About ABA
ABA was established in 2004 as part of a broader effort to develop professional associations throughout Afghanistan. This process began in 2003 with the creation of the Afghan International Chamber of Commerce (AICC) at the initiative of the Center of International Private Enterprise (CIPE), an affiliate of the US Chamber of Commerce, and recipient of USAID funding. Over time ABA expanded in different regions of Afghanistan and such expansion is continuing. Currently ABA has more than 500 Members and proposing to work toward categorizing the construction companies regarding financial and management capacity, specialty, and region of operation.
Who's the Power Behind ABA Today?
The short answer is industry people. The major decisions and directions are made by an executive committee, an elected volunteer board of directors from accross the country as well as various councils and standing committees. These people are the driving force for the organization.
At the same time, the day-to-day machinery of ABA is nurtured and guided by its full-time President and staff in the Kabul office.
We're Always Working on it at ABA
Building on the idea of "Strength in Numbers", networking is an integral part of the association's activities and one of the most valuable benefits of membership. Conferences, seminars, association involvement and international meetings create significant opportunities for members to build relationships, exchange ideas and co-ordinate efforts.
The roster of regular networking activities include:
• The Annual ABA Conference;
• The Annual Building Code Conference;
• The Annual Construction Industry Exhibition;
• The Annual US-Afghan Matchmaking Conference;
• The Annual AED Open House;
• The Annual meeting of Chief Operating Officers of member associations; and
• Construction Industry Leaders’ Forum;
Industry Seminars - Keeping on Top of Legislation and Government Relations
• A great deal of ABA energy goes into lobbying the Afghanistan government and Donors on legislation, policies, practices and standards.
Our Methods
• Building relationships;
• Making presentations to committees, commissions and legislative working groups;
• Playing a consultive role in order to provide information and present industry positions; and
• Occasionally, intervening on behalf of one or more members when the interpretations of laws or regulations are in question.
The Focus?
• Issues vary widely from current concerns to providing a vision for the future. Some of our involvements include:
• Commenting on everything from employment insurance reform, tax structures and government tendering practices to labour relations and environmental regulations. Playing an integral part in developing and promoting such national programs as the systematic construction and in a standardized apprenticeship program.
• Keeping members on the Leading Edge of industry practices with communications, promotion and information news, professional guidance and industry directories, research and analysis. All main publications are free to every member.
• National Review - ABA's annual magazine celebrates the association's successes and presents ideas for the future.
• ABA National Newsletter - Quarterly newsletters introduce happenings, ideas and members.
• Bulletins - Regular and frequent publications provide updates and analysis on important industry issues such as human resources, finance, standard documents, international construction opportunities, the environment and more.
• Directories - Annual listings of member firms, associations and a directory of construction exports.
• Other valuable information is offered with significant discounts for members.
• Documents - Standard ABA. Documents facilitate Industry business.
• Guides - News and analysis are key in ABA guides on legislation, construction contracts and procedures, and ideas such as improving cash flow withing the industry.
• The availability of standard ABA electronically.
Expanding Construction Markets - Growing into the Future
• Seminars on various aspects of export business.
• A directory of members pursuing business internationally is distributed regularly to trade organizations and agencies world-wide as well as professional offices such as architects and engineers.
• Annual tripartite conferences with the U.S. and others Countries to maintain close ties with sister organizations.
Taking Construction in to the Millennium
Solid Industry Initiatives
To recognize and ensure quality within the industry, ABA will develop and is expanding such ideas as:
ABA Certification Program:
To better serve the construction industry ABA is proposing the establishment of a Construction Management Certification Program (CMCP). ABA’ CMCP is envisioned to be a certification program for construction Project Managers, Superintendents and Estimators. Certification will be based on the candidate's education, experience and their ability to satisfy standards of the Program. This may mean the successful completion of an ABA exam. ABA Certificate will be a voluntary certification program for the individual. The Certificate signifies that the individual has attained a recognized level of experience and competence as a Project Manager, Superintendent, or Estimator.
For the individual - the ABA Certificate will be a declaration of skill and competence that will be recognized by the construction industry across the country. The Certificate will enhance mobility and professional development of construction managers.
ABA certification modules will include:
1. Proposal Writing
2. Overview of the Construction Industry
3. CQM
4. Construction Safety
5. Communication
6. Law and Contracts for the Construction Industry
7. Construction Estimating
8. Management of Human Resources in the Construction Industry
9. Construction Job Site Controls
10. Construction Planning - Scheduling
11. Project Costing Control and Accounting
12. Construction and the Environment
13. Project Management
Vocational Education and Skill Labor Training Programs:
Internship program for universities students:
Enhancing Foreign Business
• ABA has a host of plans to provide the Afghan industry with unprecedented foreign opportunities. Under construction are ideas such as market information kits, support, and sponsorship for activities such as trade missions and joint ventures.
Call up Members
• The logic is simple. Through affiliation, ABA members gain perks such as easy access to standardized documents, information on current and pressing issues as well as on-line links to business opportunities.
• With the support and diligence of ABA staff in Kabul, members have the resources to voice opinions, stay current and in touch with each other. Assets that help them make choices in today's fast paced and increasingly globalized world of construction. Basically, it's synergy in action.
For more information:
Afghanistan Builders Association
House #7, Street #1
Kart-e-3, Kabul
Mobile: (+93) 700-224822 or: (+93) 786-363650
E-mail:
\n aba@aba.af
