GRTU calls for European fund for businesses in Libya

The Maltese Chamber of SMEs (GRTU) has been approached in order to discuss with the Maltese authorities, amongst others, what mitigating measures can be taken locally so that Maltese businesses will not be critically endangered beyond redemption until such a time that they can resume their activities in Libya.

GRTU is setting up a specific email address - [email protected] - for members and non-members to communicate their interest. After this a meeting will be sought with the relevant authorities and members’ individual views and needs can be aired and explained.

“GRTU is very concerned about the situation in Libya, particularly with the loss of life that is happening there. This is deplorable and no country should be made to pass through all these tribulations and suffering. At this stage, we can only express our solidarity with the Libyan people and try and help them get the country back on its feet once these troubles are over and a stable, democratic government is established,” GRTU president Paul Abela said.

Abela said there is a sizeable amount of its members who are directly involved in projects in Libya or who have indirect business links with that country.

The GRTU has urged the Maltese authorities to do their utmost to instigate the European Council to immediately draft an Action Plan for North Africa and the Middle East so that enterprises in these countries meet the terrible difficulties they are facing as a result of the popular upheavals, and to ensure that sufficient funds are earmarked to support and sustain the European Union entrepreneurial investments in these countries.