Projects and Initiatives of the All-Russian Centre for National Construction Policy in Asia, Africa and the Middle East
International cooperation in construction is becoming an important direction of economic development. Infrastructure projects, technology exchange, and the training of personnel strengthen partnerships and support sustainable development. In this sphere, a significant role is played by the All-Russian Center for National Construction Policy, which unites government, business, science, and the professional community.
Karina Mikheeva
Deputy Head, Head of the Department of International Projects of the All-Russian Center for National Construction Policy
Under the leadership of Alexander Mikhailovich Moor, the Center is actively developing international cooperation aimed at expanding the presence of Russian companies in foreign markets, developing technological partnership, and forming joint infrastructure projects. The geography of the Center’s international activity covers the countries of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, where significant demand is now forming for modern construction technologies, new formats of territorial development, and the training of professional personnel.
Particular attention is paid to creating sustainable institutional mechanisms of interaction, including international forums, business missions, educational programs, and expert platforms. Such a comprehensive approach makes it possible not only to discuss prospects for cooperation but also to form real projects in the sphere of construction, the building-materials industry, and urban infrastructure.
South-East Asia
The countries of South-East Asia are regarded as one of the most dynamically developing areas of international cooperation in the construction sphere. The rapid growth of the urban population, large-scale infrastructure-modernization programs, and the development of new urban centers create high demand for modern construction technologies, design solutions, and engineering competencies.
One of the key projects implemented with the participation of the Center is the creation of a Center of Competencies and Innovations in Construction in Colombo. The corresponding agreements have been reached with the state structures of Sri Lanka. The center is expected to become an educational and technological platform uniting the training of specialists, the introduction of digital solutions, and the development of engineering competencies in the construction industry.
The work of the center will be aimed at introducing modern approaches to design and construction, including the digitalization of processes, the development of construction-project management technologies, and the introduction of innovative materials. In addition, the development of educational programs, the exchange of specialists, and the holding of joint events are planned.
An important area of cooperation is the participation of Russian specialists in implementing large territorial-development projects. In particular, opportunities for technological interaction are being considered within the framework of the large-scale urban project Port City Colombo — one of the largest infrastructure projects in the region.
An additional instrument for promoting Russian construction solutions in the region will be the international initiative RUSBUILD HUB. The project envisages the creation of a specialized platform aimed at demonstrating and promoting Russian construction technologies and materials in the markets of South-East Asian countries.
Within the framework of the initiative, the launch of a digital catalog of construction products in several languages is planned, which will allow foreign developers, architects, and contractors to gain access to Russian technological solutions and industrial capabilities. At the second stage of the project, the creation of a demonstration showroom is envisaged, where modern Russian developments in the field of construction, architecture, and engineering systems will be presented.
A separate area of cooperation is the development of interaction with Myanmar. At present, the holding of the first construction-investment forum is being worked out, which is to become a platform for discussing projects of restoration and modernization of infrastructure, housing construction, and the development of production capacities of the construction industry.
Africa
The African continent is becoming one of the most promising areas of international cooperation in the sphere of infrastructure and construction. The high rates of urbanization and the need to develop the transport network, housing, and social infrastructure create significant potential for the implementation of joint projects.
Within the framework of international initiatives, the Center is considering projects of infrastructure development and investment cooperation in a number of African states. One of the areas of work is interaction with Lesotho.
The projects being worked out involve the development of transport infrastructure, the modernization of road and rail networks, as well as the introduction of modern technologies for water-resource management. These initiatives are aimed at increasing the sustainability of infrastructure systems and creating conditions for long-term economic development.
In addition, projects are being considered for creating production capacities for the output of construction materials, which will make it possible to develop local industry and form new economic chains in the region.
Significant attention is paid to issues of personnel training and the development of professional competencies. The implementation of educational programs and the exchange of specialists is envisaged, aimed at improving the qualifications of local workers in the construction industry. Such an approach makes it possible not only to implement infrastructure projects but also to form a sustainable professional environment capable of supporting the further development of the industry.
Initiatives for the development of tourism infrastructure are also being discussed, including the creation of modern resort areas and hospitality facilities using innovative construction technologies.
The Middle East
The Middle East region occupies a special place in the international activity of the Center. The states of the region are implementing large-scale territorial-development programs aimed at forming new urban agglomerations, developing infrastructure, and introducing advanced construction technologies. One of the key events was the holding of the Russian-Emirati Construction Forum in Abu Dhabi. The event was organized with the participation of the leading developer Aldar Properties and with the support of the state structures of the United Arab Emirates and the Russian Federation.
The forum became an important international platform for discussing prospects for cooperation in the sphere of construction, urban planning, and territorial development. Within the framework of the business program, participants discussed issues of introducing digital technologies, developing sustainable architecture, and forming new investment mechanisms. Following the forum, initiatives were formed for launching joint development projects, developing technological partnership, and expanding production cooperation. Particular attention was paid to issues of introducing digital solutions, including BIM technologies, artificial intelligence, and “smart” urban-infrastructure management systems.
The development of cooperation with the construction sector of Saudi Arabia, where some of the largest infrastructure and urban projects in the world are now being implemented, is also being considered. The focus is on the participation of Russian companies in international projects, the development of industrial cooperation, and the exchange of technological solutions.
Formation of a New International Platform for Construction Cooperation
The comprehensive international activity of the Center is aimed at forming a sustainable system of professional interaction between state institutions, the industry community, and scientific and educational organizations. The holding of international events, educational programs, and business missions, together with the formation of expert platforms, makes it possible to create new opportunities for implementing infrastructure projects, promoting Russian technologies, and strengthening business ties between countries.
The Center’s leadership notes that such initiatives contribute not only to the development of the construction industry but also to the formation of a new architecture of international economic cooperation, where construction and infrastructure act as important drivers of the sustainable development of territories and the improvement of the quality of the urban environment.
An Intra-State Project for Developing the Personnel Reserve of the Construction Industry
The All-Russian Competition of Managers “Leaders of the Construction Industry”, aimed at identifying, supporting, and developing managerial personnel in the construction industry, and forming a professional personnel reserve capable of responding to the challenges of the current stage of socio-economic development. Under the conditions of the need for accelerated implementation of national projects, housing-construction programs, and modernization of urban infrastructure, the significance of this competition is hard to overestimate.
The competition, which is held by the All-Russian Center for National Construction Policy with the support of the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Utilities of the Russian Federation, is organized for the sixth time in 2026, and at the final in-person events, which will take place in the Saratov region from August 6 to 9, it will bring together specialists, executives, and managers from all regions of the country.
The All-Russian Competition of Managers “Leaders of the Construction Industry” is an important stage in the development of the system of training managerial personnel in the construction sphere. It strengthens ties between regions, demonstrates the demand for new managerial solutions, expands opportunities for professional growth, and creates a foundation for future joint projects.
Over five years, the competition has established itself as an effective instrument for forming personnel potential, developing managerial competencies, and integrating the Russian construction industry into the modern national and international agenda.