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Review
ICCX Eurasia 2024 – Innovations, Networking, and Future Perspectives for the AAC Industry
The construction sector in Kazakhstan presents a mixed picture despite challenges such as disrupted supply chains, inflation, and currency devaluation. Accounting for approximately 5.8% of the GDP, it is one of the country's most dynamic industries. The concrete industry plays a key role, with demand for essential building materials like concrete and cement being largely met through local production. State-supported infrastructure expansion programs, such as the “Nurly Zhol 2020-2025” initiative, are driving the demand for concrete and construction services. However, there remains a constant need for modernization in infrastructure, presenting opportunities for the construction industry.
Feedback from numerous exhibiting companies at the ICCX Eurasia 2024 reflected a sense of calm optimism. Business expectations are currently cautiously positive, and exhibitors used the opportunity to reconnect with visitors and delve deeper into past discussions.
The professional visitors, predominantly from concrete and AAC plants in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and other Russian-speaking countries, as well as planners, engineers, and scientists from the Eurasian region, were eager to seize this rare opportunity for networking and professional exchange. The event featured a trade exhibition where over 80 international companies showcased their latest technologies and solutions for modern concrete production. Among them were nine companies specializing in machinery and equipment for the AAC industry.
Conference Program
A highlight eagerly anticipated by many attendees was the continuation of the ICCX Academy, a multi-hour concrete technology training course conducted by Prof. Jürgen Oecknick from PSA Zurich GmbH, Switzerland. His course, titled “When Complaints Generate Benefits,” covered a wide range of topics, from planning to end products. Prof. Oecknick provided practical guidance on addressing quality issues in the daily prosessing of concrete. The course included topics such as construction defects and damage potential caused by outdated standards and non-compliance with contractual material and performance specifications. In his presentation, Prof. Oecknick also addressed autoclaved aerated concrete.
The presented case studies along the value chain of construction processes considered factors such as material selection, weather conditions, and application techniques, offering attendees valuable insights for their daily work. The training concluded with an open discussion and Q&A session, where participants received answers to their specific questions.
This course (with two additional focus areas) will be continued at future ICCX Eurasia events.
Given the widespread use of AAC in Kazakhstan, this building material was once again addressed in a dedicated session. For example, Andrey Bashkatov, Xella Group License Director from Serbia, presented a talk titled “Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Production as Investment: Why and Where?”, discussing various investment scenarios for AAC production facilities in different regions worldwide.
The Chairman of the Board of the Kazakh AAC manufacturer Ecoton, Baurzhan Baimukhanov, addressed automated process control software as a foundation for improvements in AAC plants, sparking an interesting discussion. Additional engaging presentations on this building material concluded the ICCX Eurasia 2024 conference program.
The AAC session was supported in advance and moderated on-site by the President of the Kazakh AAC Association, Sukurov Nurbolat. Some members of the Kazakh AAC Association naturally used ICCX Eurasia as an industry meeting point.
Networking in an Inspiring Atmosphere
The Rixos Hotel once again proved to be the ideal venue. Its modern infrastructure and pleasant atmosphere ensured that participants felt comfortable and could focus on professional exchange. In addition to the lectures and exhibition, ICCX Eurasia 2024 offered numerous networking opportunities – from informal conversations during breaks to scheduled meetings between industry representatives.
A Clear Signal for the Future of the Concrete Industry
ICCX Eurasia 2024 impressively demonstrated the importance of knowledge and experience exchange for the advancement of the industry. It not only showcased innovations but also facilitated the strengthening of existing networks and the formation of new collaborations.
With a clear focus on sustainability and technological progress, the event once again emphasized its relevance to the entire concrete industry. Expectations for the next ICCX Eurasia are high, and work is already underway – as it is clear that this conference series has secured a permanent place in the industry’s calendar.
((QR Code)) Watch a video review of ICCX Eurasia 2024 here.
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