In a meeting at the Auberge de Castille with BusinessEurope President Fredrik Persson, Prime Minister Robert Abela not only spoke about the digital and environmental core, which are important in the economic transformation, but also stressed the importance of taking full advantage of the Single Market.
In the meeting with the Confederation of European Businesses and for which the Maltese Chamber of Commerce was also present, Prime Minister Robert Abela pointed out the economic success of our country as a result of important measures that the Government has taken to incentivise more people in our country to contribute to the economy by entering the world of work. This is in addition to the fact that the Government has provided stability in energy prices and reduced the tax burden.
As part of the digital core, the Prime Minister noted the fact that a report by the International Monetary Fund explains how 30% of low-skilled jobs, most of which are occupied by foreign workers, could be eliminated by artificial intelligence. He said that here, together with the core in favor of better use of technology, we must invest in more training and improving skills so that the best opportunities and careers continue to be taken by the Maltese.
Then regarding the environmental core, Prime Minister Robert Abela mentioned that even as Europe we must invest more in renewables and be less dependent on the need to buy energy from countries outside the European Union. He said that this fact should create opportunities for European businesses and make Europe attractive again for foreign direct investment. Regarding the single market, the Prime Minister reiterated what he said at the last meeting of the European Council where all Member States should benefit equally from the advantages of the single market. He gave the example of the medical sector where countries like Malta are being discriminated against due to its insularity and the size of its market. He said that we must continue to strengthen competitiveness while ensuring that the consumer continues to receive the best service.
Also present at the meeting in Castile were, among others, Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg, Ministers Silvio Schembri, Miriam Dalli and Clyde Caruana, as well as the Head of the Secretariat within the Office of the Prime Minister Mark Mallia.
Photo: OPM/DOI
