Author: SME Chamber

The Malta Chamber of SMEs welcomes the continued confirmation that the Government will be extending the safety net of protecting Malta from the international hikes of energy prices. This is by far the biggest threat Malta is facing at the moment.

Another positive element found in this Budget is the extension and widening of the Rent Subsidy Scheme, as proposed by the Malta Chamber of SMEs, that will help Malta mitigate the impact of freight costs. Positively noted is the work being done to tackle issues with banking services and the increased importance being given to aesthetics in the development of buildings.

Apart from this the budget is a continuation of the 2022 budget, where it concerns SMEs.

Disappointingly, the Budget fails to effectively tackle other major challenges which are choking businesses. Very serious issues have merely been given a mentioned in this Budget speech, which falls too short from the action that Malta should be taking at the moment, as a stage of implementation.

The serious employment crisis, suffocating bureaucracy and impossible traffic, merited more than simply being mentioned in this budget. These issues are seriously affecting productivity and we cannot afford to start thinking of policies now, with no solution, nowhere on the horizon.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs welcome European Parliament President Roberta Metsola at its offices in Floriana. During this meeting, the SME Chamber discussed several issues currently effecting Maltese SMEs, such as employee shortage and shipping costs.

Both sides discussed also the energy crisis, currently effecting most European countries.

Pesident Metsola pledged she’ll continue to work in favour of Malta;s SMEs in the European Parliament and other European fora.

The SME Chamber was represented by President Mr Paul Abela, Deputy President Philip Fenech, Vice-President Noel Gauci, CEO Ms Abigail Agius Mamo, Head of Policiy Mr Andrew Aquilina, Head of Communications Mr Fabian Demicoli and Jamie Tanti.

Malta Chamber of SMEs representatives attended the first Superyacht Steering Committee, appointed by the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Hon. Aaron Farrugia. This committee is tasked with identifying the main challenges in place and to recommend changes aimed at improving the Superyacht industry.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs recognizes and understands the importance of the Superyacht industry in Malta. Moreover, we also acknowledge the current challenges in this industry, and the shortcomings and the deficiencies in this sector. ​​

Through recent discussion with a number of stakeholders and other representatives, have enabled the SME Chamber to make an objective analysis of the main issues encountered and the possible measures that can be taken to resolve these issues. This with the close collaboration of all industry players including the respective operators and authorities.

Malta Chamber of SMEs President Paul Abela attended a meeting for the mediterranean countries organised by CNA in view of the Energy Prices.

With the presence also of SME United, our umbrella organisation in Brussels.

Reset, Align, Engage – The Richmond Foundation – Malta Annual Conference will this year be shedding light upon how we can Reset ourselves, Align to a new reality and Engage actively to move forward.

Date: 14th of October at Villa Arrigo between 9am and 4pm

As both individuals and organisations are trying to build anew and adjust after two years of unprecedented challenges, burnout has become a predominant concern.

Malta Chamber of SMEs President Mr Paul Abela participated during a business breakfast organized by MCESD which included the participation of the President of the EESC – European Economic and Social Committee, Christa Schweng.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue Dr Andy Ellul also attended and participated in this business breakfast. The social partners and the civil society committee were also in attendance.

The Chairperson of MCESD Mr James Pearsall in his introductory speech, said that MCESD has strived hard during the years to forge the joint effort of unions, employers and the government so to have a solid base on social dialogue. Thus, social dialogue is a vital instrument in inspiring confidence and strengthening respect for and use of the mechanisms of social dialogue for both National and EU-related issues.

The EESC President Christa Schweng, stressed the link between MCESD and its European counterpart, the EESC. She spoke about the importance of the committee network which allows the sharing of best practices among members and allows for expressing different perspectives ensuring a rich debate.

The President highlighted the importance of cooperation between the EESC and the National ESCs across the European members and the intention to launch an online space to enable the exchanges of ideas.  It is felt that this initiative is of strategic importance to enable this network to discuss common interests and strengthen cooperation.

During his intervention, the Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue Andy Ellul said that Social Dialogue is crucial, especially in the current times. He referred to the effective way the MCESD operated during the pandemic, as the workers, employers and the government came together and agreed on a plan that saved thousands of jobs.

Mr Stefano Mallia, President of the EESC Employers’ Group, attended this meeting.