DAVOS, October 5, 2011 (WAFA) - International Federation of Consulting Engineers declared Wednesday accepting Palestine’s full membership, according to an official.

Marwan Abdelhamid, advisor to the president of Palestine on redevelopment and reconstruction and secretary general of the general union of Palestinian engineers -- “anti-corruption programs in the Middle East--Case of Palestine” told WAFA that, “ the FIDIC executive board decided in the meeting held today in  Davos, Switzerland to accept Palestine’s membership.”

He added, “we worked so long to achieve this , we faced the rejection of many members; we did not have enough votes to be nominated for this admission. Now the situation is more ‘ripe’, especially after our winning the FIDIC’s presidency by majority.,” pointing out that, now, there are three Arab member countries in FIDIC; Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine.

He said, “accepting Palestine’s membership in this organization is important, because it has the authority to decide in the construction contracts, to accept membership and it’s very important to develop constructional capabilities . This is what we are seeking in Palestine, especially in the development process led by President Mahmoud Abbas.”

To be noted, FIDIC represents globally the consulting engineering industry. The Federation promotes the business interest of firms supplying technology-based intellectual services for the built and natural environment. FIDIC activities are carried out by Committees and Task Forces appointed by the Executive Committee and mainly composed of volunteers.   

In addition to publications to promote the consulting engineering industry's business practice, FIDIC actively promotes the development of the industry through committees and tasks forces on Sustainable Development and Capacity Building.

M.G. /F.R.