Fifth IFAWPCA Convention:
MOVE TO FORM A WORLD CONTRACTORS' FEDERATION
THE International Federation of
Asian and Western Pacific Con- tractors' Associations has decided to try and form a world wide organisa- tion of building and civil engineering contractors.
This was one of the major decisions of the fifth IFAWPCA convention held in Seoul from September 29 to October 3.
A special committee formed at the convention recommended that the International Federation of Building and Public Works in Paris and the Inter-American Federation of Con- struction Industries in Brazil be asked for their opinions on the subject. An invitation will be extended to these two bodies to send representatives to the sixth conference in Hong Kong next year.
An Australian member of the IFAWPCA executive board, Mr. Henry Wilckens, was delegated to lay the ground work for "the federation of federations."
The special committee decided to meet two days before the next con- vention to make a resume of progress made.
The secretary of the Hong Kong Society of Builders, Mr. Hugh Lim, who attended the conference, said that unofficial approaches had already been made to major contractors' federations about a world wide or- ganisation and they were "definitely interested."
He thought the proposed organisa. tion could be composed of representa- tives from four zones European,
Far Eastern and Pacific (IFAWPCA), American, and African and Middle Eastern.
HONG KONG PRESIDENT
A Hong Kong delegate, Mr. Paul Y. Tso, of the Paul Y. Construction Co. Ltd., was elected president of the IFAWPCA for the coming year.
Addressing the 157 delegates who attended the conference he said Hong Kong, although only a small dot on a large map, had much to show in the way of building
102
Following is the full text of Mr. Tso's address:-
"This is one of those special occa- sions which I shall long remember. Standing here as I do now, amongst so many distinguished guests
and such a large gathering of fellow con- tractors who have come from many countries, both near and far to attend this Convention, I feel greatly priviliged in having been given the opportunity of saying a few words on behalf of the Hong Kong delega- tion.
First of all. I should like to express my sincere thanks to the Assembly in electing me as President of the International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors' As- sociations for the next term of Office. In accepting this, I voice the hope that with the help and guidance of both friends and supporters, I shall be able to accomplish as much for the Federation as my Predecessors
If
since the Federation was first established some eight years ago. it were not for the determination and enthusiastic support of past commit- tees and members, the Federation would not be enjoying the success she is able to boast of today.
CLOSER RELATIONS
"As we all know, our purposes are far-reaching. To put it very briefly, we endeavour to promote closer international relationships amongst Asian and Western Pacific countries, and to foster mutual co-operation by the exchange of advice and opinions between contractors of both a tech- nical and non-technical nature. It is earnestly hoped that before long all free nations in this area, will become members of the Federation, and that we may all work jointly together for greater success.
"Hong Kong is proud to have been nominated host country for the next convention. Although only a small dot on a large map and little to offer in comparison with your beautiful countries, it has become one of the most interesting spots in the world today. East and West meet
WIDE
happily, and the old and new exist in harmony. Perhaps one of the most remarkable features which has attract- ed world wide attention is the incredi- ble housing problem a problem which Hong Kong feels its Govern- ment has ably and effectively handled in an attempt to cope with an increas- ingly swelling population.
"I do not think that in any other region covered by this Federation will you be able to see anything similar being undertaken on such an enor- mous scale. Hong Kong's housing development scheme is in its early stages, and will continue for many years yet. To those of you who have not witnessed the rapid growth of our population during recent years, I cordially invite you to come and see for yourselves what has been accom- plished to meet the demand.
"On the lighter side our water shortage is something of the past and we are able to offer our guests water in the tap 24 hours a day!
"In conclusion, I wish to express my thanks to the Secretariat of this Federation for the splendid work that has been done and I can hope that they will continue in this way and give me all the valuable co-operation and experience to enable me to ful- full my obligations to the Federation."
Other officials elected were.- Honourary President, Domingo V. Poblete (Phillipines); Vice-president, Alfred George Wells, (New Zealand); Secretary-General, Luk Ping Sheung, (Hong Kong).
Executive Board:- H. Wilckens
H. (Australia), T. Ing (Taiwan), John Poon (Hong Kong), Kinjo Saito (Japan), Jung Koo Cho (Korea). Lim Chong (Malaysia), David M. Consunji (Phillipines), Nguyên Linh Chieu (Vietnam).
Executive Director: Eduardo R. Escobar (Phillipines).
Life Members: K. C. McGregor (Australia), Tsu Chan Tang (Taiwan), Yasuo Shimizu (Japan), W.S. Cheung (Korea), Domingo V. Poblete (Phil- lipines), Eduardo R. Escobar (Phil- lipines).
THE HONG KONG & FAR EAST BUILDER-VOLUME 19, NUMBER 3
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.