At an MCESD meeting, the social partners met to discuss the conclusions of the work on four specific reports carried out within the MCESD working groups. The four discussed reports deal with current topics at both local and European levels to be able to achieve more sustainable development, thus creating a better future for future generations. The four reports dealt with equity, productivity and innovation, short-term recovery measures and fiscal stability.
In his address, Minister Carmelo Abela said, “We have now reached our goal as a government, where we have a more proactively functioning MCESD, thus social dialogue is continuing to strengthen.” Minister Abela referred to the fact that as a further improvement, the social partners have now been given direct access to experts in the particular field of research in which they are working.
Minister Carmelo Abela explained the importance of equity, a pillar that addresses the social sector, in different segments like, employment, equality, and education. This pillar serves as a powerful tool for everyone to participate, be included, and be relevant in society.
Speaking on the report on production and innovation, the minister referred to the possibility of our island being a ‘Beta Island’, with solutions in various areas to be tested in our country before being taken in larger cities and countries. On this subject, the minister emphasised the potential offered by Gozo for testing green technology, and for this purpose, private investment will be made with the support of the government to develop an ecosystem that encourages research and innovation.
In the third report dealing with short-term recovery measures, with reference to the pandemic, he pointed out that incentives and initiatives are needed to alleviate the burden of the situation, facilitate trade, and stimulate economic activity. The minister referred to the government’s initiatives to increase wealth and expenditure with measures that have a high multiplier effect, without any increase in taxes, so that everyone will benefit.
On the fiscal stability report, the minister added that despite fiscal sustainability is derived from the collection of taxes owed to the government, it also stems from the adequate use of public funds, which are affected by changing demographics, from pensions, social security, education, and health expenditure, among others.
Minister Carmelo Abela concluded that our aim as a country should be to create more quality work and to continue moving forward, so that wealth reaches everyone, and we continue to innovate as we work.
