Energy minister’s wife will operate from Shanghai

Malta Enterprise has finally broke its silence and declared that Sai Mizzi Liang, wife of Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi, will be operating from Shanghai.

Mizzi Liang is a government envoy with the responsibility of promoting Asian investment in Malta and Maltese exports to the same region. She was engaged on 26 August for a definite period. No additional details were offered, except that her targets include China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore.

The statement issued by the office of Malta Enterprise chairman comes amid statements by both Economy Minister Chris Cardona and Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi that relevant questions should be directed to Malta Enterprise.

Last week, MaltaToday sent a number of questions to Malta Enterprise chairman Mario Vella requesting further detail on Mizzi Liang's engagement, the terms and reference of her role and her financial package. But no replies were forthcoming.

In its statement issued this afternoon, Malta Enterprise simply said that "her salary and conditions are in line with those applicable in Malta's foreign service" and denied any involvement in energy-related projects.

Reports in local media have placed her salary at €40,000.

Reacting to criticism of direct appointment, Malta Enterprise said envoys are not appointed through public calls.

"This is in fact not the first time that a government appointed a special envoy with a specific mission related to investment promotion, nor is it the first time that these envoys were contracted through Malta Enterprise," the office of the chairman said.

"Her salary and conditions are in line with those applicable in Malta's foreign service."

Mizzi Liang, a Maltese citizen, holds a first degree in International Trade from Dalian, China, pursued postgraduate studies at the Beijing Foreign Language University and has a Master's degree in Investment & Finance from the University of Nottingham. She specialises in business development, international investment and trade promotion, market research and project management.

She has in the past developed business plans in various industrial sectors to access the Asian markets and also supported the development of tourism promotion.

"A few years ago, Mrs. Mizzi had also project managed the first version of the Visit Malta websites for the Japanese and Chinese markets. She also carried out market analysis for international companies pursuing opportunities in China and in Asia. She worked with Big Four audit companies for a number of years as well as with international export firms in Asia and Europe," ME said.