Construction

Demand was surprisingly buoyant for construction materials in Egypt in 2011. The revolution that began on January 25 of the year caused multiple delays and cast uncertainty on several major construction projects in the private sector, and across most areas of the economy new ventures were put on hold.

Since it has traditionally had a limited real estate market, few developers, residents or investors up to now have viewed housing in Ghana as a worthy asset. However, with the start of oil production in late 2010 and bold plans for gas-fed industrial growth and diversification, things may be beginning to move in the sector.

Buoyed by first oil lift in late 2010, the government has placed infrastructure development at the centre of its strategy for economic growth and job creation. Although the funding for infrastructure projects remains a key concern, its central position in government plans bodes well for Ghana’s contracting and engineering firms.

When the Diamond Cement plant in Aflao on Ghana’s eastern border was struck by lightning in April 2012, few could have predicted the extent of its impact on Ghana’s construction market. The nearly month-long shutdown that followed led to cement price increases of as much as 85% and industry layoffs by contractors struggling to cope. Although...

The domestic real estate market is currently marked by strong and resilient demand for condominiums in Bangkok and the spread of modern retail outlets such as hypermarkets, malls and big-box stores. However, during 2012, one of the most closely watched segments will be industrial land, as responses to the flooding in 2011 by manufacturers will...

With contractors large and small knowing they must make money by being efficient rather than counting on high-margin projects, the construction sector in Thailand is highly competitive. Large builders tend to stick to government contracts and are selective in working for the private sector, which is in part a legacy from the 1997-98 Asian financial...