It seems that both the political and religious leaders of this land of ours have taken it upon themselves to address these two topics as the main agenda for 2007. This is the New Year. It will have its problems. It will have its difficult days, but there is also a substantial amount of satisfaction to be attained if one acts with determination, in good faith and correctly.

If one goes for both challenges and opportunities, this New Year will be anything but dull. Results will depend on how much energy and input we are ready to direct at each challenge and whether we take up the right opportunities, making the best choices in the process.

The process will be one which will require decisions of one agenda instead of another, however it will end with a good measure of satisfaction. There are good indications that initial, or even final results will come to fruition during the next 12 months.

Early in January, in the family environment, one tends to take stock of the situation; decide what needs to be curtailed and what new avenues may be opened to make one’s hopes come true while at the same time addressing new financial needs. Financial requirements on the home front and within the family never seem to ease up.

The country’s economic results for 2006, a matter of the recent past, have been accepted by all as being positive and in the right direction, with one exception of course; the long standing Opposition leader. But that is all in the past. Now we have to look forward. Notwithstanding the never-ending everyday problems and changes in market orientation, by and large, things have worked out for the better. The country’s finances are in check. More attention will be required in the next months to insure that these remain so.

In the retail sector, business has been good over the last two months and although there will certainly be a lull in the next two months, one cannot but envisage that things will pick up again in some sectors come St Valentine’s Day in February and Easter in April. In other business sectors there have been ups and downs. Those who market their products well and take the necessary precautions to change their trade, as certain market orientations vary, the future holds good promise.

Investors are looking at Malta. As they see other entrepreneurs doing well, they will examine Malta and what it offers to their line of business. They too see a window of opportunity and will weigh the pros and cons in order to decide whether this particular island in the Mediterranean will be a good place to invest in.

Taxes, infrastructure, logistics, the labour market, workforce stability and other factors will all be scrupulously examined by each investor. A positive analysis of what the country has to offer will contribute to deciding in favour of it. There is no doubt that investors shall leave no stone unturned in carrying out this exercise to ensure that they choose the best possible location to set up their trade.

We have to be sure that we create the right atmosphere and conditions so that such opportunities do not come and go. Every effort must be made to keep these opportunities here without. We must offer the best possible conditions, bending over backwards if need be but we must ensure that at no stage do we break our back in the process.

We are not interested in having every possible businessman peddling his trade though our system. Our economy is a small economy and this enables us to examine closely those who wish to do business here.

We must make sure that everything is above board and that there will not be problems which could have a negative effect on our economy.

We may not be spoilt for choice, however that does not mean that we take up anyone who knocks at our door without taking due care and diligence in examining their offers and requests.

They have not only to be feasible financially but that the country’s exposure will be within safe limits.

In the business world nobody really gives away much for nothing and one expects that there will be a second agenda for those who come our way presenting everything in glossy colours and without any negative effects. No one comes over to lose money. Whether it means earning profit locally or otherwise, each new opportunity is looked upon as a chance to finally leave a positive financial result. We are there to help but it has to be a joint profitmaking opportunity.

On an international level the challenges ahead are not small. The EU has increased to 27 member states with the membership of Bulgaria and Rumania.

These two countries will scrutinise the market too for any favourable vibes. On the other hand we have a two and a half year advantage, which should work in our favour as we have been given enough time to get used to the rules of the game.

The EU will be making E855 million available to us over the 2007-2013 period. The union has already given the green light to our projects aimed at spending the funds available. The wheels have been set in motion.

Our vision does not stop at the borders of the European Union. There will be problems of a Mediterranean nature that have to be addressed. Our sea suffers from local and cross border insurgency and strife which are taking place on our doorstep.

If Malta can in any way assist in reaching acceptable diplomatic solutions to these conflicts, we should not shy away from contributing concretely to their resolution.

At the same time our undaunted efforts in addressing the illegal immigration phenomenon must be kept up in all international forums possible.

Back to Malta. On the political front, Parliament will reassemble on Monday, the following Monday we shall have our first Cabinet meeting in the New Year. In the meantime last Tuesday most of us ministers and parliamentary secretaries were back at our desks.

I believe that you too will all do your best to make 2007 a success.

Tony Abela is parliamentary secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister.