Author: SME Chamber

Commerce is always greatly affected with such upheavals and what is happening now is unprecedented as it affects the whole region. Libya, but not only Libya but also Tunisia and Egypt, though at a lesser extent, are also important for Malta, will greatly effect our exports and our growing import-export trade, Libya is of particular concern as the involvement of Maltese entrepreneurs large and small is very extensive and the number of workers based in Libya is great and all this has created a steady foreign exchange earning capability for Malta, which is difficult to replace.  I am really surprised that in spite of our immediate demands as we realised what was happening, it was obvious for all those watching Libya closely that the trouble would escalate, but yet government has not set a task force with the participation of the private sector and put aside funds and guarantees so that businesses will not break under the pressure.

 

Government was quick to act when the financial crisis was on us and the Banks needed public moneys guarantees that not only saved the day for them and for us but also caused the Banks to continue to accumulate heavy profits, and now that small courageous entrepreneurs are involved, Government seems to me to be indecisive. We need to define the problems faced by enterprises in Malta and especially those with investments in Libya and define urgent and precise measures of support. The situation will not turn favourably too soon so the enterprises under pressure need urgent support. Then there is also the question as to what Libyan assets are really going to be frozen as this will seriously affect the bigger enterprises operating in Malta. The trouble itself will cause new opportunities but it all depends on the logistics, Air travel, shipping, operation of ports and airport payment systems. An effective task Force is a must. What has been built by us in Libya has been done over a forty year period. We will not be able to reach again this level of business if we let all fall.

The question of price increases is serious and I am tired stressing at every opportunity I have that Government cannot simply act as a transmission belt with the semi-independent authorities like MRA simply approving without any government counter action as if the economic impact is not important. The old concept of complete government detachment from the market and the policy of non-intervention has failed. It should have been buried with the other pre-economic crises rabble. Government must now discuss the use of economic and fiscal tools to sustain business and help unleash a more reasonable approach. We are not talking of bulk buying but of serious burden reductions on enterprises so that increases can be balanced against other cost reduction and tax advantages before transmitting all to users and consumers. I do not detect any serious approach to this problem from the side of the authorities, Prime Minister included.

The international community including the EU is moving too slow and they are not clear on the growing negative impact as economic activity is slowing down drastically in the region and the logistical operability is very negatively affected. Individual governments are taking action but effectively entrepreneurs everywhere have been left on there own and before drastic financial and economic support is drafted, agreed to and implemented the negative consequences will continue to grow. Again here it's the same story. When the financial sector fell in crisis an incredible five thousand billion euros were magically found, yet now when so many tens of thousands of workers and entrepreneurs from the manufacturing, commerce and services sectors are involved it's almost as if nothing is happening. And all those stories and reports from conferences and seminars on the Mediterranean Union and Mediterranean co-operation are as good as dead.

The GRTU, the Paola Local Council and the Ministry for Infrastructure, Transport & Communications (MITC) joined forces and for the past days have worked together upon the best solution as to where the Paola Interchange will be placed so that no harm will be caused to the Business Community let alone the Resident.

 

Discussions commenced on the 11th February 2011 where a meeting was organised for the Paola Business Community after the GRTU was informed by the Paola Local Council that works will start in due course on the Interchange in the Main Square of Paola as proposed by Transport Malta. The Local Council informed that no Traffic Impact Assessment was presented as to how the changes will affect the traffic system as no consultation took place with the stakeholders as required on the design of the main square and circulating bus routes.

Both the GRTU and the Local Council kept work from commencing as both agreed that no consultation has been made with all parties concerned.  Both the Council and GRTU considered a line of negotiation to propose, sound alternatives and resolve issues which are of concern to many of the local sectors whilst still supporting the transit concept. The Local Council proposed that the Interchange will be set in Valletta Road.

Objections at different levels;

The plans by Transport Malta propose two 30m bus bays and shelters along the pavement from HSBC Paola Branch to Church Avenue and from Main Street Mall in front of APS bank down to the Hibernians FC.

The plans do not consider alternative parking, service area for loading and unloading and congestion at peak-time with buses as frequent as 66 buses per hour including 19 meter buses.

The project does not resolve the junction upgrade which is crucial to traffic management at the lower part of the square where intersections from Zabbar Road and Cospicua Road merge at the Square with Valletta Road.

The Schools and College in the area namely Paola Primary A and B, St. Thomas Moore School, St. George Preca College was in the dark. Plans to initiate a Walking Bus for the primary school will have to be shelved. Four main bus routes at 20-30 minute intervals will be circulating the area around the four schools impeding any possible mobility and access.

The new routes will effect primarily the curfew hours for Church Avenue and Guze D'Amato. There will be a clash at peak times negatively impacting the Health and Safety of the school children, pupils, the teachers and parents.

The traffic impact will be transmitted further to interconnecting streets creating further congestion, further parking problems for local residents and business with extensive pollution.

The Local Council was concerned on the impact of the major Health Centre in Paola. Complaining that the congestion in the square will affect the Ambulance and the parking possibilities within for users in the area.

In no part of the plans are there indication of accessibility for all and full access for the impaired either at the main square or the sites on Church Avenue and Guze D'Amato.

The GRTU took note of all these complaints/objections and organised a meeting to discuss them with the Ministry for Infrastructure, Transport & Communications. A fruitful meeting took place with representatives from the said Ministry proposing that the Interchange will be set partly in the Main Square and partly in Valletta Road. GRTU was asked to prepare a questionaire with both the Local Council and MITC proposals and present the result to the Ministry. The majority of those surveyed were in favour of MITC's proposal, that the Interchange will be set partly in the Main Square and partly in Valletta Road.

Another meeting took place between MITC and the Local Council and an agreement was reached. The Interchange will be set up partly in the Main Square starting from the lower area (Hibernians FC side) and partly in Valletta Road.

The GRTU together with the Local Council met last week with representatives from the Roads Infrastructure Directorate (RID) to discuss the plan of works as agreed. Works are to commence in the coming days.

GRTU Requests supportive Action – The recent fuel hike has brought the transportation sector to its knees. Whether Government likes it or not, it is time to double think the way Enemalta with the support of the Malta Resource Authority are taking us all for a ride. GRTU cannot accept any more a strategy that simply places Government as a transmission belt for fuel price increases, and MRA and Enemalta are Government.

 

 

Transparancy is gone from the vocabulary of the authorities where fuel increases are concerned.

To give first an example, a waste carrier operating in one locality who in January 2010 signed a new contract with a Local Council to collect mixed waste is today, as of March 01, 2011 spending €787 more monthly for diesel expenses. This, with an average operation of 18 days a month. €787 addittional cost is incurred by two vehicles.  This carrier can thank GRTU for taking the Government to task in 2009, and negotiating an escalation clause for fuels for new contracts. Otherwise not taking into consideration further increases in twelve calendar months to come, the said contractor would have had to fork out an addittional €9444.

At least this contractor can now invoice the new fuel price escalation to the Local Council. However many new contracts remain either not even issued for tender, or their tenders issued but no final decision has been made. Take Gozo, not one Local Council has as yet signed a new agreement.

Not signing a new contract means the contractor will deliver the service to the Local Council at a price fixed seven or eight years ago, in some instances ten years ago. Utterly not acceptable. A state of fact is that in 2006 the price of disel was €0.43 per litre. This is first one sector of transport. All other transporters represented by GRTU – bowser owners, jobbers, burdnara and other haulers, construction materials haulers and so many others using vehicles for deliveries and distribution supply cannot take this attitude of disregard from the authorities. These transporters cannot simply pass on the cost to the end purchaser and then onwards to the consumer.

