During an event held at the Ġ. F. Abela Junior College, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced an important step that will strengthen the Government’s confidence in the potential of Maltese youth through a new legal framework that will allow young people aged 16 and above to start their own company in a regulated and responsible system.
As announced in this year’s Budget, the implementation of this measure, so-called Enterprise16, will be opening up new opportunities for young people who have ideas and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Prime Minister Robert Abela reiterated that this initiative was born from real experiences, where young people starting entrepreneurial projects were having to give up due to legal limitations before turning 18. Dr Abela said that with the new legal framework, this obstacle has now not only been addressed, but a serious, secure and responsible structure has also been developed to assist these young people in the best possible way with assistance from the Malta Business Registry, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, and JA Malta.
He noted that Malta is now one of the first in Europe to offer this opportunity to young people. Dr Abela noted how over the years this Government has consistently invested in education and training, strengthened opportunities in new areas of the economy and created a strong economy that offers quality jobs, better careers and concrete prospects for an ever-better future.
The Prime Minister recalled how with the introduction of Vote 16 our country was also among the first in the European Union to give this opportunity to young people. He continued to say that today young people from 16 years of age and above also have the opportunity to serve as mayors or deputy mayors of the locality in which they are contesting. “For the first time in the history of our country we have established a Youth Cabinet, the Youth Advisory Forum. A Cabinet in which themes, proposals, ideas and initiatives are being discussed that not only make sense on paper, but are leading to a concrete impact,” said Dr Abela.
He noted how Enterprise16 is a clear reflection of the type of country we want to build through Vision Malta 2050. A modern country, with more innovation, more participation and more trust in the generation that will lead the country in the years to come.
“Youth are one of the most important elements in our society. Young people bring with them energy, determination, new ideas, a new vision. They are capable of moving this country forward. And therefore it is crucial that we give them a key space to contribute to shaping the political, social and economic future of our country,” concluded Prime Minister Robert Abela.
Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects Silvio Schembri stressed that our youth should always find the necessary support to achieve their dreams. “With Enterprise16, we are not only showing that we believe in their ideas, but we are also giving them the key to overcoming the fear of failure and building strong businesses. In this way, we are opening new doors, and preparing from today those who will be the driving force of our country’s economy tomorrow,” said Minister Schembri.
Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation Keith Azzopardi Tanti said that Enterprise 16 is not simply a change in the law, but a clear declaration of confidence in a new generation of entrepreneurs who are the current driving force of Malta. “Through this legal framework and the professional support of Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, we are giving our youth the tools to turn their ideas into reality with responsibility, integrity and courage,” said Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti.
Photos: OPM/DOI
