Malik Dongola, Secretary-General-designate of the Federation of Contractors from Islamic Countries (FOCIC), said the federation will be working on creating and developing more active partnerships among contractors in the Arab and African countries after a hiatus for 10 years.
In an exclusive interview with Amwal Al Ghad English on Sunday, Dongola stressed that this year’s edition of Builders of Egypt is acting as a key platform to showcase overseas projects and addresses distinguished opportunities for partnerships.
After a hiatus, the FOCIC is working on listing more contracting companies in Islamic countries to enable them to take part in Islamic Development Bank-financed distinguished giant projects, the official further stated.
He further referred to the IsDB’s presentation – during Builders of Egypt – of its ongoing projects worth up to $9 billion and the possibility of enabling Egyptian companies to take part in them.
In November last year, a special general assembly meeting of the FOCIC was convened at IsDB’s headquarters in Jeddah to revive the federation by its 26-member countries.
The new statutes of the FOCIC aim at enabling the Arab companies operating in the construction field to capture larger shares in projects launched and financed by IsDB.
“This is not my first time attending the Builders of Egypt Forum … but this year, there is a leap, as it showcases projects in Africa and the Arab world and opportunities to create partnerships.” Dongola further said.
“I attended four editions but this edition is really different as previous editions discussed and highlighted projects, flagships, and obstacles in Egypt but this year we are discussing overseas projects, in Africa, in the Arab world, in Saudi Arabia.”
This edition is addressing “very promising” opportunities for partnerships and exportation of Egyptian building and construction industry, he added. It has selected Saudi Arabia as a guest of honour to showcase the kingdom’s a tremendous business volume worth up to $170 billion in various infrastructure areas as part of an ambitious plan to launch a bunch of giant development projects.
The FOCIC aims to finalise the registration process in Saudi Arabia within three months from now, Dongola concluded.
The FOCIC official has taken part in the Reconstruction Schemes in Arab and African Countries “Potentials and Obstacles” panel at the Eighth Edition of Builders of Egypt. The panel discussed the mechanisms to a better implementation of development schemes in Africa and the Arab world to ensure stable growth figures, more job opportunities, and more attractive investment climate in response to the current global economic volatility.
It also tackled the hurdles that impede the progress of several partnerships signed among Egyptian companies and the entities engaging in reconstruction projects in the region. Further, speakers will demonstrate the areas of cooperation and partnership opportunities in Africa as well as the Egyptian companies’ stories of success there.
Under the rubric Egypt’s Propitious Momentum towards Construction Sector Exportation Regionally, the Eighth Edition was co-organised by the African Federation for Construction Contractors’ Association (AFCCA) and Exlnt Communications, an affiliate to United Media Services (UMS). It was held under the auspices of Egyptian Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly.
Malik Dongola, Secretary-General-designate of the Federation of Contractors from Islamic Countries (FOCIC), talks with Amwal Al Ghad English team on the sidelines of the Eighth Edition of Builders of Egypt in Cairo on Sunday, May 28, 2023
