Former PL president ‘representing’ Economy Minister ‘on the ground’

Former PL president Mario Vella is representing Economy Minister Chris Cardona "on the ground" until a new Malta Enterprise chairman and board are formally appointed.

Addressing the Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting, Cardona said that while high-level positions at Malta Enterprise and Malta Industrial Parks should not be left in a vacuum, yet the appointment of these roles should not be rushed through.

"I therefore asked Mario Vella to represent me on the ground until the new positions are filled. I can assure you that Vella is highly qualified to fill this role," Cardona said.

It is not yet clear whether Vella will be asked to stay on as Malta Enterprise chairman.

Fifteen years ago, Vella was CEO at then Malta Development Corporation, the precursor to Malta Enterprise. Vella relinquished the position in 1998 when he received a golden handshake.

Cardona also reassured the members of the Chamber of Commerce that all stakeholders will be represented on the ME and MIP boards, including the manufacture sector.

In his address, Cardona reiterated the Labour government's commitment to reduce red tape and facilitate investment.

"We are a pro-business government. We want to send the message that this is a government that listens and cares. Without your success, we cannot sustain our roadmap," the minister said.

"We believe you are the catalyst of economic growth that can reach everyone. And just like our roadmap was built on thorough consultation and dialogue, this must prevail."

Cardona said a Labour government believed in not only consultation but also in "inclusivity, were social partners are fully involved in the decision-making process".

The minister said he will work closely with existing business to continue expanding their base while also helping to attract new foreign direct investment to Malta.

"We shall strive to attract new investments through changes and new initiatives. We will retain what is good but we will also study what needs to be changed and how we can improve," he said.

Cardona said that while Malta was attractive to foreign investors - its geographical position, the labour force aptitude, a highly-skilled workforce, the readiness to learn and train, language abilities, high level of productivity and political stability - yet there were policies which hindered investment as well.

"But these are manmade policies which we can and will address. We are focused on improving the business environment by pledging to reduce red tape and lower utility tariffs."

He said that a Labour government will ensure that services are delivered within reasonable timeframe and will see that regulators "do not continue to fail us".

"We intend to make authorities transparent and accountable. We shall review their efficiency and monitor the time they take to respond," he said, referring to the inland revenue department among others.

Cardona also reiterated the Labour government pledge that by March 2015, utility bills for business will go down.

"We want to continue enhancing investment in the ICT and gaming sectors and we want the maritime sector to attract more investment. We want to safeguard existing jobs while creating new ones and we will wage an unprecedented war on precarious work," Cardona said.

"We are here to listen on what works and what needs improvement. We will be responsive to new opportunities and my door will always be open. If we work together, we can be successful."