Retailers have described the euro changeover as a smooth one, with 44 per cent of respondents saying that they had very little problems, according to a survey carried out by the The Malta Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises (GRTU).

During a press conference held yesterday, Marcel Mizzi, who conducted the survey entitled Euro Changeover Impact, said that 29 per cent of retailers said that they had a few problems, while another 22 per cent said that they had no problem whatsoever.

When asked about the bank’s service during the euro changeover, 29 per cent of respondents said that it was adequate and another 29 per cent said that it was good. However 22 per cent said that it was not satisfactory, and 7.5 per cent said that it was hopeless.

Eighty-one per cent of the respondents said they had enough change available to handle the demand for euros and only 19 per cent said they did not.

GRTU director general Vince Farrugia said that he was very surprised at this result, as the chamber had received many complaints that there was not enough cash float.

Mr Farrugia expressed his disapproval at the government’s proposal for the National Euro Changeover Committee (NECC) to act as a consumer protection agency.

“If the government wants to find a job for the 70 or so employees that are working with the NECC, then these can easily be given other jobs as opposed to protecting the consumer,” he said.

He went on to explain that there is already the Office of Fair Trading which, however, needs to be strengthened.