Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Four Nepali construction companies have been honored at the 46th conference of the International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors’ Associations (IFWAPCA) that kicked off in Kathmandu on Wednesday.
According to the organizers, Samanantar Nirman Sewa Pvt Ltd has received the Gold Medal in the Building category, while New Technical Infra Pvt Ltd secured the Silver Medal in the same category. Similarly, Kalika Construction Pvt Ltd was awarded the Gold Medal in the Civil Engineering category, and Jaya Bishnu Nirman Sewa Pvt Ltd received the Silver Medal in the same category.
The awards were presented by Federation of Contractor Association of Nepal (FCAN) President Rabi Singh and General Secretary Birendra Raj Pandey in the presence of over 400 construction entrepreneurs from 18 countries.
After receiving the award, Achyut Kharel, chairman of Samanantar Nirman Sewa, attributed their success to teamwork. “It disseminates a message that there is nothing that cannot be achieved if there is teamwork and concerted efforts,” he added.
On the occasion, FCAN President Singh and General Secretary Pandey felicitated IFAWPCA’s former President Ganeshlal Shrestha, who has attended the IFAWPCA Conference ten times. Additionally, former FCAN Presidents Bishnu Bhai Shrestha and Jip Chhiring Lama, and General Secretary Roshan Dahal were also honored on the occasion.
FCAN currently holds the Presidency of IWAFCA. Singapore will assume the chair of IFWAPCA after the Kathmandu conference which will conclude on Saturday. The theme of the 46th IFWAPCA Conference is ‘Partnering in Sustainable Infrastructure.’
The conference was inaugurated by President Ram Chandra Paudel on Wednesday. Similarly, the IFWAPCA Forum was inaugurated by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Thursday.
Addressing the forum, Dahal highlighted Nepal’s international commitment to achieving zero carbon emissions by 2045 and expressed satisfaction that development work is aligning with this commitment. He also said that sustainable infrastructure development is a top priority for the government.
IFAPCA conference presents a valuable opportunity to boost Nepal’s tourism sector and stimulate the economy, noted IFWAPCA President Singh. He said FCAN has requested visiting delegates to invest in various sectors, including agriculture, tourism, and hydroelectricity. Some have expressed commitment to collaborate with Nepali construction companies in both domestic and international projects, according to Singh.
Nepal previously hosted the 30th IFAPCA Conference in 1999. Representatives from Australia, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Maldives, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Thailand are participating in the conference.
