Konrad Mizzi’s wife heads into private business after Shanghai consulate stint

Malta Enterprise’s special envoy Sai Mizzi Liang will be heading back to private business after a three-year stint as Malta’s consul general in Shanghai, a government spokesperson has confirmed.

Whilst her three-year contract ended in August, over the coming months, she “will be working on a transition and handover on the various aspects of her role which include Investment and Trade Envoy and Consul General”.

Mizzi Liang, wife of former energy minister Konrad Mizzi, was controversially appointed to the post by the Labour administration raising questions over the adequacy of her appointment in view of her husband’s position as a member of the cabinet of ministers.

Whilst the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has reportedly appointed diplomat Ruth Mary Farrugia as the new consul general, a spokesperson for the government confirmed that Malta Enterprise will be issuing a call for applications for the role of investment promotion.

“The person selected will take over the investment promotion functions fulfilled by Ms Mizzi Liang,” the government said.

MaltaToday is informed that the transition for the Shanghai Consulate General and Investment Promotion Office will be undertaken over the coming months.

“The Shanghai Consulate is fully operational both as a consular office as well as on investment promotion matters,” the spokesperson added.

Meanwhile, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has assigned a diplomatic officer who will be working with Sai Mizzi Liang on the transition and handover process over the coming months. 

Mizzi Liang’s handover includes finalising aspects of “two important strategic projects” which will be announced shortly.

“The strategic projects relate to financial services and tourism,” the spokesperson said. 

Ever since her appointment, Mizzi Liang has been under the media’s spotlight over her €13,000-a-month salary – although this had been disputed by the Prime Minister Joseph Muscat when he tabled in parliament a copy of her August 2014 payslip showing that she earned just over €3,700. The figure shoots up when the whole financial package is taken into consideration.

She had been hailed by Muscat after Chinese electronics giant Huawei chose Malta for a combined investment of €4.5 million: Huawei signed a memorandum of understanding paving the way for a €3 million investment in the 4.5G mobile coverage prior to the introduction of 5G. 

The agreement also covers the €1.5 million research and development under the Safe Malta cap.