Author: SME Chamber

Vincent Farrugia Director General of GRTU and EESC Employers Group Bureau Member participated last week in the high powered Trade related Seminar on Europe, Trade and the wider world held at Clifford Chance, London. Keynote speakers in the Seminar were Profs. Stephen Woolcock – Director Entertainment Trade Policy Unit, London School of Economics, Oliver Wieck – Director External Relations, Federation of German Industries (DBI), Phillipe de Buek – Director General BUSINESS – EUROPE, Arnaldo Abruzzini – Secretary General of EUROCHAMBRES and Peter Thompson – Director Development and Economic Planning, EU Commission DG Trade and top keynote presentation on behalf of the EU Commission by Ignacio Garcia Bercero – Director Sustainable Development & DG Trade.

Interventions on behalf of the EESC came away from others like Henry Malousse – President of the Employers Group, Jonathan Peel – President WTO and International Trade Permanent Study Group and Brenda King, Eva Paarendson and Stephen Boyle.

Vincent Farrugia spoke on the effect of the impositions by the EU of Current Trade defense instruments: "The EU have the responsibility to ensure through these instruments that appropriate measures are taken against those infringing the rules of fair trade. However, Europe pays a high price for the anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguard measures imposed by DG Trade. Importers, retailers and consumers suffer heavily from costly and unpredictable trade defense actions. A prime example occurred in 2005 when 80 million Chinese shirts, trousers and other textiles were blocked at customs following the sudden imposition of import quotas months after the goods had been ordered. The situation was repeated last year with the imposition of a hefty 75% tariff on imported ceramics when construction contractors order and quote on major projects years ahead of actual deliveries. European retailers and wholesalers have a right to expect the EU to take all possible care to avoid any collateral damage when imposing trade defense measures.

Much more needs to be done to ensure that this collateral damage is avoided in implementing a policy which, to say the least contradicts the EU's strong commitment to free trade and support of this trade initiatives of enterprise in the developing world. Predictably and legal certainty are particularly important for economic operators, especially for SME'S and companies which specialize in a narrow product range. The commerce sector, is by far the largest employer in Europe, must be able to plan ahead on imports without the threat of unforeseen tariff intervention between placing of an order and the arrival of the merchandise at European Borders.

The commerce sector generates 11% annual EU GDP and this contribution must be fully reflected in EU trade policy decisions. The same considerations must also be given to Europe's 500 million consumers' interest in lower prices, product availability and choice must be of primary importance to EU legislations.

Vincent Farrugia appealed to the Commission to:

• Reduce negative practical effects on EU importers
• Enable traders to plan ahead – make measures more predictable
• Reflect and respect consumers' and traders' needs throughout the adopted enforcement procedures
• De-politicize anti-dumping and enhance confidence in investigation methodology
• Implement enhanced transparency throughout the investigation process

Vincent Farrugia also spoke about the importance of highlighting the services sector in all bilateral trade agreements as most after the new emphasis is only on the dismantling of market access barriers for the import and export of goods and not so much of services. As stated in the Monti report on the EU Internal Market, the services sector delivers more than two thirds of EU Employment and GDP and the service sector is the only sector with a positive net contribution to job creation in the EU. The service sector is actually the economic sector where the EU has its strongest comparative advantage.

It is essential for maintaining growth and employment in the EU that priority is given to liberalizing trade in services together with associated areas such as intellectual property rights and Government procurement.

Vincent Farrugia concluded by saying that GRTU Malta's National Organization with the largest and widest cross-section of traders and retailers and SME's in services as members strongly highlights and emphasizes these main key priorities:

• Free trade
• Legal certainty
• Transparency
• Predictability
• Competitiveness
• Consumers
• Less Red Tape

As part of the European SME Week and of the Youth@Work initiative aiming at linking young people and business, the European Commission organised a round table on youth employment last week in Brussels.

Speaking at the event, Social Affairs Policy Director Liliane Volozinskis stressed that SMEs have a keen interest in hiring young people, as they more than ever "race for talents" and face a mismatch between supply and demand of skills.