GRTU  is not for confrontation but GRTU cannot accept a situation where everything goes irrespective of the damages to so many micro firms. Our members, from the transport and distribution networks have to pay thier fuel bill at the end of the month to the Station owner who is also our member and the station owner has to pay Enemalta and if the carrier does not come up with the funds, Enemalta stops supplies. Its a viscious circle, so were putting our foot down! That is why Government intervention is a must

The time for an amatuer approach is over. The reality is that with the way Government continues to treat this issue, next month the situation will be worse. Next month will see further increases and the month after even more. This is the reality of the current scenario. There is no beating round the bush. If your a haulage contractor, a transport contractor, a business that depends heavily on fuels, GRTU urges you to get down to work and discuss escalation clauses for fuel increases wherever you have business on going.

Further to its press release of yesterday, GRTU advises that it has set up a bank account for people who wish to donate money in aid of the Libyan people's needs at the present critical time.

The details are as follows:

Bank Account GRTU Libya Crisis:

 Bank account number:        0144010268800 (Lombard Bank)

 Iban No:                                 MT48 LBMA 0500 0000 0001 4401 0268 800

 Swift Code:                            LBMAMTMT

 

GRTU is urging Maltese businesses and other interested parties to donate money, specific food items and also pharmaceuticals and medical goods normally used in Accident and Emergency environments.

We have been advised that the specific terms most in need are baby foods, nappies/diapers, and baby milk. Tinned or packed food is also being accepted.

Food items can be delivered to the GRTU premises in Republic Street, Valletta. For bulky food items one can call on 99499401 for specific arrangements.

Pharmaceuticals and medical goods are being collected in a specific place. In this regard, we ask parties who wish to donate these items to call on 99499401 as well so that arrangements can be made.

GRTU wishes to thank all those who have already contributed so generously, whilst at the same moment we urge those businesses who can give to do so. The situation in Libya is very critical and whatever Malta sends will be of great help.

Mindful of the scenes being played out before our very eyes in our neighbour Libya, GRTU is calling on Maltese businesses and their partners and counterparts in the EU to donate items that are running out in Libyan hospitals.

 

In the medical field, GRTU is calling for Accident and Emergency items and pharmaceuticals, antibiotic preparations in all forms, bandages, IV fluids, analgesics and pain management medications, orthopaedic supplies, splints, sutures and any other medications and medical consumables that are consonant with injuries normally seen in a war zone. Monetary donations are also being accepted.

GRTU is making arrangements for donated items to be gathered in one central location in Malta for onward delivery to Libya as soon as the situation allows it.

We are appealing to Malta's traditional generosity at this time. Libya is not just another country. It is a country that we Maltese have known and worked in for many years. By and large, our workers and businesses in Libya have contributed to Malta's current standard of living. Many Maltese have Libyan friends and associates, and there are ties of friendship that go beyond the political rhetoric of the past. Libya is one of our closest neighbours, and it's our Christian duty to help them in this hour of need.

GRTU has set up a special email address on . One can also call on 21232881 and ask for Miss L. Said, or else on telephone number 99499401.

 

GRTU sets up an account for donations to the Libyan people

 

GRTU advises that it has set up a bank account for people who wish to donate money in aid of the Libyan people's needs at the present critical time.

The details are as follows

Bank account number:    0144010268800 (Lombard Bank)

Iban No:             MT48 LBMA 0500 0000 0001 4401 0268 800

Swift Code:                       LBMAMTMT

GRTU is urging Maltese businesses and other interested parties to donate money, specific food items and also pharmaceuticals and medical goods normally used in Accident and Emergency environments.

We have been advised that the specific items most in need are baby foods, nappies / diapers, and baby milk. Tinned or packed food is also being accepted.

Food items can be delivered to the GRTU premises in Republic Street, Valletta. For bulky food items one can call on 99499401 for specific arrangements.

Pharmaceuticals and medical goods are being collected in a specific place. In this regard, we ask parties who wish to donate these items to call on 99499401 as well so that arrangements can be made.

