Worldbex Services International (WSI) founding chairman Joseph L. Ang, organizer of the event, noted that despite the current international economic crunch, especially with the escalation of the Iraq-US crisis, this year’s exhibit had the most number of foreign participants.
Secretary Bayani Fernando of the Department of Public Works and Highways and concurrent Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman, lauded the organizers of the event for their contribution to the dynamic growth of the local construction industry.
Fernando said Worldbex 2003 was a much anticipated annual event that never failed to encourage the private sector to develop new, affordable products and technologies for the housing, building and construction sector.
"It is time to save on government expenditures by creating value engineering in building and construction," Fernando said.
Over 500 exhibitors from the Philippines, Australia, China, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, United States showcased their products in the trade show.
The show featured pavilions for real estate and housing, safety and security, landscape and interiors, grand embassy and national pavilions from the United States, Australia, Malaysia, China, Singapore and others.
With the theme "Leading Global Construction Beyond Innovation," Worldbex 2003 featured innovative, functional and dynamic building and construction products and services from around the globe.
"We are pleased with the turnout of participants in Worldbex 2003. Architects, engineers, construction professionals, interior designers and the general public trooped to the expo to catch a first-hand glimpse of the building and construction products, services and technologies on the exhibit floor of the two venues," said architect Francisco Flameño, WSI executive director.
Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Noel Kintanar said the "local construction sector was responding favorably to the global challenges."
In a speech, Kintanar said the construction industry was an important sector that could jumpstart national economic development.
"And that the country being able to host a building and construction exposition through Worldbex 2003 is an indicattion that foreign investors are still confident on the counrty’s economy," he said.
Kintanar spoke in behalf of Trade and Industry Secretary Mar Roxas II was unable to make it to the opening ceremonies. Among those present were Presidential Adviser on Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Secretary Michael Defensor, Bukidnon Rep. Miguel Zubiri, Navotas Rep. Federico Sandoval, and Pasay City Mayor Peewee Trinidad.
Also present were Habitat for Humanity board member and Youth Building 2003 charperson Margie Moran-Floirendo as well as diplomats like US Ambassador Francis Ricciardone, US Commercial Attache Jason Field, Sri Lankan Ambassador Ariya Rekawa, Czech Ambassador Stanislav Slavicky, Malaysian Trade Commissioner Raihan Sharif and Thai Commercial Attache Chirakom Kitiyakara.