Alternative energy schemes and energy conservation measures that include regulatory methods to ensure that energy is not wasted should be set up, Investment, Economy and Finance Minister Tonio Fenech said yesterday.
Mr Fenech was speaking during the first of four meetings organised as part of the consultation process for the pre-budget document.
The theme discussed during the pre-budget consultation meeting was Healthy Enterprise, A Dynamic Economy.
The minister was replying to a comment made by businessman Anglu Xuereb, who called on the government to provide incentives for energy production which will be sold to Enemalta and placed on the grid.
Mr Fenech said that e300 million are allocated to the environment and alternative energy. He pointed out that schemes for energy conservation measures need to be drawn up. “Unfortunately many people don’t realise that there is the need to save energy and over recent years it seems that the country has taken decisions that lead to more energy consumption without increasing productivity,” he said.
Furthermore, he added, regulatory measures to ensure that these schemes are adhered to are also needed.
Mr Fenech said that even though Malta is a small country, it has a well-diversified and productive economy that uses all its resources effectively.
During question time, Paul Abela, president of the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises (GRTU) said he was still sceptical about reopening discussions about the social pact and pointed out that it was important that only the government is involved in the social pact, and not political parties.
Malta Employers Association president Pierre Fava also referred to the social pact and said that the MEA were embittered by the experience. “It is something of the past and we have to look towards the future.”
The minister replied saying that all that was discussed four years ago in the social pact was not thrown away. “What was relevant was kept and there is no need to turn back time.”
Mr Fenech spoke about the benefits of “relevant” social dialogue and pointed out that the government is increasing its presence through the reconstitution of the Malta EU Steering and Action Committee (MEUSAC) and appointing a Parliamentary Secretary for Public Dialogue.
The minister went on to say that one of the greatest challenges is improving production within different sectors.
Economic stability was achieved thanks to three main factors: low and stable inflation, fiscal policy framework and adoption of the euro.
However, Mr Fenech pointed out that even though the government took several measures to reduce inflation, this cannot be easily controlled, especially with the rise in international prices.
The minister said that the country faces various challenges such as the sustainability of the healthcare system, supporting active ageing and improving the work-life balance and eliminating red-tape.
“Competitiveness is reached through implementing productive measures,” he said.