The President of the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) has hailed Minister for the Environment Nick Smith as one of the most well informed politicians he has met.

Gregs Thomopulos, president of the organisation, which represents over one million professionals in 84 countries, met with Dr Smith while in Wellington for a meeting of FIDIC's international executive committee, hosted by the Association of Consulting Engineers New Zealand (ACENZ)

US-based Mr Thomopulos, who lobbies governments internationally for action on sustainable development, said his meeting with Dr Smith had convinced him that the New Zealand Government is forward-looking in terms of sustainable development.

"Dr Smith's grasp and knowledge of the situation is remarkable," he said. "I felt the government really is looking ahead, not just short term but long term.

"He was one of the most informed politicians I have talked with. Having an engineering background himself, he looks at issues not just from a political perspective, but also from an engineering perspective."

The FIDIC/ACENZ meeting, which brought together representatives from across the world, included a strong focus on the vital role consulting engineers will play in sustainable infrastructure and preserving the world's resources.

Delegates also stressed the importance of collaboration between all those involved in infrastructure design and development including engineers, the civil construction industry and project managers - groups which have not always enjoyed the best relationships.

Mr Thomopulos said that New Zealand was "ahead of the pack" in terms of professional collaboration, with organisations such as ACENZ and the New Zealand Contractors' Federation already developing close working links.

"It has been a great pleasure to see members of the consulting engineering, civil construction and project management industries sitting here together today," he said.

"FIDIC is working to promote precisely this kind of collaboration. We all have to do this. The interests of the public, worldwide will be better served if we can all work together."