Government set to develop ‘logistics policy’ – PM

Premium property overlooking runways and located in the proximity of the Malta International Airport should be used for related activities.

Developing a master plan for the whole area is a matter that the government is pursuing, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said during the BOV Aviation Outlook 2014.

“The aviation industry holds a great future and I am thrilled to see stakeholders looking forward at the future of the industry in an innovative way,” Muscat said.

Following calls by aviation stakeholders for a master plan for the airport and related areas, Muscat said this should be done with “a matter of urgency”. According to the Prime Minister, a number of properties were used for government-related activities which could be relocated elsewhere.

“We are currently developing a logistics policy. The country has failed to see the value of logistics and we are now looking at a new policy which would attract a number of key players. Malta can be used as a logistics hub, leading to unprecedented economic growth in an otherwise neglected area,” he said.

Muscat said Malta should maximise the opportunities and potential of having a Freeport so close to an airport.

“The distance between the two needs to be underlined as it holds a great potential. What we need is a new perspective that brings economics growth.”

During the same event, three top exponents of the local aviation industry were recognised for their contribution to the sector during the fourth edition of the BOV Aviation Outlook.

BOV chairman John Cassar White noted the strategic importance which the aviation industry had for the domestic economy.

“Bank of Valletta sees itself as the automatic choice for those who are seriously considering partnering with a reliable and solid financial institution. The Bank is forecasting substantial growth in the aviation sector and, as a result, provides a professional personalised service for aircraft operators that register their assets on the island,” he said.