If there's one thing that nobody can take aim at the Labour Party in Government for is the constant support and peace of mind the Government gave businesses and workers during the height of the pandemic and after.

Apart from COVID-19 related talks held with businesses in such a fluid situation, and having extended aid to businesses and workers as the COVID saga unfolded, the Maltese Government, represented by the Ministry for the Economy and Industry I am responsible for, are also looking at additional measures to help beleaguered businesses beyond these harsh times.

One of the many aspects of the pandemic is that several businesses jumped to the opportunity and reinvented themselves.

Referred to as the COVID-19 Budget, the Government unveiled a list of measures planned strategically beforehand to continue to combat the ill-effects of the pandemic on businesses. Such measures have helped several companies gain ground.

During the pandemic, when one would think that unemployment levels would soar, as a government we managed to achieve historic levels of employment while ensuring that the unemployment rate stays as low as possible.

And such measures and stimulus schemes have not yet been phased out as one would have thought would happen, but we are continuing to help businesses and workers continue to operate while instilling a sense of courage among those who were in panic mode.

Recently, I paid a visit to Aviation Cosmetics - a company that is based in Malta and provides high-quality aircraft painting and changing of livery for narrow and wide-bodied aircraft, the likes of Airbus and other aviation industry leaders. During the pandemic, this company registered heavy losses but as a result of the Government's aid packages, its directors today forecast a record year ahead as international aviation companies seek their painting services. So much so that Aviation Cosmetics is seeking to expand its facilities in terms of hangar space.

It is of great satisfaction to note that hadn't the Government intervened, and I can tell hundreds of other stories of businesses that survived the storm and are still operating despite the pandemic's impact, companies like Aviation Cosmetics would have remained grounded.

We are looking at thousands of euros in aid that were provided to Aviation Cosmetics alone and many other private sector businesses and workers to keep employees on the payroll system while the pandemic kept rearing its ugly head.

But it isn't just about financial aid; it was vital to keep businesses and workers psychologically strong in a bid to encourage them that some day they will witness an end to the pandemic's effects and can continue to engage in pre-Covid business as usual scenarios if not better.

The Maltese Government also emerged with measures such as the voucher scheme, which injected a much-needed boost into the economy - an integral part of the government's economic regeneration plan.

Small and medium-sized businesses play a vital role in Malta's economy as they account for roughly 97% of economic growth. This means that we need to help secure the future of companies in a bid to meet the demand that is gradually returning, citing Aviation Cosmetics as an example, whereby demand for their services is now stronger than ever before.

I for one can assure businesses out there that the raft of financial support measures won't stop at the pandemic, and we will no doubt remain a strong channel to help businesses thrive.

One thing's for sure, economic decline has an adverse effect on health as it hits the income of individuals and families. We will not stand there and watch this happen. We will remain the Government that was there for you during the pandemic. As much as it is impossible to predict the future, preparation is key, so that in the event another crisis hits the world at large or Malta for that matter, we will be able to respond to any challenges we might be faced with.

We are a strong nation despite our diminutive size. We stood strong. We pulled the same rope. Now we will look to a prosperous future. And I will remain close to the people and businesses beyond measure.

 The following will serve as a reminder of the long list of measures implemented by the Maltese Government during the pandemic:

• Employment-related measures
• Wage supplement
• Quarantine Leave supplement
• Unemployment Benefit
• Benefit to persons with disabilities
• Parent benefit
• Medical benefit
• Teleworking grant
• Tax incentives
• Rent subsidies
• Interest rate subsidies
• Vouchers
• Utility Bill subsidies