It was a particularly cordial parliamentary session yesterday with both sides of the House acknowledging that the type of foreign direct investment being attracted is the way forward, however there were still bouts of criticism throughout.

Yesterday’s session saw the approval of the second reading of an amendment to the Malta Enterprise Bill.

Opposition MP Helena Dalli opened yesterday’s debate, saying that the government always seems to approve numerous projects, yet they never materialise as investor’s back out.

She said that the main reason for this was that the investors always get caught up in far too much red tape and end up backing out, citing a lack of co-operation on a government level. Speaking about women, Ms Dalli said that the EU constantly badgers Malta about the amount of women in employment. “And I want to point out that women are not looked on as favourably as men when they try to obtain a loan for entrepreneurial projects,” she said.

Next to speak was Labour MP Marie Louise Coleiro Preca who praised the essence of the act, adding that it was impossible to criticise anything that created investment in Malta. However, after a brief introduction, she soon launched into criticism of the government for leaving behind certain sectors of youth that has been overlooked for employment. She also made a point, saying that while these investment agreements are good for the country, it might make sense to include the MCESD in negotiations to offer better expertise in securing better conditions. She also scathed the government for leaving behind certain youths. “Globalisation and what not, fine, fair enough, but if there is a young man who wants to become a carpenter because it’s the only talent he has, who are we to deny him?” she said. Making her point, she said that this would save taxpayers’ money because this person would be earning an honest living, rather than sponging on the state or becoming a drug addict.

Winding up, Investment Minister Austin Gatt countered by saying that there were plenty of targets which were met, such as the investment in people brought about by Malta Enterprise’s role in the increase in operations of, for example, Lufthansa Teknik, Playmobil, Sigfried, Methode and many more foreign companies. Answering about non-materialising projects, he said that no one can ever guarantee their fruition. “But look at what has come and has expanded. In comparison, I can tell you that only five or six have not,” he said. He said he would not mind in the slightest if an audit was carried out to see the ratio. He also squashed an agreement put forward by MP Preca Coliero who had said that there was a proliferation of gambling machines in Malta causing harm, which she linked to the investment made by I-Gaming companies setting up shop in Malta. Dr Gatt said, these people are involved in anti-fraud, software maintenance and other high-end jobs for their mother companies abroad. “They are not physically dealing cards in Malta,” he said. Dr Gatt in thanked all for the discussion and reserved a special word for Opposition MP Chris Agius, saying that the spirit of the debate showed that there was consensus on the way forward.

Foreign Minister Michael Frendo took up the last 30 minutes by opening discussion on the ratification of a treaty with the United States on ship boarding. This he said, related to the global fight against trafficking of illicit substances including weapons of mass destruction, people, drugs and more. “It is a global fight we have a duty to uphold,” he said.