The Prime Minister yesterday laid out his vision for Malta: a modern country with a very high standard of living, reflecting a society that benefits from high political, social and economic standards; a country that is enterprising and that achieves strong economic growth; a country that is respected in the regional and international arena.

“But,” Dr Gonzi added, “it is also a vision of a country that, at the same time, pursues the European social model. It is in this scenario that we look to these initiatives and to our European background. My country, although in its infancy as regards membership of the European Union, has already proved that it is and will be a pro active member, taking the initiative to promote various ideas, participating not only through its ministers but also through its MEPs and NGOs in matters of general interest not restricted solely to the Maltese shores.”

Dr Gonzi was opening the 11th annual general assembly of the Historic Conference Centres of Europe (HCCE) at the Mediterranean Confer-ence Centre in Valletta.

He referred to the conference and incentive travel business, which had steadily increased in Malta. Year after year, this segment had grown in importance and the government has supported and encouraged it and its players.

“2006 saw an increase of over seven per cent on 2005 figures. It also brought about new facilities for conferences and new initiatives, some of which I am sure you will experience. I am pleasantly surprised with the creativeness of our country in providing such opportunities, which are surely unique, if not to Malta, within the Mediterranean basin.”

In today’s globalised world, said Dr Gonzi, there were no limits to expansion and cooperation. Malta’s membership of the European Union in 2004 had further brought down any frontiers that might have existed.

The government strongly encouraged all participants in this sector to seize the opportunities that lay ahead and capitalise on them. To do so, they must all work together and this alliance should open many doors.

He fully endorsed that these opportunities be exploited, to cooperate and build European bridges in order to provide citizens with the best working environment. These were opportunities where the potential should be maximised, which in turn would yield better results and thus strengthen European economies.

His appeal was, he said, a renewed call for forging further closer ties between all the players in the alliance.