Over 70 Maltese companies aided during Libya crisis - Fenech

Since February, Malta Enterprise has assisted around 70 Maltese companies which had a commercial interest or presence in Libya with almost 200 separate issues, government said in a statement.

“These ranged from speeding up payments owed to the companies by government departments or entities, to deferring payments they owed themselves such as tax, VAT and social security,” Finance Minister Tonio Fenech said.

The companies were also provided with Malta Enterprise’s businesses advisory services or assisted to find new markets when required.

Fenech was speaking during a visit he made at the Medavia hanger in Safi. Medavia was one of the companies assisted during the Libyan crisis.

“While our first priority was to take care of the Maltese workers employed in Libya and the thousands of foreigners which were forced to flee, government also centralized its efforts to establish contacts with Maltese companies with commercial interests in Libya,” Fenech said.

Through Malta Enterprise, government also set up a “helpdesk” that served as a contact point for all those businesses that required assistance during the crisis.

“Government’s priority was to ensure that jobs at these companies are safeguarded, but at the same time we also took care of those who lost their job, and, through ETC, we developed a Personal Action Plan to provide these workers with free courses to support them in looking for alternative employment.”

Fenech also announced the reopening of the Libya Commercial Office by Malta Enterprise. The Office will provide a central point of contact for all services and support for businessmen and entrepreneurs seeking or willing to establish or further commercial and business links with Libya.

According to government, more than 100 businesses have expressed their interest in a business delegation that will be visiting Libya.

Enterprises in both countries – whether Maltese companies interested in doing business with Libya or vice-versa – will thus have a focal point that could also provide them with a range of practical services designed to facilitate business.

Amongst others, these include assistance in the establishment of contacts, provision of business advisory and market research services, as well as identification and transmission of business opportunities including through a tender information service.

During the press conference, Medavia also announced the achievement of certification to provide design engineering services to the international aviation sector. The aviation company employs some 140 people in Malta and is engaged in the servicing of aircraft engines, aircraft overhaul and the provision of related maintenance work.