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(...Continued from page 38) between 2012 and 2017,” says Fraser Addiscott, UK Trade & Investment’s head of global infrastructure & crosssector projects. “The road building sector, for instance, has been identified as a priority US$50 billion opportunity for UK business. Other infrastructure opportunities are also emerging for highspeed rail links connecting major cities that mirror the road projects. Meanwhile, some US$7.7 billion has been earmarked to upgrade 25 airports in addition to plans for more than 200 port projects – valued at in excess of US$11 billion.

“UK engineering, architectural and commercial practices lead Europe,” continues Addiscott. “The UK’s worldclass infrastructure value chain, spanning such sectors as construction, mass transport, environment and water, energy, engineering and financial services, is well placed to play a leading role in delivering innovative infrastructure projects. It brings a long experience of partnering and an ability to maximise value and world-leading technology.”

In general, UK Trade & Investment advises firms to find a local partner when operating in less well-regulated or unfamiliar markets.

SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION

Dominating the industry both at home and abroad is the drive towards a lowcarbon future. And those UK firms with expertise in sustainability continue to be in demand. Global Construction 2020 revealed that while carbon emissions have fallen in the UK and the US, they are increasing by up to 5.5 per cent in emerging markets. Newly emerging economies will need to invest in more sustainable buildings and technology – an area of world-leading UK expertise.

With a focus on delivering efficient and sustainable solutions, the UK excels at maximising investment value across the whole lifecycle of the project. UK infrastructure companies are considered world leaders in master planning, consultancy, design, project management, engineering, low-carbon solutions, security and professional advice (legal, insurance, PPP/PFI).

Domestically, the latter half of 2010 may prove sluggish compared to the first half. However, overseas opportunities provide an increasingly viable alternative for UK construction firms which are prepared for the challenges ahead and ready to invest in new, relatively untapped markets. With minimal UK GDP growth forecast until 2020, international expansion will become a ‘need-to-do’ rather than a ‘like-to-do’ for many organisations.

Indeed, as Addiscott rightly points out, industry commentators are unanimous in saying that we are living in an era of unprecedented investment in infrastructure on a global scale. “From meeting growing energy demand to managing the impact of urbanisation and providing for an ageing population, this investment is essential to longterm economic growth and our ability to respond to some of the greatest challenges we face,” he says. In doing so, all of this needs to be balanced with reconciling economic and social needs in ways which are integrated, sustainable and financially viable.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) estimates that US$40 trillion could be spent on infrastructure projects worldwide up to 2030. While there continue to be opportunities in more familiar markets such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, these are gradually being caught up by the innumerable prospects being laid on the tables of the Vietnams, Turkeys and Brazils of this world.

And the great news for UK construction firms is the fact that there is less competition for contracts in these lesser-known markets. As Turner & Townsend Asia director Duncan Stone puts it: “Smaller markets can be much more welcoming to foreign investment because they don’t have the resources or expertise p that bigger countries do.”


GETTING HELP

UK Trade & Investment’s Passport to Export programme offers new and inexperienced exporters:

• free capability assessments
• support in visiting potential markets
• mentoring from a local export professional
• free action plans
• customised and subsidised training
• ongoing support once a venture is up and running

For more information about the programme, visit www.ukti.gov.uk


For more information, visit www.ukti.gov.uk/export/sectors/construction.html or contact Peter Cain on 020 7215 4802 or email peter.cain@ukti.gsi.gov.uk