Lack of competences is a real obstacle in this respect, alongside rigid labour markets and a macroeconomic environment not conducive to job creation.

Although SMEs may not be sought after like multinationals, working for them offers many insufficiently recognised advantages, such as more autonomy, more responsibilities, higher satisfaction at work and better personal development, said Ms Volozinskis, who also highlighted the high level of SME investments in work-based.

The European Consumer Centres' Network (ECC-Net) published a report on online cross-border mystery shopping. The Consumer Conditions Scoreboard (March 2011) had shown that the total share of consumers shopping online has increased from 37% to 40% in 2010, however, only 9% of this share is related to cross-border purchasing.

The European Commission declared in "A digital agenda for Europe" (COM (2010)) that its aim is that 20% of the population will buy online by 2015. This study will amongst others contribute to the Commission's 20% objective by highlighting the obstacles consumers face and by providing recommendations on how to eliminate them.

The purpose of the research carried out for this report was to test the current state of cross-border e-commerce within the internal market with the objective to test in practice whether traders grant consumers the correct protection when selling across borders online. The main part of the research consisted of a mystery shopping exercise and the actual purchases carried out, in early 2011, were in order to check if the traders comply with EU legislation regarding e.g. the level of information and assistance provided after the conclusion of the order.

The product categories identified as most relevant were clothing, sporting goods, household goods, books, music CDs, DVD films, video/computer games, computer software, electronic equipment and products for personal care.

MEPs, last week, showed their support for a working document by Christofer Fjellner MEP on the future of imports from developing countries (called Generalised System of Preferences, or GSP). Overall, the text supports the main proposals made by the Commission. EuroCommerce has actively briefed the key MEPs on retailers' need for a simple, stable and predictable GSP. Based on the working document, the Parliament will draft a full report, which will be discussed later this year.

EuroCommerce is set to finalise a multi-sectoral initiative, financed by the Commission, on how to deal with third-party violence in commerce. Last year, EuroCommerce and its social partners signed multi-sectoral guidelines aimed at the prevention and mitigation of violence at national, regional and workplace level. Following three regional workshops, the final conference will take place in Warsaw on 27 October, which will include an impact assessment of the guidelines.

Commerce presses for a Retail Action Plan

EuroCommerce, ERRT, Euro-Coop and UGAL adopted proposals for a Retail Action Plan. Proposals focus on the need for a smooth functioning internal market for goods, services and capital, the potential of the digital retail agenda, the need to develop skills and retail activities supporting green growth. The action plan would rest on a structure involving retail organisations, the European Commission and the European Parliament. The recent approval by UGAL's Board paves the way for a common advocacy for such a plan.

Food waste on the political agenda

On 12 October, the Food Policy & Environment committees of EuroCommerce organised a joint working group on food waste, an issue that is becoming increasingly visible on the political agenda. Patrice Gruszkowski (DG Environment) gave an update on the Commission's initiatives. It was agreed at the meeting that awareness campaigns are the best approach to reduce food waste by consumers. EuroCommerce is currently collecting information on existing initiatives in member states to monitor the issue.

The aim of these Awards is to recognise the efforts of individuals and companies that have taken their ideas and concepts or their operational processes a step forward. Through these Awards, Government is encouraging the development of Innovative ideas and products which have a degree of potential that is both unique and sustainable

The three categories of the Malta Innovation Awards

2011 are as follows:

Award for Creative Innovation

Award for Scientific Innovation

Award for Technological Innovation

Each of these three Award Categories will be further split into two types:

Young Innovators

This is open for individuals or groups of individuals between 15 and 25 years of age.

Innovators

This is open for individuals or groups of individuals over 25 years of age or enterprises.

All Applicants must be Maltese nationals, groups of Maltese individuals or enterprises that are established in Malta.

Prize Money

There shall be six prizes in total, two in each Category. The three winners of each category (Creative Innovation, Scientific Innovation and Technological Innovation) for Young Innovators shall receive €10,000 each. The three winners for each category (Creative Innovation, Scientific Innovation and Technological Innovation) for Innovators shall receive €15,000 each.

