This article originally written and published in the Q4 2017 issue of D+C magazine.
Looming cranes and towering structures dotting the Bangkok skyline was a fitting backdrop as INTERMAT ASEAN opens in Thailand’s capital. The inaugural edition featured more than 300 exhibitors from 18 countries featuring the latest machinery and equipment. A total of 20,000 square meters of indoor, outdoor exhibition and demonstration areas was available.
Intermat is a major construction and infrastructure show since 1988 happening every three years in Paris, France. It is the third largest in the world. For the first time, INTERMAT ASEAN opened its doors for three days from 8-10 June 2017 at the Impact Exhibition and Convention Center in Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok.
Setting sights on ASEAN
INTERMAT ASEAN hopes to play a role offering unlimited trade and investment opportunities in the building and construction sectors. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) formed the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015. This is a regional economic integration agenda. ASEAN has ten member countries: Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar. The region has a combined population of 623 million and a combined GDP of $2.8 trillion.
With the exhibition in Bangkok, Intermat ASEAN recognizes Thailand’s fast growth and with its strong construction challenges and opportunities. As a strategic location, it will enable it to spread around the ASEAN countries.
Intermat ASEAN, more than just an exhibit
Intermat ASEAN is not just an exhibit. It is also a platform for companies to access the trade, networking, and knowledge opportunities. The outdoor demonstration area allowed brands to showcase their latest equipment and machinery. This enabled attendees to test drive these in real life settings. The INTERMAT ASEAN Conference 2017 program was a venue for local and international speakers to talk about upcoming building and construction trends. At the Exhibitor Presentation Theater, demonstrations and workshops of products were held.
The event was organized by S.E. INTERMAT. This is a joint subsidiary of COMEXPOSIUM and French trade organisations from the construction industry. The COMEXPOSIUM Group is one of the world’s leading event organizers. IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd., is the leading exhibition organizer in Thailand.
