show.

SBS Porcher, Zorania, Ines, BHS Atlas Peintures, Super Cerame SA, Industrie de revêtement du sol, Separator, Extrumaroc2 and Aludoors Sarl are some of the companies that took part at The Big 5 2016 with Maroc Export.

The Moroccan Pavilion featured a varied range of products reflecting the productive potential of Moroccan operators in the sectors of building materials, construction and decoration.

To know more about The Big 5 Construct North Africa 2017 (25 - 27 April, Parc Des Expostions de l’Office des Changes, Casablanca), please visit www.thebig5constructnorthafrica.com.