WIPO Recognition

Projects accepted for the Malta Innovation Awards

will also be eligible for an award from the World

Intellectual Property Organisation

For a copy of the brochure kindly contact GRTU.

GRTU urges Retailers to participate in this event – Kutrumbajsa Kids and Youth Arts Festival is the first international festival of performing arts targeting children in Malta. The festival is under the patronage of the Prime Minister of Malta, who very enthusiastically set the ball rolling for the creation of this international arts festival. The organisation has been entrusted to St James Cavalier, Centre for Creativity, with the artistic direction of Sarah Spiteri.

The ideas and discussions have been going around for years, but never quite took off for a variety of reasons until now!

This is a very exciting moment! the creation of a children's festival is based on energy, fantasy, a target of excellence and a major objective to portray the performing arts with all the different disciplines, as a fun experience for the kids and youths.

Performing arts are extremely important for the development of children as

It stimulates their creativity

It helps them make sense of their emotions; it develops their ability to   understand

It allows them to face their fears in a safe environment

It challenges their preconceptions about the world in which they live

It develops their aesthetic sense

It develops their language and communication skills

It introduces them to new ideas and allows them to express there opinions

This event will take place between Monday 14^th November and Sunday 20^th November 2011 in a variety of

localities in Valletta;

St James Cavalier, Manoel Theatre, MITP, Auberge d'Italie, Auberge de Castille, the President's Palace, Private Palaces and St George's Square

The festival caters performances for Kids and Youths within the 0 – 15 years range. Targeted age groups: 0 – 4 yrs, 2 – 4 yrs, 3+, 6+, 8+, 11+ There is a specific performance specially designed for children with special needs.

Participants hail from the UK, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and Malta.

The events are as follows;

Monday to Friday – morning shows for school children

Monday to Friday – evening shows open to the general

public

Saturday and Sunday – shows all day open to the general public

The luminarium in St George's Square will have the following opening hours:

09:00 – 13:00  and   16:00 – 19:00 week days

10:00 – 19:00 during the weekends

The festival has a multi performance structure, that is there will be various events happening at the same time.

All events are free of charge and will be supported by the following;

• The major cultural institutions – St James Cavalier, Manoel Theatre, Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, Heritage Malta, Mediterranean Conference Centre

Ministries – OPM, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance

Embassies

GRTU

Private sector and the business community

Amongst the performing Companies;

Bamboozle Theatre – UK

Starcatchers – Scotland

M6 Theatre – UK

Architects of Air – France

Roberto Abbiato – Italy

Theatre Salz und Pfeffer – Germany

Het Filiaal – Netherlands

Tony Adigan – UK

Laughing Matter – Malta

VG & H – Malta

Inflexions – Malta

Curtain Raiser – Malta

Malta Philharmonic Orchestra – Malta

Malta Youth Orchestra – Malta

Music Connect – Malta

Retailers interested to participate and would like further information are kindly asked to call on  21 232881 and ask for Ms Carmen Borg or email on

Why did you become an entrepreneur?  I was born an entrepreneur

How have you come to chose your line of business?I was always into computers and electronics.

Where did you go on your last holiday?

Cruise

What is your earliest memory?

Man going to the moon in 1969 when I was 4 years old.

If you could chose to be someone famous who would you be?

Bill Gates.

As part of its Internationalisation Calendar for 2012, Malta Enterprise is inviting interested parties to register their interest to participate at one of the leading technology exhibitions.  Malta Enterprise will be organising a national stand.

Nuremberg, Germany – 28th February – 1st March 2012

The embedded world Exhibition and Conference will be the top meeting place for the international embedded community, where exhibitors present technologies of the future.

Present your company in this first-class international platform and gain new prospects and develop solution approaches by exchanging views with experts.

Range of products exhibited:

Hardware: components, modules & systems for various applications;  

Tools: hardware, software;

Application software: real-time operating systems, visualization software, internet browsers, test and verification software, communication software development & other application software;

Services: system development, electronic manufacturing, communication services, consulting, training, trade journals, books & other services.

Businesses are kindly requested to register their interest by sending an email to

by Friday 4th November 2011.