The Hindu : Business : Kochi to host national convention of builders

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Thursday, Nov 30, 2006
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Kochi to host national convention of builders

Staff Reporter

Focus on infrastructure development

KOCHI: Infrastructure development will be the focus of the Builder's Association of India's National Convention 2006 (BAI NATCON 2006) that will begin here on Saturday.

To be hosted in Kochi for the first time in 65 years, the 22nd all-India convention would also have a Build Expo showcasing the latest building materials, finishing and interior products, safety and security systems.

A separate machinery expo will be held in the open outside the Le Meridian convention centre. There will be 200 stalls open for the public to have a glimpse of what is available in the construction industry.

Addressing a press meet here on Wednesday, BAI NATCON organising committee chairman M.V. Antony said the highlight of the inaugural function will be the presentation of Suvarna Nirman Ratna Award to E. Sreedharan, Managing Director, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, for excellence in Engineering, Construction and Management of world class projects. Lifetime achievement awards will be given to A.V.S. Raju, founder-chairman of Nagarjuna Construction Co. Ltd. and Madan Lal Goyal, chairman and managing director of RDS Projects Ltd.

Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi will inaugurate the three-day convention at 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Ajit Gulabchand, chairman and managing director of Hindustan Construction Company, will deliver the keynote address.

Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Oscar Fernandes; State Finance Minister Thomas Isaac; Public Works Minister T.U. Kuruvilla; Minister for Water Resources N.K. Premachandran; Sebastian Paul, MP; and K.V. Thomas, MLA, are expected to participate.

Mr. Sreedharan of the Metro Rail will inaugurate the technical seminar starting on Sunday.

Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chief Operating Officer of Infosys Technologies, will be the keynote speaker.

Many speakers heading construction companies and institutions from across the country and abroad would speak on various topics under the theme `Infrastructure Development — Today's Challenge.' Over 1,500 delegates are expected to participate in the functions.

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