Former Labour Minister Reno Calleja has insisted that he never visited Leisure Clothing and that he is not familiar with Bin Han, one of its directors who was recently quizzed by the police.

The Chinese state-owned company is at the centre of human trafficking allegations after PN newspaper in-Nazzjon revealed some days ago that Asian workers were being trafficked to Malta and made to work in slave-like conditions at the Bulebel plant.

The PN media said Reno Calleja, who it referred to as a former Labour Minister and not by name, was involved in irregularities in the issuing of visas to foreign workers.

But in comments to The Malta Independent, Mr Calleja denied the claims and also insisted he has no relation with the clothing company. "I confirm that I have never visited the factory and I am not familiar with Mr Han."

This paper also asked for Mr Calleja's opinion on negative criticism about the government's business relations with China. The former Minister has a long-standing relationship with China and was Senior Vice President of the Maltese-Chinese Chamber of Commerce. He still serves as President of the Malta-China Friendship Society and is an unpaid member of the University Council.

Making it amply clear that he is only speaking as an observer, since he is no longer involved in Government, Mr Calleja said China should not perceived as a threat  but as an opportunity.  He is disturbed by what he calls 'China bashing.'

"As a young man China fulfilled one of my dreams, which was injected into me by Dom Mintoff; the closure of the British military base. This allowed Malta to become an instrument of peace instead of one of war. To do this Malta had to diversify its economy. China and other countries helped to do this. In my view we should be grateful to the Chinese because when they helped us in the early seventies, when they were poor."

Mr Calleja described as "a win-win situation" the agreement with Enemalta, through which both countries will benefit.

Mr Calleja says his role was, and still is up to a point, to bring Malta and China closer through culture. Being a member of the University Council, Mr Calleja assisted the Education Minister and the rector to conclude an agreement with the Shanghai University of Acupuncture and Alternative Medicine. The Maltese university is expected to launch a masters degree course on the subject next year. "I believe this will help Malta tap a new niche market; medical tourism." The degrees recognition agreement, which according to Mr Calleja should attract more Chinese students to Malta, was signed last week.

"I use my long and strong contacts in China to help Malta. That is my duty. I never expect any payment for this."