Malta Business Bureau presents business manifesto to Prime Minister and Partit Laburista

Yesterday afternoon, the Malta Business Bureau (MBB) presented a Business Manifesto, ‘Business for Europe – Europe for Business’, to the Prime Minister ahead of the upcoming May 2019 European elections and the new EU legislature.

The MBB delegation, led by MBB President Simon De Cesare and accompanied by Board of Directors and representatives from the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry and the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, exchanged views with the Prime Minister on the priorities and expectations of the Maltese business community from the EU over the next five years, as highlighted in the Business Manifesto.

The discussion started with a presentation on the stakes for business in the forthcoming European Parliament legislature by the MBB President. Mr De Cesare explained, “The Malta Business Bureau developed the manifesto as part of its efforts to ensure that the interests and aspirations of Maltese enterprises are promoted and safeguarded. Through the manifesto, the MBB is proposing a number of guiding principles to MEPs, backed by policy recommendations that should guide their work during the next EU mandate.”

Among others, the Maltese business community considers that competitiveness should be put at the core of the EU’s social agenda; that new life should be reinstated into deepening the European Single Market; that EU legislation should be more SME friendly; that the EU requires a reinvigorated strategy for tourism; and that in view of international protectionism the EU should continue acting as an open and fair global player.

“The MBB looks forward to a healthy debate on these topics throughout this electoral campaign. It is keen to hear how if elected, Maltese MEPs intend to represent the Maltese business community and put forward its agenda”, Mr De Cesare stated. He also reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to continue working closely with the Maltese MEPs and assures them of our full cooperation.

The Prime Minister Joseph Muscat stated that Maltese MEPs should always pull the same rope, defend national interest and attract investment by acting sensibly and coherently.

Dr Muscat said that European institutions are at a crossroads. Heading towards protectionism can be promising to a few but is counter-productive in the long-term. Malta has, in fact, always benefitted through open markets.

The Prime Minister concluded by stressing the need for policies which promote jobs, help people actively, and distribute wealth in the best possible manner.

Participating in the discussion were also Honourable Dr Chris Cardona and MEP candidates Dr Alfred Sant, Mr James Grech, Mr Noel Cassar and Ms Fleur Vella.

 The full publication can be viewed from here.

The Malta Business Bureau is the EU-business advisory office of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry and the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association.