In celebration of its 20th Anniversary, the Malta Business Bureau (MBB) organised a lunch-time concert followed by a reception to celebrate this milestone. The high-profile event held at The Malta Chamber in Valletta was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech, Leader of the Opposition Simon Busuttil, various Members of Parliament, MEPs and a number of Foreign Ambassadors to Malta, among other stakeholders and members of the business community.

A warm welcome speech was given by MBB President Dr John Vassallo, followed by commemorative speeches delivered by founders and past presidents Joseph R. Darmanin and Chevalier Anthony Cassar – both instrumental figures in the setting up and running of the MBB in its early days. The speeches highlighted MBB’s key milestones over the years and expressed the organisation’s important role within the institutional landscape of the EU. Mr Darmanin and Mr Cassar augured MBB well in continuing to push Maltese business priorities on an EU-level and encouraged its success for future endeavors.

Dr Vassallo expressed that, “20 years in any organisation’s life is an event worth celebrating. It is even more exciting when the 20 years of the MBB coincide with the journey of Malta towards membership of the EU. With 12 years of membership this year and the assumption of the six-month Presidency of the Council next year, we can and should look back at what Malta and the Maltese business community has achieved in this time. We should also look back at how the MBB has developed and what it has achieved. Most of all, we should look forward at the bright future for the MBB and its members. The future is what we make of it.”

A thrilling performance was given by the ‘re:orchestra’ of Rotterdam, considered by specialised media as one of Europe’s best chamber orchestras.  The concert was conducted by Roberto Beltrán-Zavala, director of a group of young and passionate musicians who are active in some of Europe’s leading orchestras.

Commenting on this special occasion, MBB CEO Joe Tanti stated that, “The MBB has come a long way in carving an important role within the institutional landscape of the European Union. Our experience has shown that it is indeed possible for small organisations from small Member States to play an active role in the EU’s legislative process. Furthermore, in applying Europe’s best practices, the MBB’s work has become increasingly effective through its attainment of EU funding and participation in EU programmes for the benefit of the Maltese business community at large”.

In acknowledging their contribution towards the organisation, MBB CEO presented a token of gratitude to each founding member and current Presidents of the parent organisations.

The event was kindly sponsored by Dr John Vassallo and Dr Marianne Noll; The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry; and The Westin Dragonara Resort, member of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association.

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 – www.mbb.org.mt