GRTU wishes to thank all those who have already contributed so generously, whilst at the same moment we urge those businesses who can give to do so. The situation in Libya is very critical and whatever Malta sends will be of great help.

Have you ever been annoyed for not being able to borrow a friend's or a colleague's mobile phone charger because it wasn't compatible with your phone? This era is coming to an end. A common charger compatible with mobile phones of all brands is the simple idea that the Commission has been pushing for many years.

 

 

 

Thanks to the cooperation between fourteen companies and the European Commission the solution is there: onechargerforall.eu. New technical standards for data-enabled mobile phones were published on 29 December 2010. Today, Vice President Antonio Tajani receives a sample of a compatible common charger from Bridget Cosgrave, Director-General of DIGITALEUROPE, the largest Association of European digital technology industry.

"I welcome the roll out of new chargers for mobile phones based on the new EU standard. This is genuine good news for the European consumer. Now we await the arrival of the new charger and compatible mobile phones on the shelves. I urge industry to speed up their introduction in the market to enable citizens throughout the EU to enjoy the advantages of a common charger as soon as possible" said European Commission Vice President Antonio Tajani, responsible for industry and entrepreneurship.

This marks the start of an implementation process triggered by the European Commission. The support of the Commission has enabled manufacturers to deliver this benefit to European consumers in a relatively short period of time. The EU has achieved the common charging solution using a common-sense approach that benefits everyone – without the need for any new regulation. The Commission will work with industry so that European consumers can profit from the initiative as soon as possible.

The publication of the standards in December 2010 means that mobile phone manufacturers can now proceed with required design and testing changes for chargers ensuring compatible phones are safe and interoperable. Compatible data-enabled mobile telephones of different brands can now operate with the same common charger – a big step forward for mobile phone users. The fourteen manufacturers have agreed to introduce the new common mobile phone chargers onto the European market in the course of 2011.

Background

Incompatibility of mobile phone chargers causes not only inconveniences for users, but is also an important environmental issue in the European Union. Mobile phone users who wish to replace their mobile phones are often required to purchase a new charger, regardless of the condition of the existing one.

Following a request from the European Commission, fourteen major mobile phone manufacturers agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to harmonise chargers for data-enabled mobile phones sold in the EU. The MoU signatory companies include Apple, Emblaze Mobile, Huawei Technologies, LGE, Motorola Mobility, NEC, Nokia, Qualcomm, Research In Motion (RIM), Samsung, Sony Ericsson, TCT Mobile (ALCATEL mobile phones), Texas Instruments and Atmel.

Following a mandate from the European Commission, the European Standardisation Bodies CEN-CENELEC and ETSI issued the harmonised standards to be adhered to by data-enabled mobile phones compatible with the new common charger as of 2011. The common charger solution is based in the Micro-USB connector technology. For phones that do not have a Micro-USB interface an adapter is allowed under the Memorandum of Understanding.

The agreement covers data-enabled mobile phones, i.e. those that can be plugged into a computer to exchange for example pictures, files and music. Data-enabled mobile phones are already predominant on the market. So called smartphones are a segment of data-enabled mobile phones.

General Background on ESF 37 Project – Study on job creation and job training in the environmental sector

The state of the environment is closely linked to the quality of life of the Maltese, as well as to the Maltese economy. A healthy and sustainable environment is considered to be a crucial prerequisite to Malta's future development and competitiveness.

 

During the last few years the Maltese Government has made the environment one of its priorities for government action and measures. This has been reflected in all major government policy papers, such as the National Reform Programme, the yearly pre-budget and budget document and the Structural Funds operational programmes dedicating a whole chapter to the environment.

Investment in the environment sector has been a recognised major strategic priority in Malta's 2004-2006 Cohesion spending. Indeed, over 40 per cent of the global amount of Structural and Cohesion Funds for this period have been allocated to the Environmental sector.

