Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Business, Dr Chris Cardona, this morning addressed a press conference launching the request for proposal (RFP) of an international tender for a Logistics Hub in Ħal Far.

Dr Cardona described this international call as the first concrete step in the realization of the vision of the Government for the logistics sector, which has the potential to become a key pillar for our economy.

Minister Cardona stressed that, “Malta still has a strong tradition in terms of trade in the Mediterranean and we believe that with this international call for operation of Ħal Far Logistics Hub, we will continue to capitalize on this tradition.”

The aim of this international call is to attract local or international operators to submit their proposals for the concession of the design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance centre of international logistics, on 45,000 square meters of land in Ħal Far. The Minister said that the Government’s vision is to have a strategic hub in Malta for international trade, serving as a Free Zone or as a Custom Warehouse.

The identified site is presently used as a Customs Groupage Complex and this project aims to incorporate the existing operation. The Minister explained that discussions with operators operating from the Groupage Complex, which at present amount to 34, had already taken place. These were assured that with this project, their operations and working conditions will not change.

Dr Cardona explained how the site in question was identified for this purpose due to very specific reasons, mainly, since it lies halfway between the Freeport and the Malta International Airport, as well as being near a major industrial zone. Dr Cardona also referred to studies carried out before this international call, which confirmed that this site has a great potential as a centre for logistics.

Dr Cardona described how the economic benefits of this project and the subsequent creation of more quality jobs is another significant project for this Government. At the same time, the Government is conscious that this will also be a challenge for the operator who will be taking on this project to find the necessary workers, and is thus committed to help in the planning for the necessary training of workers.

Minister Cardona stressed that, “logistics, together with education and life sciences are sectors that need to sustain the economic growth that our country is experiencing. We are optimistic that in the same way we managed to attract investment in projects such as that of the American University of Malta, Barts Medical School, and recently Crane Currency, we will do the same for this sector”.

Dr Chris Cardona said that the Government’s vision for the logistics sector is not only limited to this international call, but also extends to other initiatives. In fact, Malta Enterprise is in the process of identifying other sites that can be utilised for this purpose, so that in due course Malta will be transformed into a logistics centre in the Mediterranean.

The Chief Executive of Malta Enterprise, Mr Mario Galea also addressed the press conference, and provided details of the Request for Proposal prepared in collaboration and with the guidance of the Privatisation Unit.

The document of the Request for Proposal is available on the website of the Privatisation Unit: www.privatisation.gov.mt