Malta needs a strategy shared by all, government, firms and unions, by which to present a common stand to argue in Europe for a more flexible treatment regarding Malta's manufacturing sector, not least by way of how state aid is allowed and disallowed. Otherwise, manufacturing will continue to shrink, making Malta too dependent on services for its exports. This was agreed during a meeting between Alfred Sant, Head of the Labour Delegation at the European Parliament and a delegation from the Chamber of Commerce in Valletta, which reviewed the situation of the manufacturing section.
The Delegation told Dr. Sant that under EU competition rules Maltese factories are having less and less space within which to benefit from incentives that can compensate them for the disadvantages caused by our insularity. This is making them less able to compete on EU markets with firms on the European mainland.
Dr. Sant assured the Chamber of Commerce delegation of his support in this field and suggested that the Chamber adopt a clear position with regard to the agreement between the EU and the US on a free investment and trade zone (TTIP) as well as on the prospect for China to be granted market economy status by the EU this year.
The delegation of the Chamber of Commerce was led by Mr Anton Borg - President of The Board of Management of the Malta Chamber and Mr Norman Aquilina – Chairman of the Manufacturers and Other Industries Economic Group.