Join the global restructure

Governments around the world may differ on the best way to manage their finances in a recession, but a significant consensus has formed on the importance of infrastructure investment.

Economic stimulus packages around the world have focused on transport, power, telecommunications and social infrastructure such as homes and hospitals. In developed countries such as the US and Germany it comes from the need to renew and adapt their infrastructure for the challenges of a low-carbon future and population growth. For developing countries, it’s even more important. Improved infrastructure is widely recognised as the backbone of economic growth and the route to becoming a global player.

The Global Infrastructure Forum, taking place in London on 5-6 November, will highlight the opportunities for UK firms in infrastructure around the world with high-level speakers from the most exciting markets. This two-day event will explain how UK companies can break into these markets and provide a forum where they can network with global clients and providers.

“There's no denying that the world is undergoing an infrastructure boom, powered by trillions of pounds of investment from governments around the world,” says Sir Andrew Cahn, chief executive of UK Trade & Investment, which helps UK companies enter new markets. “Efficient and effective infrastructure is the key driver for any country’s economic development. At the same time, the transition to a low-carbon economy is a global environmental and economic imperative. It is central to our future prosperity.”

There's no denying that the world is undergoing an infrastructure boom, powered by trillions of pounds of investment

Sir Andrew Cahn, UK Trade & Investment

Cahn believes that UK companies are ideally placed to get involved in these projects: “The UK is leading the field in this growing sector, offering the knowledge, technology and experience to help build a low-carbon future. In fact, whether it’s developing renewable energy technologies, new transport networks, upgrading telecommunications, building schools, power, water or waste management, the UK must look abroad to take advantage of business opportunities.”

Three markets that UK companies will be watching particularly closely are Mexico, Libya and India, which have not only announced massive spending on infrastructure up to 2012 and beyond, but are actively seeking expertise from the UK. Senior speakers involved in commissioning projects will give presentations after lunch on day one of the conference, discussing each government’s ambitions and how exactly they intend to fund and deliver them.

For example, the Mexican government plans to invest $168bn (£102bn) of state funds by 2012 through its National Infrastructure Programme, which will include more than 300 PFI projects. In India, infrastructure spending is targeted to grow from 5% to 9% of GDP, totalling $567.2bn, also by 2012.