Edwin Vassallo, Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and the Self Employed, drew a picture of commercial competition and expanding trade from statistics issued by the Trade Licensing Unit.

The number of applications for trade licences received by the unit in the last three years between January and March showed constancy. But between January and March this year the number rose when compared to last year and to 2005.

He said the rate of start-ups and transfers of business compared well with economically developed countries.

These figures, he said, showed there was more competition in Malta, and an expansion of commercial activity.

Mr Vassallo said the government wanted to develop a licence issue process which would remain efficient and lead to business with a high added value. The country needed more businesses, but businesses which were innovative and different from today’s.

There would be consultation to see how the process of licensing would have new procedures to ensure that those applying for a licence would know their obligations.