Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg addressed a digital conference about the WestMED initiative, which was created to help public institutions, academia, small and medium-sized enterprises, entrepreneurs and local communities from both sides of the Western Mediterranean to develop local and regional maritime projects together.
Minister Borg said, “The government is committed to work for a safer maritime space, a stronger blue economy and more cooperation with stakeholders. We will continue prioritising innovation to see more sustainable growth and we will collaborate with our partners to see more jobs in this sector and a better standard of living for Mediterranean people, while protecting our seas. Next February, Malta plans to host the second ministerial meeting of the UFM Blue Economy. In our country, the blue economy employs around 11,000 people and generates €406 million in gross value added. We are committed to strike a balance between growth and our obligations towards the oceans and ecosystems. As an island state we depend on our seas not only for connectivity, but also for jobs, tourism and economic growth. I reiterate the government’s commitment to the WestMED initiative, and we will continue to be at the forefront, representing the interests of our country and our seas.”
