Economist Santino Portera, currently a director at STMicroelectronics at the Kirkop, Malta plant, has been invested with the insignia of Cavaliere dell’Ordine al Merito Della Repubblica Italiana by the Italian ambassador to Malta Paolo Andrea Trabalza on behalf of Italian President Giorgio Napolitano.

The decoration recognises Mr Portera’s support and contribution to strengthen commercial and bilateral relations between Malta and Italy, as well as assisting Italian potential investors to invest in Malta and other Italian nationals, private organisations, sports and governmental institutions, including schools, in organising different events in Malta.

In his 15 years in Malta, Mr Portera has also contributed to government organisations such as the Malta Export Trade Corporation (METCO) and Malta Enterprise, also with his active role within the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry as deputy chairman of the Manufacturing Economic Group.

In his speech, Mr Portera underlined how fortunate he was to work for a company such as STMicroelectronics, and heartily thanked ST for having given him this opportunity to be known and appreciated in the community and by various Maltese and European institutions.

Mr Portera was also bestowed the honour of Chevalier de l’Ordre National Du Merite of France in 2008 by French Ambassador Daniel Rondeau, and the Medalija tal-Mertu in December 2006 by former President Eddie Fenech Adami.