Lisbon, Feb. 17, 2025 (Lusa) - The president of the Association of Civil Construction and Public Works Industrialists (AICCOPN) said on Monday that the construction industry faces "unprecedented challenges" and that the Recovery and Resilience Plan is still below expectations.
"Construction faces unprecedented challenges, but also unique opportunities," said Manuel Reis Campos, who was speaking in Lisbon at the conference “Portugal 2030: Strategic Future for the Construction Sector”, organised by AICCOPN.
For the association, digital transformation, sustainability, qualification and the internationalisation of talent are strategic axes that require concrete actions to ensure the sector's competitiveness, which he argued was a "fundamental pillar" for economic growth.
Manuel Reis Campos added that the high-speed line and the new Lisbon airport, as well as the expansion of the metro networks, are crucial to the country's competitiveness.
These investments, he pointed out, modernise transport networks, boost the economy and create jobs.
The high-speed line will allow for a more efficient and environmentally friendly rail link, reducing journey times, he added.
In turn, the new airport will be essential for responding to growing demand and ensuring a modern and efficient infrastructure.
The expansion of metro networks will reduce car dependency and carbon emissions.
However, AICCOPN pointed out that implementing the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) is less than desired in terms of the objectives set.
"There is an urgent need to effectively speed up the public procurement processes, in all their phases, to ensure that the investments reach the ground and are completed within the defined deadlines, without compromising their quality," he said.
Reis Campos also pointed out that the sector faces challenges such as a shortage of housing, the transition to Construction 4.0, and compliance with the European Energy Performance Directive standards.
Therefore, he called for streamlining administrative processes, incentives for private investment, greater labour availability, and digitalisation of construction.
The president of AICCOPN also pointed out that, according to the 2021 census, there needs to be a greater commitment to urban regeneration, given that a third of buildings in Portugal need conservation work, an increase of 25.8% compared to 2011.
PE/ADB // ADB.
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