Blue economy | Malta evaluating possibility of a National Integrated Maritime Policy

The Maltese government is evaluating the possibility of drafting a National Integrated Maritime Policy through a National Integration Maritime Strategy, Parliamentary secretary Edward Zammit Lewis announced today.

Opening the official celebrations of this year's European Maritime Day 2013, Zammit Lewis said this policy would give particular emphasis to maritime quality jobs and economic growth.

"The hosting of the European Maritime Day in Malta is no better time to facilitate high level discussions regarding the local development of a National Integration Maritime Strategy," Zammit Lewis said.

Listing the national priorities to provide the required structure to support a blue economy, Zammit Lewis pointed to the need for a sound legal framework to support the governance structure; a clear, integrated holistic national policy direction covering both the short and long term perspectives; and infrastructure investment and good infrastructure management, both through Government investment and the participation of the private sector.

Parliamentary Secretary for Culture Jose Herrera, and Parliamentary Secretary for Research Stefan Buontempo were also present to distribute tokens and prizes.

Herrera distributed the tokens to the Local Council representatives and Buontempo distributed prizes to the winners among the 26 primary and five secondary schools that took part in painting, collage and essay writing competitions.

Several public activities, including an Open Day and re-enactments at the Maritime Museum, are being held as part of the European Maritime Day 2013 celebrations.

An oil pollution response demonstration was also held at the Grand Harbour.