PS Herrera said that this event not only honoured the essence of entrepreneurship, but also honoured all the business professionals who have deservedly been selected as the nominees of the awards' respective categories, as well as to show appreciation to all the members of the media, whose work has contributed to the enhancement of entrepreneurs in the Maltese Islands.

"First of all I take this occasion to thank MBR Publications Limited for the invitation to launch this event and also for their outstanding initiative to promote Malta's crème-de-la-crème business impresarios- the best entrepreneurs in business, including the commercial sector, hospitality, real estate, banking, maritime, aviation and local industry; every major category is represented during this remarkable event," Dr Herrera said.

In his address, PS Herrera thanked all the nominees and their companies, who through their participation are indirectly assisting growth in all sectors of the economy, which under my Government have seen increased growth, the biggest performer were the financial and insurance sectors, where an increase of almost twelve (12) per cent was recorded. "Malta has been registering positive economic performance, and the strong momentum exhibited by the Maltese economy during 2013 and 2014 is set to continue during this year, where the Maltese economy grew by four (4) per cent in real terms during the first quarter of 2015, which compares to an average growth of one (1) per cent registered in the Euro Area for the same period," stated Dr Herrera.

He said that Malta's Best Entrepreneur Award of the Year stands as a beacon which reminds us that there are increased opportunties in Malta for new investors in the professional, scientific and technical sector, including other private sectors, where increases are being recorded namely in property, agriculture and fishing, wholesale and retail trade and information and communication.

PS Herrera said that the aim of this most prestigious and local largest gala award event was to foster the participation of and recognition of Malta's most outstanding and highly exceptional business entrepreneurs. "My Parliamentary Secretariat's Office for Competitiveness & Economic Growth is fully behind this wonderful initiative as we want to be prime movers to promote good governance ethics, sound values and best management practice and policies which distinguishes excellent business persons from the ordinary, and reward them for their positive contributions toward our country's economic growth, their enterprise to improve our business community and also their resourcefulness to act as role models for other entrepreneurs. Thus we are taking the lead to encourage and support tomorrow's leaders," he declared.

Dr Herrera continued by saying that his Ministerial portfolio and duties propelled him to uphold best entrepreneurial values in order to create and foster awareness on the importance of rewarding entrepreneurial culture and achievements at the highest level for their collateral benefits not just at the workplace, but also on a societal level, and thus recognise and celebrate the right entrepreneurial culture which stimulates innovation, drive and commitment of a variety of corporate business clusters, including small and medium enterprise (SME), ranging from iGaming to banking, from finance to industry, all key economic decision makers - the men and women that feed, clothe and grow our country.

Highlighting the fact that these awards will also introduce a number of new initiatives and categories to further the entrepreneurial cause, Dr Hererra said that his Ministry is wholeheartedly supporting these awards as we recognise those demonstrating the entrepreneurial aptitude, commercial acumen, vision, ambition and drive to build a successful enterprise.

"It's become clear to me and also my Government, that there's a gap. It's a small gap but a very important gap - and that is for those that are starting out in business. To find a way of being able to recognise the excellent work of entrepreneurs who are new to business, Malta's Best Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2015 and our Ministry have come together to partner these awards together. We are proud to be lead supporter of this event," reaffirmed Dr Herrera.

Dr Herrera touched on the importance of recognizing and rewarding inspirational business leaders, saying that, "Entrepreneurs need this kind of recognition much more often than one tends to think. To have such a competent and well-versed adjudicating team look over your shoulders, probe your business plan, look at your balance sheet, question your sustainability and future strategies and to then give you the nod of approval is a source of great satisfaction."

Malta's Best Entrepreneur of the Year Awards are widely recognised as the finest accolade that honours bold entrepreneurs who achieve success by combining ability with opportunity.

Dr Herrera said that, "In particular, Malta's Best Entrepreneur Awards of the Year 2015 recognise the benefits that entrepreneurs and their entrepreneurial spirit bring to the Maltese economy, by creating employment opportunities and enhancing competitiveness of Maltese enterprises."

Dr Herrera concluded by congratulating all the nominees of the various categories of these awards. "On behalf of all Minister for the Economy, Investments & Small Business, I also wish to extend my gratitude to everyone involved in the organisation and I would like to augur you have a fruitful, enjoyable event, which I am sure that so much will come out with the help of your valid contributions," he concluded.