NOW on its 23rd year, the Philippine World Building and Construction Expo (Worldbex) sustains its outstanding streak as it opens its doors to a record-breaking number of local and international exhibitors. Plus, an increase in its total exhibition space with the addition of the 2,500-square-meter-(sq m) wide Northwing Hall of the World Trade Center, which will house over 120 booths.
Opening today, March 14, and running until Sunday, March 18, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., this year’s Worldbex is expected to be the show’s biggest installment yet, as it is set to be held at the three mega venues of the World Trade Center Metro Manila, the Philippine Trade Training Center and the SMX Convention Center Manila. With all three venues combined, this year’s Worldbex will encompass a total of 37,100 sq m of show area as it showcases 1,500 booths by both domestic and foreign players of the construction sector.
In turn, Worldbex 2018 has noted a 25-percent increase in international exhibitors, a 12-percent increase in local exhibitors, and a 20-percent increase in total number of booths. Signifying something far beyond mere showmanship, the expansion being undergone by Worldbex is a brimming testament of the show’s thriving ascendancy as a global force. And the same could be said about its decision to adopt the theme of “Shaping Innovations Toward Sustainability” for its 2018 installment.
As revealed by Worldbex Services International’s Founding Chairman Joseph Ang, “Deliberately conceived to parallel the growing concern of the international community with regard to the need to develop ingenious yet mindful solutions, our theme for this year’s show deeply echoes Worldbex’s commitment to connect with the global pulse.”
It comes as no surprise that the reception of both the local and international community toward the upcoming show has been widely optimistic. Laying proof to this was the successful turnout of the Worldbex 2018 Exhibitors’ Orientation Program held on January 31 at the Hall B of the Philippine Trade Training Center; where over 700 attendees from 300 companies took part in the preshow event.
As affirmed by Richmond Sy, president and general manager of GRM Biowood, a first-time platinum sponsor for Worldbex, “Worldbex is the gold standard for construction expos, and is well-known for showcasing the newest and most innovative products of the industry under one roof.” Moreover, Sy found this year’s theme highly relevant, as it reflects what his company is all about.
On the other hand, 20 years later and Puyat Flooring Products Inc. remains to be one of the longest standing sponsors of Worldbex. Recalling their journey as one of the pioneer exhibitors of Worldbex, Missy Castro, communications manager for Puyat Flooring Products Inc., stated, “Our participation has helped us a lot to reach out to our target customers and showcase the beauty and effectiveness of our products. Indeed, it is the most ideal venue to let our clients know about our company and our products.”
However, there seems to be no better exemplification of the burgeoning role of Worldbex as a key driver of economic growth on a global scale than the impressive number of international participants that will be taking part at this year’s show. Assuming the role of being the global construction industry’s gateway to Southeast Asia, among the new countries to participate at the much-anticipated event include Indonesia, Australia, Turkey, Germany, Iran and Japan. These countries now join the roster of longtime international partners that support Worldbex, such as South Korea, Malaysia, Denmark, Singapore, Spain, China, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.
Particularly impressive is the enthusiasm expressed by Malaysian companies who are expected to occupy the most number of booths at this year’s International Pavilion. Leading the pack is Malaysian powerhouse MATRADE, which has been allocated 30 booths. As remarked by MATrade’s Trade Commissioner, Nyaee Ayup, “Worldbex has continuously showcased the emerging and innovative products in the industry.