Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday visited the National Euro Changeover Committee (NECC) in Birkirkara, in view of the upcoming changeover to the single currency in just two days’ time.

“The NECC was set up in June 2005 and during this time it has helped the government achieve its aim and gain the trust of the people with regard to the changeover, in order to make sure that things are done the right way and explained well,” he said after meeting with the NECC’s staff.

“In fact the Cabinet has decided that the NECC’s role shall continue post-euro, focused on the consumer – that is overseeing the protection of the consumer, and information for the consumer – and converted into an agency. A law is being passed in parliament to put the necessary structures for such an agency in the public sector into place,” said Dr Gonzi.

“The fact that there are positive sentiments about the changeover and that the Maltese people feel it is being done well is a sign of confidence in the NECC. The government believes that the investment done should not end with the transition to the euro and we have been discussing how we can continue to use the NECC’s services,” added Dr Gonzi.

Therefore the NECC will help with the transition also post-euro in order to attack any inflation arising in international markets with regard to such essential products as wheat and milk products. As from February or March, the NECC will take on this new role and will thus remain a very important agency, the Prime Minister said.

The relevant division is to be given more powers so that its executive arm would be able to take action against anyone “not treating the consumer fairly”. “We will make sure the consumer is treated fairly throughout.” stated Dr Gonzi.

The FAIR trust mark that is granted by the Euro Observatory within the Finance Ministry is considered tangible proof of a business commitment to serve the best interests of their customers. 76 part-time euro-assistants were appointed in all to make sure that implementation was effected properly and over 40,000 visits to shops were made in the last year.

Meanwhile hotline 154 of the NECC, which answers calls and questions from the public about the changeover, will remain operative until June. One can also call the NECC to make a complaint about any incorrectly converted € displays, so that such cases are investigated by the agency. More information is obtainable on www.euro.gov.mt.