The president of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise, and Industry, Frank V. Farrugia, announced the establishment of a new Chamber committee, dedicated specifically to family businesses.

Speaking at A Family Affair - Safeguarding Malta and Europe's Beating Heart, Farrugia said that a Malta Chamber committee dedicated to family businesses was being set up in collaboration with the Family Business Office, to ensure that the issues raised during the conference would continue being discussed beyond the day.

He stated that the committee would serve as a platform for constant communication between policymakers and relevant stakeholders.

Farrugia said the conference aimed to celebrate family businesses and their achievements, but also examine their future, discussing themes such as shareholding, structure, governance, the sustainability of existing business models, procedure, finance and succession.

A Family Affair is part of the Malta Chamber's calendar of events throughout this year, celebrating 170 years of the Chamber.

"With this conference, the Malta Chamber is celebrating the core of its being, the members which represent businesses from all of Malta's economic sectors, being manufacturing, importation, financial services, tourism or information technology, among others. It is these members' views and expert opinions that the Chamber's positions and policies are based on. They are the centre of the Chamber's being."

Farrugia stated that the Chamber looked forward to continue to be there for its member family businesses, supporting them and helping them grow within the context of a healthy and competitive economy.

The conference was headlined by high profile international guests ‒ Ferrero R&D chief Briano Olivares, Buffa founder Paolo Buffa and Grimaldi Lines director Eugenio Grimaldi. They were also joined by leading Maltese entrepreneurs Joseph Zammit Tabona from Infinitely Xara, Denise Xuereb from AX Group and Benjamin Tabone Grech from Engel & Völkers Sara Grech.

Hosted by David Xuereb, deputy president of the Malta Chamber, the conference also featured the participation of Dr Chris Cardona, Minister of the Economy, Investment and Small Businesses; Elena Grech, head European Commission Representation in Malta; Etienne Borg Cardona, Capital Advisory; Albert Frendo, chief Business Development officer (Credit), BOV; Maria Micallef, managing partner RSM Malta; David Galea, CEO, Beat Consulting; Ariadne Massa, Media Insiders and Sam Borg, director, Bortex Group.