…FOCI Reference Point For Sustained Excellence In Construction Industry —DG
The Austrian Vice Minister for Foreign Economic Policy and European Integration, Mrs Bernadette Gierlinger, has stated that Nigeria is Austria’s biggest trading partner in the West Africa sub region.
She made this assertion while speaking at a three –day exhibition “AfricaBuild Lagos” organised by fairtrade GmbH & Co. KG and ITE Group plc at the Landmark Convention Centre in Lagos.
Gierlinger pointed out that apart from the increase in bilateral trade between the two countries, AfricaBuild would also bring about a new cooperation.
According to her, “Nigeria is Austria’s biggest trading partner in West Africa. Austria’s trade has been continuously increasing till 2014. Besides the increase of bilateral trade AfricaBuild shall also lead to new cooperation, targeting third markets by benefiting from the hub function of both Nigeria and Austria.”
On the exhibition, he Austrian Vice Minister for Foreign Economic Policy and European Integration, said, “I am happy to be here on the occasion of the opening of the first edition of AfricaBuild Lagos.
AfricaBuild, she stated offered Austrian companies the outstanding opportunity to present their products and expertise, adding that Austria is one of the world’s leading countries in the areas of renewable energy, sustainable construction and building technology.
Also speaking, Director General Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI) Nigeria, Mrs Olubunmi Adekoje, stated that though Nigeria was facing some challenges in the construction industry, but that Nigeria should look inward.
According to her, “There are challenges for us right now in Nigeria for the construction industry – but there is also a chance for us. It is a chance to look the other way.”
She welcomed exhibitors and visitors to the event, adding that with over 60 years in construction business in the country, FOCI has become a reference point for sustained excellence in the construction industry.
The FOCI Director General stated that interaction with member companies has resulted in the maintenance of sound practices, respect for ethics and stability.
She told construction companies coming into Nigeria that it would be to their advantage if they become their members, as the federation currently close to 200 members.
