The Associated General Contractors of Tokyo (TOKEN) held a dialogue in Paris on October 8 with the Fédération Nationale des Travaux Publics (FNTP), France’s national civil engineering federation, to exchange views on the state of the construction industry in both countries. The meeting was part of TOKEN’s overseas study tour on global construction trends. The delegation of 12 members was headed by Professor Hirotake Kanisawa of Shibaura Institute of Technology.

The FNTP represents France’s civil engineering sector nationwide, with member companies engaged in public works such as roads, bridges, tunnels, and water and sewage infrastructure projects. At the outset, President Masahiro Norikyo of TOKEN outlined the organization’s activities and expressed his expectations for the exchange:

“We hope to learn from FNTP’s initiatives in digitalization, environmental measures, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. Through this dialogue, we aim to share insights that will contribute to the development of the construction industry and help address our challenges,” he said.

He also highlighted Japan’s pressing workforce issues:
“A shortage of skilled workers is one of our biggest challenges. Recruitment of younger generations has stagnated, and retention remains insufficient. We must enhance the appeal of the construction industry through better wages, improved working conditions, and a more supportive work environment.”

Norikyo further emphasized the importance of occupational safety under extreme weather conditions caused by climate change, and the growing need to balance productivity and safety through digital technologies.

Richard Troude, FNTP’s Director for International Affairs, welcomed the exchange, noting that “France faces similar challenges to Japan, and this dialogue provides a valuable opportunity to discuss solutions.”

According to FNTP, France’s civil engineering agenda now centers on maintenance of existing infrastructure rather than new road construction. Emerging needs include projects related to energy, digital networks, and urban transport systems such as metro and tram lines. Current major undertakings include new nuclear power plants, offshore wind farms, canal development in northern France, and a cross-border tunnel linking France and Italy.

“Climate change has become one of the key driving forces behind new projects in France,” Troude observed.

In response, Norikyo commented:
“France is undertaking inspiring projects such as next-generation nuclear facilities and automated railways. Japan, by contrast, is primarily engaged in maintenance work. Although steady budgets are allocated under the National Resilience Program, they are still insufficient. Despite frequent natural disasters, some areas lack adequate infrastructure. We must make stronger policy proposals to address these issues.” (2025/09/18)