The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry announced on Friday that it is to represent Malta in the European Organisation for Quality.

“With a firm belief in the importance of quality and quality management, the Malta Chamber is proud to be associated with the leading promoter of quality, as well as to extend our European network through this membership,” said chamber president Helga Ellul.

Mrs Ellul added that, through membership of the EOQ, the chamber will strive to be a role model for the business community, as well as to enhance its value added services to members. “We are committed to vigorously promoting the practice of quality amongst the business community as a precursor to enhancing competitiveness at enterprise level that will translate itself at national level.”

In the coming months, the chamber aims to extend its membership further through involvement in training programmes, for which it will then be certified as a training provider in areas of quality management.

Mrs Ellul thanked the members of the Quality Management Committee, led by chairman Emidio Friggieri, for their contribution and effort. As well as their feedback on the Quality Manual and the ISO process, the committee works to create interesting initiatives for the benefit of members. “Commitment to quality is not just about large companies, but also the SMEs, both of whom we represent. Quality should be promoted across the board, regardless of sector or size, thus the government’s dedication to quality and high standards is of utmost importance,” she concluded.

Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Land Jason Azzopardi said that the chamber’s affiliation with the EOQ is a benefit for all small businesses, as it will connect them like never before to their European counterparts. “In today’s competitive markets, quality management is becoming more and more central to the survival of any enterprise. It can be the catalyst that gives our small businesses the cutting edge over their competitors. Quality is what creates repeat clients.”