September 4, 2008

Engineering

International Federation of Consulting Engineers seeks broader industry network

PATRICIA WILLIAMS

staff writer

Traditionally, the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) has focused “much time and effort” on relationships with multilateral development banks. But president John Boyd says the federation now is intent on broadening its horizons.

In an interview, Boyd said FIDIC is anxious to forge closer ties with organizations representing clients in key industrial sectors such as resource development and manufacturing as well as with sister associations in the contracting sphere.

One such organization is the Confederation of International Contractors’ Associations, which represents five regional federations including the Federation of United States and Canadian Contractors Associations.

“FIDIC has many reasons to have close links to contractor organizations,” said Boyd, a veteran of the Canadian consulting engineering industry. “In our traditional roles, we work closely in developing the built environment.

“With the growing popularity of design-build and alliancing, the relationship is even closer. We are starting to see contractors take advantage of our affiliate category of membership.”

FIDIC represents 78 national engineering associations from around the world. Boyd, a Mississauga-based senior principal in Golder Associates, was elected to a two-year term as FIDIC president last September. Founded in 1913, FIDIC is the voice of the consulting engineering industry globally.

The federation is holding its 2008 annual conference Sept. 7 to 10 in Quebec. The event is being co-hosted by the Association of Canadian Engineering Companies and the Association of Consulting Engineers of Quebec.

More than 600 delegates from close to 70 countries are expected to attend. The conference theme is “A strong industry serving society.”

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