Thousands of architects, engineers, project managers, suppliers and buyers are bringing both innovative products and know-how to Morocco as they take part in The Big 5 Construct North Africa being held in Casablanca.

Running from April 10 to 12 at the Parc des Expositions de L’Office des Changes in Casablanca, The Big 5 Construct North Africa is the international event dedicated to the Moroccan and North African building and construction industry.

Presenting innovative products from around the world and 40 educational sessions, the international construction event gathers thousands of professionals for three days of networking, learning and business opportunities and to build up the cities of tomorrow in Morocco.

On its second day (April 11), the Big 5 Construct North Africa is all set for a successful edition at the Parc Des Expositions De L'Office Des Changes in Casablanca, said the organisers.

"The Big 5 is one of the initiatives that our country has actively supported on the international scene in recent years," remarked Sara Ben Ayyad, the project manager Green Buildings at Bureau Veritas Morocco.

"The Big 5 Construct North Africa not only creates business opportunities for the sector; it is a great opportunity for staging ecological products and sustainable high-end technologies to involve us in the dynamics of sustainable construction," she stated.

The international construction event displays what is next in the construction sector. 190 companies from 29 countries are presenting innovative technologies, building materials and advanced solutions to meet the needs of the growing Moroccan construction sector.

"The visitors coming to our stand have been exactly who we wanted. We have had architects and construction companies, all with the right inquiries," remarked Andre van Herrden, the managing partner of exhibiting company Cape Reid.

The event also features 40 educational workshops, where local and international experts share best practices and discuss latest trends with the Moroccan construction community.

“I look forward to seeing more exhibitions like this, displaying new materials and solutions,” said Noureddine Abouricha, a visitor to the show.

Ben Ayyad, who presented a workshop on Sustainable Construction in the Moroccan Market, said: "Pushing to build a sustainable, healthy, energy / water efficient and environmentally friendly building is becoming a major concern that policy makers are increasingly integrating into their practices."

“The vision of Morocco is clear today: the country reaffirms its leading position as a luxury destination in Africa with the acceleration of the industry and the promotion of new constructions. As a result, the construction sector is becoming one of the most dynamic and buoyant segments of the country, contributing to economic growth, wealth creation and the attraction of foreign capital,” she added.

From Dubai, speaker Dr Hany Salem, the director of the Integrative Sustainability Group, presented a workshop on Sustainable Urban Planning at the event.

“The feedback I received from the local audience was amazing,” remarked Salem. "Today we polished the actual definition of sustainable development. I believe our discussion at the Big 5 Construct North Africa will benefit the local community," he noted.

“Sustainability is growing and what sets The Big 5 Construct North Africa apart from other exhibitions is that Sustainability has always been a major topic here,” he added.  

On the innovative trends for interactive spaces, Albert S. Fakhoury, the executive board member of the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designer, and president of Council for International Accreditation of Architecture & Design, said: "It is great to present this topic in Morocco as the local construction community is looking forward to follow-up with what is happening all over the world."

Focusing on combining the best of today’s new materials, trends and media possibilities with futuristic views, Fakhoury’s presentation at The Big 5 Construct North Africa was “Packed with visitors.”

According to the international expert, people should treasure their culture and traditions, while benefitting from new technologies and innovations.

"I would love to see beautiful Moroccan design that works perfectly and speaks to the upcoming generations. We need to create interactive spaces that will be beneficial not only for us but also for the coming generation," remarked Fakhoury.

Companies from Germany, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Qatar, UK, South Korea, India and China among many others will display their products at The Big 5 Construct North Africa until April 12.

Organised by dmg events, The Big 5 Construct North Africa features five product sectors: Building Interiors, Building Materials & Tools, MEP Services, Concrete & PMV, and Windows, Doors & Facades.-TradeArabia News Service