Nearly 1,000 companies have signed up for this year's International Exhibition of Building and Construction, organizers said Saturday, signaling strong industry appetite despite persistent inflationary pressures and energy supply concerns.
The four-day event, running August 18–21 at Tehran's Permanent International Fairgrounds, is expected to showcase everything from smart systems and safety equipment to traditional building materials, elevators, and knowledge-based construction products. Twenty indoor halls and additional open-air spaces have been allocated for the expo.
Speaking at a press conference, Mojtaba Mahallati, deputy for support and planning at the Iran Cooperative Chamber, said the exhibition has grown into one of the region's most reputable specialized trade fairs over its 20-year history. "The fact that we've reached nearly 1,000 registrations in a challenging economic climate says a lot about the sector's resilience," he noted.
Beyond product display, the event will feature specialized panels co-organized with the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, running on three of the four days. Academics, industry associations, and construction professionals will discuss emerging technologies and sector achievements—with artificial intelligence and smart construction methods high on the agenda.
International Participation and South Korea Partnership
Foreign exhibitors from Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey, China, Pakistan, and Persian Gulf countries are set to attend, Mahallati confirmed. More significantly, he revealed ongoing negotiations with South Korea to deepen technological cooperation—particularly in building industrialization—with an eye toward turning the exhibition into a launchpad for implementing a bilateral memorandum of understanding signed between Tehran and Seoul.
"We're not just looking for investment," Mahallati said. "We want knowledge transfer and access to cutting-edge construction technologies for Iranian professionals."
He argued that blending domestic expertise with Korean know-how could dramatically raise both the speed and quality of housing and infrastructure projects across Iran.
Expo as a Market Stabilizer
Contrary to predictions that economic volatility would shrink participation, Mahallati said registrations are actually up year-on-year. He described the exhibition as a stabilizing force during market turbulence: "When producers step forward with new products and fresh energy, it helps restore confidence and order."
The deputy also underscored the exhibition's role in linking the entire construction supply chain—from raw material suppliers and machinery makers to housing cooperatives and major investors.
Focus on Innovation and Education
This year's edition places special emphasis on bridging industry with academia and emerging fields like AI, according to Mahallati. Tailored training sessions and expert panels have been designed to give local firms and engineers exposure to global best practices.
Despite ongoing hurdles—including rising production costs and intermittent energy supply—organizers say the exhibition remains a vital platform for sustaining momentum in one of Iran's most employment-intensive sectors.
