SMEs special envoy in Malta, Azzopardi calls for economic clusters

Small Business Minister Jason Azzopardi has urged the European Commission's Special Envoy for SMEs to take up the proposal of EC Vice President Antonio Tajani for the creation of economic clusters.

According to Tajani - who will be coming to Malta this afternoon to attend the special envoy - clusters provide a fertile business environment for SMEs to collaborate with research institutions, suppliers, customers and competitors located in the same geographical area as well as looking at the international scenario.

"I'm in favour of such a policy which would strengthen economic clusters, not only among businesses working in Europe but also bringing in other small businesses from the Mediterranean countries," Azzopardi said, adding that in this way, the EU and Mediterranean countries would be strengthening their cooperation allowing space for economic growth.

The meeting, chaired by EU special envoy and Deputy Director General Enterprise and Industry Daniel Calleja Crespo, is expected to discuss the Small Business Act, the development in the policy for SMEs within the EU, the importance of growth within the enterprises as well as an action plan for the entrepreneurial sector.

This morning, the Ministry for Small Business in collaboration with the Malta Business Bureau also organised a conference aimed at bridging business opportunities for SMEs in the North African region.

Addressing the conference, Azzopardi said that despite the challenges that exist, European and Mediterranean countries should join forces in bid to seek economic growth and investment which in turn would create further jobs.

"Malta has long been of the idea that Europe and the Mediterranean partner countries share a common destiny and are intrinsically linked and therefore we should unite our countries and people," Azzopardi said.

"It is in our interest to invest time in such meetings to seek creation of economic clusters as development in these regions have given rise to economic opportunities ."

Azzopardi remarked that the North African region had gone through a dramatic upheaval which showcased the popular yearning for freedom and democracy.

"Of course there are and will be challenges but this meeting witnesses our commitment to work together," he added.

Azzopardi said that the regions should not waste time in seeking the commercial opportunities which would result in economic growth to generate jobs.