Small businesses a priority for Labour government

The new Labour government will work hand in hand with small and medium enterprises to "create jobs and improve the quality of life of all citizens," small business minister Chris Cardona said.

Speaking during a visit to the Malta Chamber of SMEs (GRTU) offices in Valletta this afternoon, Cardona stressed the importance of maintaining an open dialogue with all stakeholders and "move beyond talking and start implementing" the proposals tabled by Labour in its electoral manifesto.

Cardona and Parliamentary Secretary for Competitiveness and Economic Growth, Edward Zammit Lewis were greeted by GRTU chief Vince Farrugia and the chamber's president Paul Abela, who introduced the two the GRTU's employees and council members.

In his brief address to the council members, Cardona said that the new government will guarantee that all stakeholders are involved in the decision making process, adding, "we will not wait you to come to us, but we will come to you ourselves."

He added that GRTU and all other stakeholders in the sector will be involved in existing structures, adding that "government has its own ideas about how Malta Enterprise should operate but all stakeholders will be heavily involved," hinting at a change at Malta Enterprise.

Zammit Lewis retreated the government's intent to have a solid relationship with stakeholders, stressing that "we will not only consult you but we want you to be our partners in creating jobs."

On his part, the GRTU president Paul Abela presented Cardona and Zammit Lewis a dossier entitled 'Making Business Grow' which includes the chamber's main proposals for the retail, trading, crafts, services, transport, port services, manufacturing, construction and tourism sectors.

While insisting that the chamber will always be beside the government in its efforts to create wealth, Abela said: "The GRTU is very enthusiastic to implement a plan that helps business grow."

He added that the GRTU are looking forward at having an excellent relationship with government "because we are convinced that together we can achieve a lot."