"Malta's economic success in an interdependent world economy is a result of its agile, flexible and adaptable approach"

During the first meeting of 5+5 ministers responsible for Cohesion and Territorial Planning in

Montpellier, parliamentary secretary for European Funds and Social Dialogue Aaron Farrugia explained how Malta is overcoming its various challenges despite its territorial vulnerabilities and achieved unprecedented economic success.

"Malta's economic success in an interdependent world economy is a result of its agile, flexible and adaptable approach. This is the model, which I suggest to my counterparts, to achieve economic, social and territorial cohesion," he said.

The 5+5 Dialogue is an informal ministerial meeting bringing together countries from the Mediterranean shores: France, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain, as well as their North African

neighbours Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia.

Farrugia explained that many of the concerns and challenges raised by other countries during this meeting were ones which Malta experienced in the past.

"Although this group is diverse, we have common challenges. It makes sense to tackle them

together through effective and convergent responses. A number of challenges which my colleagues mentioned in previous interventions are ones which Malta faced some years ago, which is why we should work together on the margins of this meeting and the ones which follow it."

The parliamentary secretary explained that Malta's territorial profile is dictated by its size,

demography, its open economy, high population density and dependence on imports. "We have no natural resources ‒ that's why we have even more challenges like our population density which is further accentuated by two important factors, namely an increase in tourism and migration. This puts significant pressure on our environment, infrastructure and economic set up."

Despite this, Malta's successful economy continues to grow, as its economic strategy takes into consideration all these characteristics and vulnerabilities.

"For a successful implementation of territorial strategies to take place, we believe that key methods must be adapted to the needs of the territory and should be employed in a holistic manner. A one size-fits-all approach will not work but tailored solutions are needed in order to ensure that the actual needs on the grounds are being addressed."

While signing a Declaration and Work Programme, by which participating countries agreed to cooperate more closely on a number of thematics relating to cohesion and territorial planning, the Farrugia expressed Malta's support for the Declaration and said that it constitutes a good framework for future cooperation.