Scicluna defends deals with non-democratic countries 'for investment's sake'

Finance minister says Malta must be willing to do away with prejudice over deals with non-democratic countries, 'as they invest money in the economy'

Finance minister Edward Scicluna issued a staunch defense of the government’s business deals with non-democratic countries.

“The Opposition must stop criticising deals simply because they’re made with Chinese, Arabs, or countries where democracy isn’t exactly fully implemented,” he said in Parliament. “If they want to negotiate only with fully democratic countries, then they can go ahead, but investment will not be as significant."

He was speaking in Parliament, while answering a supplementary question to a PQ by Labour MP Anthony Agius Decelis on the effects of income tax cuts.

“Where investment is concerned, we must do away with prejudice and negotiate with any country willing to invest in the country.”

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The government has raised eyebrows in some quarters for its willingness to negotiate with the governments of China and Azerbaijan. Last week, it signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Arab Emirates to establish further cooperation between the two in five areas, including innovation in government services and mobile applications.