The vision of the Nationalist government for 2015 was one of a diversified economy focusing on various sectors such as manufacture, tourism and services, a high quality education system and an environment that highlights and values the country’s historic and cultural heritage, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said yesterday.
Dr Gonzi was speaking at the official opening of the International Trade Fair of Malta in Naxxar, organised by the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre (MFCC). This year’s fair, which is open to the public from today, is the last to be held at the Naxxar grounds. From next year, it will be held in Ta’ Qali.
The prime minister spoke about the importance of meeting the economic and social challenges the country faced from time to time. However, he said, the changes brought about as a result of these challenges always have to benefit the country economically while maintaining the fundamental values of Maltese and European citizens.
“This can only be done by improving the country through clear measures showing the business community where we want to go,” said Dr Gonzi.
A prime example is the effort Malta has made, and is still making, to make the most of its EU membership, he added.
“We have to acknowledge that this was the best, and possibly the only, opportunity Malta ever had to take advantage of sustainable development while safeguarding and strengthening the environmental, economic and social aspects of the country,” said Dr Gonzi. Even though it was not always easy, and a lot more still needed to be done, the country was achieving positive results for the good of the Maltese and Gozitans, he said.
Another of Malta’s greatest achievements in recent years was its soon-to-be membership of the eurozone, he said.
“This means that Malta will join other countries, which are among the most developed in the world, and have a better chance where investment and business is concerned,” he said.
Dr Gonzi pointed out that Malta’s economy is credible and sustainable – built on solid foundations. The country’s economy had improved by 3.3 per cent and Dr Gonzi added that it should continue improving.
“This growth is higher than the EU average and is a clear indication that Malta is on the right track to continue improving its productivity and quality of life,” he said.
Dr Gonzi pointed out that last year 800 people were employed on a full-time basis and 250 people are no longer on the employment register.
He said that, in 2006, Lm455 million was invested in productive assets and the country benefited from another Lm570 million in foreign investments.
Furthermore, he said, Maltese exports had increased by almost Lm220 million in 2006.
Even though importation had increased to keep up with the country’s needs, the visible trade gap had improved by about Lm50 million.
Dr Gonzi also expressed satisfaction at the upcoming development for the new trade fair grounds in Ta’ Qali proposed by the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre
He pointed out that the project had enormous potential, both economically and commercially, and would place Malta at the forefront of the European fair scene.