One of the greatest challenges facing India today is the creation of infrastructure to sustain the high economic growth and enhanced standard of living. To develop a world-class infrastructure, India requires large investments, both domestic and foreign, complimented by well-designed Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives. To achieve this, Indian Government has accorded the highest priority to development of infrastructure.

Keeping this in view, a high level two day International Conference is being organized by INTERNATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE CONSULTANTS and The ASAPP MEDIA INFORMATION Group of publications, on the theme of "INFRASTRUCTURE TODAY: Meeting the Emerging Opportunities through Learning and sharing" scheduled for March 26-27, 2008 at Taj Krishna, Hyderabad. Mr. G.V. Ramakrishna, Chairman Emeritus of Construction Industry Development Council, promoted by the Planning Commission, Government of India will be chairing the conference. Andhra Pradesh Government is also involving actively in the conference as the host state.

The distinguished speakers who are invited to participate and speak in the conference include Dr. T. Subbarami Reddy, Union Minister for Mines; Mr. A.V. Sinha, Member(Tech), National Highwasy Authority of India; Mr. Rohit Modi, Chief Executive(Roads & Bridges), L & T; Mr. G.V. Sanjay Reddy, Vice Chairman, GVK Industries Ltd; Mr. APVN Sarma, Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, Government of India; Mr. Anuj Puri, Chairman & Country Head, Hones Lang Lasalle Meghraj; Mr. L.B. Singhal, Director General, Export Promotion, Counsel for EOU & SEZ Units; Dr. Stefan Georg, Global Head of Structured Finance, Bayem LB & Cheif Executive of Bayem LB, London Branch; Mr. Narayan Iyer, Partner, India Group, Linklaters Allen & Gledhill etc and others.

"With 9% GDP growth and over US $ 475 billion planned to be spent on infrastructure over the next sixty months, India is the cynosure of all eyes. The times ahead are filled with opportunities", says Pratap Padode, Editor – In Chief Infrastructure Today. "The Infrastructure Today International Conference is intended to help the participants and delegates take advantage of the emerging opportunities through learning and sharing," he added.

The International conference will bring together senior Government officials, captains from the infrastructure industry, consultants and experts who will discuss opportunities and experiences in the infrastructure sector. This International Conference would derive important lessons and make specific recommendations in the form of valuable document of the proceedings.

Chaired by Padma Bhusan G V Ramakrishna, Chairman, International Infrastructure Consultants and The Infrastructure Today International Conference will focus on a wide range of issues, and topics, with specific emphasis on sharing and learning from past experiences in executing seaports, airports, logistics, roads, SEZs, townships, and urban infrastructure projects.

The conference is expected to be the first of its kind, both in terms of magnitude and the participants it will attract, to be ever held in India.

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The Infrastructure Today International Conference is organised by INTERNATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE CONSULTANTS and The ASAPP MEDIA INFORMATION Group of publications, on the theme of "INFRASTRUCTURE TODAY: Meeting the Emerging Opportunities through Learning and sharing" .