Around 30 Sri Lankan companies and organizations will participate in the Maldivian Construction Fair to be held in Male, from April 20 to 23, Director, South Asia Exhibition Services, Imran Hassan said yesterday.

 He, told "The Island" that the Sri Lankan participants have a great opportunity to tap the billion dollar Maldivian construction industry,which has received a boost, with the politically stable Government of President Nasheed, providing numerous incentives to foreign investors.

 The planned infrastructure development  in the Maldives,includes the construction of 64  new resorts,with each estimated to cost around US$ 40 million,he said. "Maldives is a country that imports almost everything and with the new governments policy of large scale privatization,there are endless opportunities for the bold and enterprising."

 Organized by the Maldives Exhibition and Conference Services Private Limited, in association with the Maldives Association of Construction Industries, this year’s Fair,Hassan said  will showcase the latest products and services in the market.Over 4000 trade and business visitors are expected to participate, surpassing the 2008 figure of 3127. They include building and construction industry personnel, agents, distributors, contractors, state and private sector manufacturers,engineers, architects, interior designers and the general public.

 "The Council Pavilion at the Maldives Construction Fair 2009, will be used as the venue for one to one business meetings, in addition to showcasing promotional material and samples of the participants." 

 He, said that in addition to meetings  with the Maldivian business community, which would be arranged by the Maldives National Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Sri Lanka High Commission in Maldives, arrangements have been made for networking sessions with the relevant Government Ministries  and Departments such as the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Maldives Association of Construction Industry and the Foreign Investment Services Bureau.