29 March, 2023
“The Malta Chamber also feels that the ease with which business is done should be improved to mitigate inflation with greater operational efficiency, as well as the competitiveness of businesses in our country.”
The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry met with Leader of the opposition Dr Bernard Grech to present the 2023 pre-budget recommendations. During the meeting, President of The Malta Chamber, Marisa Xuereb, explained that the Chamber based its proposals on five points that she feels should be better identified and addressed. She mentioned, in particular, inflation and energy, which are challenges on everyone’s mind, but also the labour market which is not functioning as it should.
“The Malta Chamber also feels that the ease with which business is done should be improved to mitigate inflation with greater operational efficiency, as well as the competitiveness of businesses in our country, particularly when it comes to transport and connectivity, which are huge challenges for our country due to it being an island,” said President Xuereb.
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For his part, the Leader of the Nationalist Party expressed his satisfaction that some of the proposals of The Malta Chamber are very close to proposals that the Nationalist Party presented in the Electoral Program for the last general election. He said that he is in full agreement with The Malta Chamber with regards to justice and good governance.
Dr Grech said that both sides agreed on the importance of addressing environmental issues as well as that giving the necessary importance with regards to the educational sector which needs to prepare and form people for the needs of society.
He reiterated that now, one should look forward to ensure that the 2023 Budget addresses the problems that are directly affecting the general public.
Accompanying President Xuereb were Deputy President Chris Vassallo Cesareo, Vice President Nick Xuereb, and member of the BOM Mark Bajada, together with The Malta Chamber CEO Dr Marthese Portelli, Head of Policy, Kevin Mizzi and Head of Media and Communications Strategy, Rachel Attard.
The Leader of the Nationalist Party was accompanied by Secretary General Michael Piccinino, Spokesperson for the Economy Ivan J. Bartolo, Spokesperson for Work Ivan Castillo, Spokesperson for Consumer Rights Rebekah Borg, Spokesperson for the Social Dialogue Claudette Buttigieg, Spokesperson for Public Administration Darren Carabott and Spokesperson for European Funds Bernice Bonello.
