The realisation of SmartCity Malta is the fruit of a dream and not simply a case of investment, Investments Minister Austin Gatt told the 2007 EMCS conference on “Working Smart in a Globalised World: SmartCity and Participation in the ICT business”.
“It is an economic unique opportunity which will catalyse the change in our economic base. It will facilitate the change of our economy to one where services will be the backbone of the economy.”
The conference, “Working Smart in a Globalised World – SmartCity and Participation in ICT Business”, was organised by the Economic and Management Consultancy Services Limited for advisers or suppliers to the ICT industry to understand better the opportunities offered by SmartCity Malta.
Dr Gatt said they were today witnessing a success story for the country, where foreign companies were coming to Malta to relocate from elsewhere due to the infrastructure, the English language and the skills of our resources. “We have been smart enough to think of this area and make the necessary changes, establish the right policies in the right time and smart enough to translate them for the benefit of our economy.”
He referred to a meeting he had earlier this week with a foreign company in the business of Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNOs) which is seeking to relocate all its business to Malta. Dr Gatt said the company was considering to either relocate to Malta, the United Kingdom or the United States.
To have a smart economy we had to be more export oriented, he added. At the same time we also had to look at a smarter local market. “For it to be smart we can’t be regressive and look at it in a protectionist manner,” he said, again appealing for lower prices for connectivity to broadband so that connectivity would expand. Another speaker at the conference was Fareed Abdulrahman, executive director of the SmartCity brand worldwide, who said that Malta has been pursuing a very active ICT strategy and the setting up of SmartCity Malta will enhance the country’s profile in this sense on the international arena.
“SmartCity Malta will create the ideal infrastructure, support systems, environment and lifestyle for ICT and the people working in the industry.”
“The vision of SmartCity is to be the preferred business park provider for a global network of self-sustained townships to facilitate the creation of knowledge-based industries,” said Mr Abdulrahman.
“SmartCity Malta fits perfectly in TECOM Investments’ global ICT strategy and it is an important hub to have in the Mediterranean region and to link the SmartCity concept with the rest of Europe.
“We are also confident that SmartCity Malta is a win-win for Malta to provide a unique value offering for ICT companies to invest; develop competencies in niche ICT sectors; and be a near-shore centre for Europe.”
Mr Abdulrahman said that despite its weaknesses, like its limited domestic market, low economies of scale and small-sized local talent pool, Malta has strengthened its position by capitalising on its resources and value added, which include multilingual and qualified knowledge workers; EU membership; cost-effectiveness when compared to European standards; a government committed to ICT; social and economic stability; a safe and secure environment.
Elaborating on the infrastructure of SmartCity Malta, Mr Abdulrahman said the township would include intelligent buildings; ready-to-operate model, fully serviced office space; state-of-the-art ICT and urban infrastructure; high speed internet connections; data centres; disaster recovery centres, and land on long lease to set up customised facilities.
It also puts into practice the one-stop-shop concept, providing support services to help companies focus on their success, like government services; facilities management; hospitality; advertising; banking facilities and travel services. This is an already tried and positively tested method by users of Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City that has netted very significant results for all concerned.
“SmartCity also operates on the understanding that its standards are respectful of nature and the human capital, therefore particular attention is given to the lifestyle and environment it offers,” said Mr Abdulrahman. “The project includes retail and recreational facilities with exquisitely landscaped public spaces; health clubs; healthcare facilities; educational institutions; day-care centres and meeting and leisure areas. All this facilitates a supportive pro-business environment, a balance between work and life, besides a prestigious work address.”