In an event co-organised by the European Commission Representation and the Malta Business Bureau, in collaboration with the Enterprise Europe Network, the EU Investment Plan was the central theme of discussion with business stakeholders.

The high level debate saw the participation of European Commission Vice-President Jyrki Katainen, responsible for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness, as well as European Commissioner Karmenu Vella, responsible for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.

In a welcoming note, MBB President Mario Spiteri commended the European Commission for this landmark initiative. He made reference to the importance of investment for steady economic recovery and to boost jobs and growth.

Mr Spiteri said that “investment contributed towards job creation and accelerates productivity growth. Yet the challenge is how to go about facilitating the climate for investment, particularly for the private sector, when lenders take a step back from the credit market, and the lack of market confidence reduces the likelihoods of return on investment in reasonable timeframes. The European Commission’s drive to reverse this trend through its landmark initiatives, the EU Investment Plan and Capital Markets Union, are a step in the right direction.”

During the event, business stakeholders also had the opportunity to exchange views with Vice-President Katainen and Commissioner Vella in an open floor debate moderated by Economist Lawrence Zammit.