Update 4 | Possible Chinese investment in Marsamxett breakwater

Joseph Muscat in China

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has asked China Communication Construction Company to give more consideration to the environmental impact a bridge connecting Gozo to Malta would have and to look at all other options.

Muscat today signed a memorandum of understanding with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in the opulent Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

The most revealing aspect in the agreement is the intention to negotiate a modern Air Service Agreement in order to replace the one signed in 1997. The agreement should give a boost to civil air transport and encourage airlines and air cargo carriers to consider the establishment of direct flights between points in their respective territories. 

The Maltese Prime Minister expressed pleasure “at the speed” with which the negotiations of the MoU were finalised. The Chinese Premier welcomed Muscat’s second visit to China in less than a year, adding this was a testament to the strong relationships between the two countries.

Malta and China agreed to collaborate on various strategic sectors, including energy and civil aviation, in a memorandum of understanding that was signed in Beijing. In a comment to the press, Muscat said that one particular provision that could involve Chinese investment is the construction of a break in Marsamxett harbour.

Present for the signing was also the government’s special envoy to China Sai Mizzi and Ambassador to China Clifford Borg Marks.

Malta and China committed themselves to encourage investment in the establishment of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities both in Malta and China.

Earlier, Muscat also met Liu Qitao, president of the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC). The company was tasked with drawing up a feasibility study for the construction of a bridge connecting Gozo to Malta.

The MoU, eight pages long, recognises the need to establish an agreed framework for future cooperation in the medium-term and acknowledges the understanding reached between Muscat and Li Keqiang in their September meeting.

The agreement stipulates that the two countries cooperate and “encourage investment and technology transfer” in the energy sector, particularly in the relation to the deployment of renewable energy systems, technologies that enhance energy efficiency and technological diversification.

Malta and China have also agreed to cooperate on projects related to waste-to-energy plants, research and development in green and low-carbon technology, the development of renewable energy resources, the production of energy-saving equipment and regional energy servicing centres.

Apart from further studies on the bridge between Malta and Gozo and the Sliema breakwater, the agreement also mentions cooperation on monorail projects, telecommunications and housing construction.

Moreover, the two countries “shall also discuss the provision of commercial loans by financial institutions in connection to such projects.”

Another sector featuring in the MoU is tourism, with the two parties agreeing to “encourage airlines and air cargo carriers to consider the establishment of direct flights” between the two countries. In addition, the agreement makes reference to investment in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul in both Malta and China.

Cultural cooperation features heavily in the MoU, with both countries committing themselves to “actively seek and encourage the co-production of films and TV series, and shall enter into a film co-production agreement and a television co-production agreement to support such activity.”

Another project mentioned in the agreement is the translation and publication of the two countries’ literary classics.  

On arrival at the airport, Muscat was greeted by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Chao and the Chinese ambassador to Malta Cai Jinbiao together with Maltese ambassador Clifford Borg Marks.

The construction of a Gozo bridge, though highly controversial, is one of Muscat’s visions for Gozo. One of the proposals being encouraged by the Maltese government is that the project would be self-financing and no monies would be forked out by the taxpayer.

Apart from the Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech and chief of staff Keith Schembri, Ambassador to China Clifford Borg Marks is also accompanying the delegation. The respected veteran diplomat has been conversant with Chinese affairs for over three decades. The small Maltese embassy in Beijing has three Maltese diplomats.