Iran's deputy head of housing tells builders of construction plans

PLANS BY the Iranian government to roll out a nationwide housing programme over the next decade will present significant opportunities for Irish construction firms in Iran, the country's deputy housing minister told developers on a visit to Dublin this week. Mary Fitzgeraldreports.

Khajeh Daloui, deputy head of housing and construction, said Tehran envisages some 7.8 million new homes will be built over the next five years.

The surge in demand for housing is due to Iran's burgeoning population - two thirds of its 72 million citizens are under 30 - and increased migration from rural to urban areas.

Mr Daloui, who arrived in Dublin on Tuesday for a four-day visit, told representatives from Irish construction firms that Iran will support foreign investment in its project. He added that Tehran is anxious to procure the services of experienced international developers and contractors.

The Central Bank of Iran will guarantee the investment and repatriation of profits by participants.

Mr Daloui met Tom Parlon, director of the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), before giving a briefing on the Iranian housing market to more than 10 Irish developers. "A good number of those present expressed interest in following it up and travelling to Iran to see what the situation is on the ground," said one attendee.

Mr Parlon said the CIF had noted increased international demand for Irish construction expertise. "We have been approached by a number of international agencies with a view to attracting Irish construction companies to undertake major infrastructure projects abroad," he said.

"The Scottish Highways Agency, for instance, is very keen to entice Irish companies . . . to tender for public projects in Scotland. We also have had approaches from much further afield, including the Middle East, where again there is recognition of the competitive advantages that Irish companies bring to major public infrastructure works. The request from the Iranian government to meet and discuss the opportunities available in that country is further proof of this global recognition."