The last decade analysis and the near future trends in international construction

Abstract

The worldwide decrease of international construction activities starting from 1997 Asian crisis, started to gain momentum in 2002, and continues to grow parallel to world economic expansion. The paper analyzes the international construction sector within the 1997-2007 periods. It makes the world regional and the respective construction firms' analyses within the context of major trends such as firm acquisitions, facilities management, infrastructure projects, and public private partnership delivery systems. The paper suggests strategies and predicts the near future while highlighting the available threats and opportunities in international construction. Concluding remarks highlight that the most of the markets will continue to be attractive. China, Russia, Middle East and Eastern Europe are expected to be the leading markets although terrorist activity concerns exist in the Middle East. The trends such as the application of more innovative project delivery systems, increase in sustainability, and establishment of global professional and enterprise licensing arehighlighted. Copyright ASCE 2009.