Due to its strategic location at the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta has always been a hub for business and trade. Nowadays this has become a flourishing economy which spans several sectors and has placed Malta at the forefront of the remote gaming, financial services, manufacturing and the maritime sector. But we must be careful not to become complacent of this success, we must ensure that we strive for reinvention and evolution, and we must continue providing citizens with the tools they need to prosper.
The world around us is in the midst of a dramatic shift and there is no doubt that there are uncertain times ahead of us as a member of the global economy. President Trump, Brexit, the rise of anti-globalisation sentiment - these are having a dramatic impact on the way that we will conduct business now and in years to come. The problem is that with the eyes of the world upon us, Malta is not reacting and this raises grave concerns regarding the ability of the current government.
Strengthen international cooperation
Malta needs a vision where we need to be strengthening trade and investment cooperation with our international partners. But what new investment verticals have you seen in the last four years? None. What new trade negotiations have you seen us forge ahead with in the wake of Brexit? None. Brexit is a prime example of a prospect that we should have grabbed with both hands to ensure that Malta is positioned as a viable location for the relocation of international businesses who are looking for a new, English speaking, European base. When Joseph Muscat was questioned on this issue by a member of the audience at the recent EU Dialogues in Valletta, he failed to give any answer or any indication of a strategy that was going to be implemented. This is not acceptable- we have been handed a golden opportunity to become global leaders in multiple sectors and if we want to win this race, we need a plan and we need to act now.
Strengthen international networks
My vision for a truly international Malta means that we also need to work at building new networks to facilitate innovation. Our education institutions and companies must develop links with overseas partners in other major innovation hubs and leading markets to better facilitate the exchange of information and the incubation of innovative and collaborative ideas.
Strengthen our international knowledge
Alongside a concerted effort to develop our networks, there is a lot of work to be done to improve our knowledge of regional and global markets- and I don’t just mean Azerbaijan and China. We must be pioneers on a global scale- constantly looking around us, noting the success of others, developing their ideas and constantly reinventing to ensure that we are ahead, and not just on a par with our international partners. Let us empower our workforce and our students to travel abroad and expand their horizons. Let us educate them in foreign markets and insights and then harness their knowledge to build the foundations of success for decades to come.
The current government have become complacent of the accomplishments of the Maltese people and are resting on their laurels whilst other EU countries are snapping at our heels. This country’s growth and development needs to resemble a cog in a well-oiled machine- a machine that is powered by a new and visionary government.
Ivan Bartolo is a Nationalist Party candidate on the 9th district. He is currently the Managing Director of Idox Health (formerly 6pm)
www.bartoloivan.com