Chris Said, parliamentary secretary for public dialogue and information, yesterday launched a consultation exercise on better regulation involving the various sectors of the business community "with a view to identify the 'pains' of businesses".

He said that a series of meetings with individual business sectors will be held to "capture the real administrative burdens currently imposed on the businesses sector as well as to identify tangible proposals on how these administrative burdens can be alleviated or removed".

For further comments, feedback and suggestions he suggested those interested to contact the Better Regulation Unit on [email protected]

Dr Said was speaking at a news conference which marked the closure of the Twinning Light Project between the Northern Ireland Public Sector Enterprises Limited (NI-CO, UK) and the Better Regulation Unit (BRU, Malta) under the heading of "Strengthening the Institutional Capacity for the Implementation of a Better Regulation Framework".

This project was financed by the EU 2005 Transition Facility Programme for Malta. The aim of this project was to build further the institutional capacity of the BRU. It had, in fact, provided a platform for the sharing of the better regulation experience in the UK and Northern Ireland with Malta.

Dr Said said that as part of his portfolio he was entrusted with the responsibility of strengthening the concept of Better Regulation in Malta. "Better regulation is an important strategy which is being pursued by several Member States together with the European Union, with a view to increase competitiveness, by removing unnecessary burdens on businesses. Better regulation is not only targeted towards businesses, but involves also the reduction of burdens on citizens."

The government's vision is to roll out the 'Red Carpet' instead of the much criticised 'Red Tape' and to remove excessive bureaucracy for small medium enterprises and self-employed persons and also for citizens. "This in turn will mean increased competitiveness for businesses and a better quality of life for citizens," he added.

The Better Regulation Unit (BRU) was set up within the Management Efficiency Unit (MEU), Office of the Prime Minister (OPM). It does not work on its own but is a central unit that has the support of a network of government departments and agencies.

"This exercise was a reflection of the principle of joined up government where, in this case, the BRU co-ordinated all efforts from line entities with a view towards producing a consolidated and holistic way forward. Therefore, a word of appreciation goes to those within the public service and the public sector who believe in better regulation, and strive to minimise unnecessary burdens and improve their service delivery. I appeal to all Ministries, line departments and entities to work tirelessly to support the BRU in its national endeavours as well as to enshrine these concepts in their day to day activities," Dr Said said.