2020 was the year where it seemed as if the only feasible option was to batten down the hatches and hibernate. However, I would say otherwise. It is the year which will be remembered for a lot of reasons, most of which would be better forgotten, but it is also the year in which we have discovered our strengths, the year in which we learnt a lot from adapting to unprecedented circumstances, a time which prompted us to  boldly leap forward and work towards the realisation of many long-shelved investment plans and the year which served as an exceptional trigger for innovation and creative thinking.  Looking back, as Minister for the Economy,  this time was an unparalleled personal baptism of fire. However, I must say that despite the circumstances the sheer number and standard of the creative projects that were put forward, was extraordinarily impressive. 

The adaptability of the manufacturing industry remains outstanding. The fact that a number of manufacturing companies managed to rapidly change  capacity production and adopted to the necessities of the times was and is no mean feat. Small start-ups, be they those related to  artisanal textiles to more digital-led fledgling companies started to take root . Moreover, tech-based companies came into their own, flourishing to the point that they were capable of better withstanding  the storm.

If someone had to ask me in 10 years’ time to describe 2020, I would say that despite the turbulence, it was a year wherein we all discovered our forte. I consider myself to be a positive person, with an ingrained mindset of finding a solution, rather than looking for a problem. This is a conviction I personally strive to convey to the staff within the Ministry, whose ethos is similar and have worked tirelessly throughout the past months. Together, through hard work and a can-do approach, we have ensured that all the possible aid reached the public in a timely and efficient manner.  Despite the race against the clock, we managed to come forward with a holistic regeneration plan, with long-term measures, which will now serve as a springboard to strongly start off the much-awaited year 2021.

This is a golden opportunity for us as a nation to set the tone, put ourselves behind the steering wheel and determine  our destination. Economically speaking, Malta has retained its competitive edge and successfully continues to attract more companies to our shores. Excellent results indeed, but where do we want to go from here? This brings us to the critical need to strengthen the skills of our work force in a way that would satisfactorily cater for the demands of the market and industry. As a Government, we must serve as a guiding light for businesses to invest in digital platforms and increase their visibility as well ensure that these are motivated to be greener in their outlook.

If someone had to ask me how I think 2021 will be like, I would say that it would be a year that shall conceive a greater commitment towards the cause of making our nation and the world a better place for future generations. The year of thinking more about others besides ourselves. Speaking of which, I encourage everyone who is still crossing off their gifts’ list to shop local and support our talented businesses, which have heavily invested in digital platforms as well as delivery services, to make the shopping experience from the comfort of your home and even more excellent one. Furthermore, given that Christmas is just round the corner, whilst doing your shopping, do set aside an extra amount, no matter how big or small and donate it to Istrina, a small gesture but a meaningful one for those in need.

2021 shall build on the solid foundations we have set forth in 2020. On  a more practical note, the European Commission is predicting that the Maltese economy will thrive, experiencing a growth of 6% and unemployment will remain stable, with employment growth set to remain positive as was remarked in the recent report by the Central Bank. It might not have been the best of years, but now is the time look forward in anticipation. 2021 shall be the year where we shall be embarking on the €470 million industrial infrastructure programme announced only a few weeks ago, the creation of the ultimate industrial space to attract high value-added industries.

It is the year which shall see the distribution of the second round of €100 vouchers which shall serve as a another major financial injection to the economy to strengthen things up before the economy regains its pace mid-year.We shall see the completion of significant projects such as that of the Crafts’ Village, which shall drive interaction and much needed economic activity within the artisanal sector.  Yes, we have come out the other side, better, stronger, and more resilient and even more adamant that we need to achieve the fine balance between sustainability and development for the utmost wellbeing of our country and our people. Yes, considering all that has come to pass, and looking to the future with hope and anticipation, we, as a nation have actually a lot to look forward to…