On February 25/26/2026, the international industry forum «Stroy-Fest» was held in Kazan, It brought together representatives of government, business, the architectural and construction communities, developers, and industry experts. The event provided a multi-format platform for discussing construction industry development trends, implementing technologies, and identifying new partnerships. A delegation from the International Association for Development of Territories (IATD) participated in the forum’s business program, presenting a strategic perspective on the transformation of the construction sector in the context of global economic change.
The strategic role of construction in the development of Central Asia.
Association Chairman Vasil Mazitov delivered a report entitled «A Bridge Between East and West: How the Construction Sector Defines the Future of Central Asia.» In his speech, he noted that today the construction industry is becoming a key driver of regional economic integration and the infrastructural connectivity of Eurasian states. According to him, infrastructure projects are creating new transport corridors, logistics hubs, and urban agglomerations, which are becoming the foundation for growing trade, investment, and technological exchange.
Vasil Mazitov emphasized that Central Asia is becoming a strategic space for interaction between East and West, and construction companies are becoming participants in global processes that influence economic security, urban planning, and sustainable development.
He noted that Central Asia is rapidly becoming a strategic hub for international cooperation: «The region is ceasing to be a transit area and becoming an independent center of growth. And it is the construction industry that creates the physical framework of this new economy—roads, industrial zones, cities, and energy infrastructure».
The Middle East’s experience as a benchmark for industry development
IATD’s Deputy Chairman Ayman Hussein delivered a report about the Middle East’s experience as a benchmark for industry development, «The Business Climate for Construction Companies: The Example of Oman and Saudi Arabia» in which he presented an analysis of the investment attractiveness of the Middle East’s construction markets.
The expert noted that the region’s countries are demonstrating high rates of construction industry development thanks to comprehensive government policies aimed at economic diversification and attracting international investors. He also noted that the construction boom in the Gulf countries is the result of a long-term government strategy: «The main lesson from the Middle East is that the construction sector develops most rapidly where the government views it as a strategic tool for economic diversification».
Ayman Hussein emphasized that the experiences of Oman and Saudi Arabia could be adapted to other regions seeking to speed up the modernization of their construction industries and increase their investment attractiveness.
International dialogue as a tool for industry development
The presentations by representatives of IATD generated significant interest among participants in the forum and became a major discussion point in the business program.
Experts noted the importance of international exchange of experience and the development of joint projects capable of ensuring sustainable regional development.
The forum confirmed Stroy-Fest’s status as an effective platform for professional dialogue, technology exchange, and the formation of new development strategies for the construction industry in Russia and abroad.