The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has taken another major step toward building the New Islamabad Convention, Exhibition and Expo Centre (NICEEC) by opening the financial bids for the project. According to officials, the lowest bid received stands at Rs37 billion, which is significantly higher than the project’s original construction estimate.
The mega project is expected to become one of Pakistan’s largest venues for international conferences, trade exhibitions, cultural events, and official government gatherings.
Lowest Bid Submitted by Chinese-Led Joint Venture
The lowest financial bid was submitted by a joint venture led by China Construction Third Engineering Bureau. Only two joint ventures participated in the bidding process, and both were headed by Chinese construction companies.
CDA officials will now review the submitted bids before making a final decision on awarding the contract.
Project Cost Increased After Design Changes
When the project was first planned, the PC-I estimated the construction cost at around Rs16 billion based on a reinforced cement concrete (RCC) structure.
However, the design was later revised to include a modern steel structural framework along with a large steel dome roof. These engineering changes have substantially increased the estimated cost of the project, resulting in the much higher bids received.
Officials say the updated design is intended to improve the building’s durability, appearance, and capacity for hosting large-scale international events.
Third-Party Evaluation to Review Bids
Before awarding the contract, the CDA has decided to conduct a third-party evaluation of the financial bids.
Independent experts, along with the project’s consultant, will examine the quoted prices and verify whether they are reasonable based on the revised project design and current market conditions.
The evaluation will also review all changes made to the project’s scope, including the addition of the steel structure and other design improvements.
If the consultant and independent evaluator approve the submitted rates, the CDA is expected to revise the original PC-I to reflect the updated project cost.
Project Planned Ahead of 2027 SCO Summit
The New Islamabad Convention, Exhibition and Expo Centre is being developed in preparation for the 2027 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, which Pakistan is expected to host in Islamabad.
According to CDA planning documents, the new facility will serve as a modern venue for:
- International conferences
- Trade exhibitions
- Business expos
- Cultural and public events
- Government meetings
- The 2027 SCO Summit
Officials believe the project will strengthen Islamabad’s ability to host major international gatherings and promote business and tourism activities.
Location of the New Convention Centre
The convention and expo centre will be constructed in the Malpur area, near the Bhara Kahu Bypass.
The site is located about three kilometres from the existing Jinnah Convention Centre, making it easily accessible while providing enough space for future expansion.
Updated Design Expands Project Size
According to the original PC-I, the project was planned with a total cost of Rs19.3 billion, including consultancy charges, contingency funds, landscaping, and utility development.
The main construction cost alone was estimated at Rs16 billion.
The original design featured:
- A covered area of around 270,000 square feet
- A main convention hall with a height of 60 feet
Following the redesign, the height of the main hall has been increased to 85 feet, allowing the facility to accommodate larger events, exhibitions, and international conferences.
Construction to Be Completed in Phases
The CDA plans to complete the project’s most important components within one year so the venue is ready for the 2027 SCO Summit.
Other sections of the project, including the exhibition and expo facilities, may be completed in later phases after the summit.
This phased approach is intended to ensure that the convention centre is operational in time for Pakistan’s international commitments while allowing additional facilities to be developed afterward.
Project Oversight
The construction of the New Islamabad Convention, Exhibition and Expo Centre will be supervised by the CDA’s newly appointed Member Building, who will oversee the implementation, quality standards, and progress of the project from start to finish.
