The Nationalist Party has reiterated its call for the government and opposition to come together and take the matter regarding shipping costs before the European Commission for state aid to be granted.
Maltatoday reported that higher shipping and logistics costs caused by the Covid-19 pandemic for Maltese businesses cannot be solved through government funding alone. This was revealed by Enterprise Minister Miriam Dalli whilst speaking to journalists.
"With what Minister Dalli said, it seems that either the government does not understand, or does not want to understand, or is unable to understand the problem. A problem that is getting worse for the Maltese industry year after year," the PN said.
The PN noted that from 2012 until today, the Maltese industry is falling behind in its competitiveness when compared to other competitors.
It also recalled that in 2012 Malta stood in 43rd place, but since then Malta is now in the 69th place in the Logistics Performance Index.
"As long as Minister Dalli continues beating around the bush, Maltese industrialists will continue facing large and disproportionate costs and burdens," the PN said.
The party called on Minister Dalli to "let go of the unbridled partisanship and blind superstition" as it will not help the Maltese industry.
"Let us work together to convince the European Commission," the party said.
Minister Dalli said that funding alone would not solve the issue but discussions with constituted bodies and private companies are ongoing for different alternatives and solutions.