It is a constantly changing world and Malta needs to keep diversifying its economy without neglecting the central pillar of the manufacturing industry, Peter Agius, EU official and prospective MEP candidate, said during a visit to ST micro-electronics.

Agius was welcomed by ST Management Laurent Filipozzi and Philippe Zammit and toured the company facilities in Kirkop. ST Microelectronics celebrated 40 years of operation in Malta last year. The company produces high-tech components mainly servicing the automotive industry, employing over 1,800 employees in Malta alone.

‘At ST, I felt the compelling strength of an enterprise charting the way to more successes confident of its assets: a vibrant Maltese and international workforce and constant innovation. I met operators, engineers, technicians and management, all share a profound commitment to excellence from the smallest of things, from health and safety to improved energy efficiency to training and innovation.’ said Peter Agius

‘Our EU membership needs to be a vector to safeguard and increase the competitiveness of Maltese based companies. Ongoing negotiations on EU state aid, transport, FDI, company rules and taxation need to factor in the size and character of our economy. If we want manufacture to keep thriving in Malta, we must adapt Union rules to fit us better. We joined a Union after painstaking negotiation of all its aspects 20 years ago. That Union is constantly changing, and we need to keep negotiating the best deal for our businesses and our workers.’ added Dr Agius.

Peter Agius, former head of European Parliament Office in Malta and speechwriter to President Antonio Tajani has launched his bid to run as MEP candidate earlier this month. An EU institutions veteran where he worked since Malta’s accession Agius regularly emphasises the need to adapt EU policies to the particular needs of Maltese realities with a view to a wider benefit from the Union to all the sectors of Maltese society.

“Malta can derive more benefits from the European Union if we step up our efficiency in representing Maltese interests in Brussels and spread more awareness and empowerment in our communities in Malta. This is the reason why I am vouching to be your voice as an MEP, representing Malta with new energy for us to reap more concrete results from EU membership,” concluded Agius