FOI celebrates 60 years

Malta Federation of Industry (FOI) members, council members, past presidents, dignitaries and representatives of other constituted bodies got together on Thursday to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the FOI's birth.

At a reception at Palazzo Capua in Sliema, guests had the opportunity to exchange good wishes for the federation's success and for the Christmas season with their colleagues and distinguished personalities who attended the event.

The FOI was founded in 1946 by a number of industrialists, led by Chev. Elias Zammit, and had as its main objective: "To provide a central national organisation for the promotion and protection of all interests pertaining to local industries."

At the time of its foundation Malta was emerging from the devastation and hardship inflicted on it during World War II. In its 60-year history the FOI was directly involved over the years in discussions with successive governments for the betterment of operating conditions for industry.

Among those present for the 60th anniversary reception was Luke Gauci, chairman of Wembley Ice Cream Ltd, one of the founding members of the FOI. At 92 years old, Mr Gauci still recalls the early days of the federation and looks back at its achievements with pride.

Adrian Bajada, current president of the FOI, described the activity as "the celebration of 60 years of contribution towards industry and the Maltese community in general. It also comes in a year when the FOI was directly and actively involved in the drafting of a new Industrial Strategy for Malta. I am very proud to be heading the federation in such interesting times," he said.

Those present for the activity included Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Parliamentary Secretary Tonio Fenech, ambassadors and top officials of other employer bodies and trade unions.