During his closing remarks at the launch of the North African Business Council, the Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Business, Chris Cardona congratulated the Council, a horizontal committee within the Malta Chamber, for their initiative whilst also congratulating the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry and the Middle East Association in London for having signed a Memorandum of Understanding earlier this week. Minister Cardona said that this MOU “will help to enhance the development of relations between Malta and the Middle East”.
Minister Cardona stated that Malta is constantly looking for strategic partners with whom to exploit the opportunities present in the region and beyond; “partners who would benefit from Malta’s business-friendly legislative regime and its skilled workforce to strengthen their regional and global presence” held Minister Cardona.
Dr Cardona said that since the beginning of the current administration, a number of initiatives to grow the economy were launched, including an exciting new maritime hub focusing on the oil and gas industry, reducing Government induced costs and energy tariffs, and cutting red tape wherever possible.
“We are also investing in education to provide an even more skilled workforce and we are making radical changes to energy supply to put more money in the pockets of consumers and, at the same time, reduce one of the costs of business” said Minister Cardona.
Although investors have a choice where to go, Minister Cardona said that the government is determined to keep Malta on the “must consider” list. “Malta is a successful economy but we want it to be even more successful” emphasised Minister Cardona.
Minister Cardona said that Malta’s relations with North Africa and Middle East are excellent and long-standing, and North African and Middle-Eastern companies wishing to explore Malta’s business potential can rest assured that the Maltese Government and its national development agency, Malta Enterprise, will support and facilitate their efforts.
Minister Cardona also mentioned the efforts being made to assist companies whose main business is in Libya, so that, with the assistance of Malta Enterprise and other governmental organisations new markets are identified for these companies elsewhere in Africa.
“As a government, we are obliged to assist in any manner we can to ensure the continuation of these businesses and to safeguard the jobs of their employees and I am confident that from this newly formed North African Business Council we will garner all the support and assistance that we will need to ensure that our objective is achieved” held Minister Cardona.
Dr Cardona said that following the situation in Libya, the Maltese government has taken a number of initiatives and measures to assist Maltese investment in Libya and Malta Enterprise has been serving as a reference point to all effected companies who seek its assistance.
“Malta Enterprise liaises with the relevant government departments to reduce the problems that these companies are facing” continued Dr. Cardona.
Minister Cardona concluded by stating that together, all parties present can play an important part in safeguarding and promoting, through mutual cooperation, the interests of their countries and their businesses.