PM talks of logistics centre for Chinese trade

PM Joseph Muscat in China.

The Prime Minister was tight-lipped when asked which European Union country would be targeted by the joint business venture in renewables.  He revealed this during his meeting with the vice-President of China Li Yuanchao.  The meeting was held back to back with other meetings of other dignitaries who will be attending the International Eco-Forum Conference Centre.

In the bi-lateral meeting which took over 40 minutes, the Maltese Prime Minister told the Chinese vice-President that the Shanghai Electricity Company and Enemalta already had a joint new project on renewable in an unnamed European Union country. 

Later with the Maltese press he would not say which European Union country he was referring to.  He said that such projects were possible within the European Union.

He cautioned those who interpreting Chinese involvement as a political decision, a clear jibe to Simon Busuttil Opposition leader’s criticism: “The decisions in modern China are not taken because of political considerations but because of commercial considerations.”

Muscat talked at length of the idea of setting up a logistics centre in Malta.

“We have discussed at length this proposal and Chinese business is interested in this project.  Malta is preparing a logistics policy which should be ready by the end of the year.”

He admitted that it would require a new footprint and some security issues and some careful planning but it could open an amazing opportunity for Malta and China. 

Quizzed by the press over possible objections from the European Union, he retorted that Malta is not doing anything different from other EU countries.

He said that the procedures for the opening up of a Shanghai consulate had been finalised and that Minister Konrad Mizzi’s wife who live in China, Sai Mizzi Liang would be the next consul.  When asked about Mizzi Liang, he said that the press should take the opportunity to interview her.