Prime Minister Robert Abela and the Chamber of Commerce discussed how to strengthen the private sector for entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive, during a pre-budget meeting in Castille.

Ministers Clyde Caruana, Ian Borg, Silvio Schembri and Miriam Dalli, Parliamentary Secretary Andy Ellul, Government Deputy Omar Farrugia and the Head of the Secretariat at the Office of -Prime Minister Glenn Micallef, were all present during the meeting.

Abela said that it is important to have an environment where one can invest and grow their business.

Abela mentioned how Malta successfully went through the process of MoneyVal and FATF. He also stressed the importance of facilitating businesses.

Abela praised Malta which has certificates of serious and strong jurisdiction.

Abela said that the government should not be afraid to take decisions so that Malta continues to grow and experience economic growth with new priorities, including the digital core and the environment.

Abela also made reference to the measures mentioned in the electoral manifesto people working self-employed and businesses must all have the right to a basic bank account.

During the meeting, Abela said that a centralised system is needed in order to combat bureaucracy so that businesses are not sent from one place to another.

President of the Chamber, Marisa Xuereb, gave a presentation for its 2023 budget proposals. Xuereb said that the document has a long-term vision and was written after wide consultation in economic groups within the same Chamber.

Xuereb said that such meetings provide an opportunity to discuss the challenges that are being faced and how to mitigate them through policy that promotes investment in infrastructure, innovation and efficiency in operation, responsibility in the consumption of energy and environmental sustainability and good governance.