CDA Invites Financial Proposals for Islamabad Expo Center Construction

ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) has formally started the process of inviting construction companies to submit financial proposals for the construction of new Islamabad Convention, Expo and Exhibition Centre (NICEEC), which is expected to be constructed near the Bhara Kahu bypass.

CDA has invited both the local and foreign companies to file financial proposals for the construction of Islamabad Expo Center. However the official notification in this regard specifically bans Israeli and Indian companies from participating in the construction process or any equipment or machinery from these two countries to take part in the construction process.

The Federal Government is considering the construction of the new centre near the starting point of the Bhara Kahu bypass, close to Malpur, for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in 2027.

Land around Bhara Kahu is being considered for the construction of the Convention and Expo Centre, but a final decision has not yet been made as another option is also being reviewed. However, there are strong chances that this facility will be built in the Malpur area,” said a senior CDA officer. The area is ideal for the Expo Center as it is located close to the Diplomatic Enclave.

The Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif has seen the PC-1 of the project, which is estimated at Rs19.3 billion. The project, according to the PC-I, will be completed in 18 months.

“This flagship facility aims to serve as a world-class, multifunctional venue for national and international conventions, exhibitions, expos, trade fairs and cultural events. It will also host the SCO summit expected in Islamabad in 2027,” read a CDA working paper.

It adds that the proposed convention centre will be a long-term revenue-generating asset for the CDA and the national economy. “Its financial returns will arise from direct and indirect sources such as event hosting, facility rentals, service contracts and tourism-related expenditures. It is being proposed in accordance with the Islamabad Master Plan,” it says.

The state-of-the-art Islamabad Convention, Expo, and Exhibition Centre (NICEEC) near the Bhara Kahu bypass will host the 2027 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and is designed for high-level international diplomatic events.

CDA officials told NAM News that the completion of the project would be ensured prior to the international conferences, including the upcoming SCO meetings.

During the briefing, it was informed that proposals regarding the selection of a suitable location for the construction of the convention and expo center are under consideration.

Officials said that a location should be chosen for the convention and expo centre that ensures easy public access and provides better parking facilities, adding international standards must be considered in the construction of the convention and expo centre.

Officials said that the project was a significant step towards making the city a modern and world-class capital.

A CDA official document claimed the facility to serve as a world-class, multifunctional venue for national and international conventions, exhibitions, expos, trade fairs and cultural events.

“The centre will strengthen Islamabad’s position as a hub for commerce, innovation and cultural exchange, contributing to the city’s economic and tourism development. It will also host the SCO summit expected in Islamabad in 2027,” read the working paper.

It added that the proposed convention centre will be a long-term revenue-generating asset for the CDA and the national economy.