It is also clear that the major challenges that the Maltese economy will have to face in its future years if it wants to maintain and even upgrade the quality of life of its citizens on the islands and remain an attractive tourist destination are all environment related. As a result, Malta will continue to emphasise on the need for sustainable development and consequently, the promotion of environmental protection will become increasingly important. Malta will also have to implement the EU acquis in this sector. It is believed that the expansion of the environmental sector will create employment opportunities.

The ETC, as one of the major training providers and employment agency, constantly strives to respond to the labour market needs through the provision of specialised training courses. capable to adapt to the changing economic environment. Considering that most employment growth is provided by the expansion of new sectors of the economy, the increased emphasis on the environment sector will not only lead to improved standards of living but will also contribute to job creation. It is in this context that the ETC, in its endeavors to be proactive regarding future skills demand, wanted to explore the availability and sustainability of jobs in the environmental sector – or what are more commonly known as "green jobs" – within the context of the Maltese labour market. The ETC also wanted to learn about the skills needed for these jobs in order to devise training programmes accordingly. This study was thus launched to identify, quantify and classify the jobs that will be created in this sector as well as the training needs required to prepare the Maltese workforce for such jobs.

All new types of passenger cars and small delivery vans will have to be equipped with Daytime Running Lights (DRL). Trucks and buses will follow suit 18 months later, in August 2012. DRL lights are special lamps which automatically switch on when the engine is started. They are expected to increase road safety as they substantially raise the visibility of motor vehicles for other road users.

 

 

 

They also have a low energy consumption rate compared with existing 'dipped-beam' head lights. In countries where DRL is already obligatory it has been hailed as a very positive development in the field of road safety.

European Commission Vice President Antonio Tajani, responsible for industry and entrepreneurship said: "Daytime running lights will make an important contribution to our goal of reducing casualties on European roads. This is also good news for environment protection as the lower energy consumption rates will reduce CO2 emissions compared to normal lights".

In 2009, more than 35,000 people were killed on European roads and, for every death, there are an estimated four permanently disabling injuries, ten serious injuries and 40 minor injuries. These numbers are falling thanks to a range of measures, including better safety technology for vehicles, safer road infrastructure and improved driver training.

According to recent research on DRL, road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists can detect vehicles equipped with DRL more clearly and sooner than those equipped with dipped beam head lights. On vehicles equipped with DRL, the light is automatically switched on when the engine is started. When it is dark the driver has to switch on the driving lights manually. In this case the DRL goes off automatically.

From an environmental point of view, DRL is an effective solution for improving the visibility of vehicles. As the technology is designed to be used during the daytime it is much more effective and efficient than existing lighting devices. The energy consumption is approximately 25 – 30 % of the consumption of a standard driving light. When using the LED (Light Emitting Diode) for DRL, the energy consumption is further reduced to only 10%.

Directive 2008/89/EC on the obligatory fitting of vehicles with DLR, which comes into force today, will greatly contribute to the safety of Europe's roads. It will harmonise national requirements on the mandatory fitting of DRL to new types of vehicles which up to now have been varying greatly between EU Member States.

The Malta Standards Authority (MSA) and MEUSAC are organising an information session on the new legal provisions that will apply to persons involved in the manufacture, importation or distribution of toys.

 

The current EU Toy Directive (88/378/EEC) was enacted more than 20 years ago. Therefore, the directive in its present form can no longer provide comprehensive coverage for toy safety. The new Toy Directive (2009/48/EC) was published in 2009 and comes into force this July. The provisions relating to new chemical requirements will be effective from July 2013 onwards.

Users and interested organisations are invited to attend for this information session. Safety issues covered include physical, chemical, electrical and hygiene risks in toys.

The session, which will be conducted in Maltese, is being held as follows:

Date: Tuesday, February 22        Time: 14:00 – 15:30         Venue: Europe House, 254 St Paul Street, Valletta