Prime Minister Robert Abela has stressed that Malta’s continued economic stability is essential to encouraging businesses to invest, expand and create quality opportunities for workers and families.

Dr Abela was speaking at the launch of Eterna Group, a new corporate identity bringing together several established Maltese companies operating in the food production, catering, healthcare and community care sectors.

Founded in 1989 as a small family business, the group has grown into an organisation employing around 6,600 people. It operates across several essential sectors and continues to expand its presence in international markets.

In his address, the Prime Minister described Eterna’s development as an example of how a Maltese business can achieve sustainable growth through continued investment, innovation and confidence in its workforce.

“We want Malta to remain a country where it makes sense to invest, grow and plan for the long term. Our goal is not simply to attract more investment, but to secure quality investment that creates better jobs, boosts productivity and generates greater value for our economy,” Dr Abela said.

The Prime Minister noted that Eterna Group had continued to invest substantially in its operations, including more than €50 million in The Food Factory in Bulebel.

He said such investments were more likely to succeed in a stable economic environment that allowed businesses to plan for the long term. In this regard, Dr Abela highlighted the government’s policy of protecting families and businesses from sharp increases in energy and fuel prices.

“Subsidies do not only provide peace of mind to families, but also give businesses greater certainty about their costs. That certainty translates into greater confidence to invest, create jobs and look to the future with greater ambition,” the Prime Minister said.

Dr Abela added that the next chapter of Malta’s economic development must focus not only on growth, but also on its quality, through greater productivity, technological advancement, skills development and added value.

He concluded by congratulating the entire Eterna Group team, saying the company’s story demonstrated how a Maltese investment that continues to evolve can create thousands of opportunities and further strengthen the country’s economy.