Category: Archive – 2008

Proposti tal-GRTU

Illum il-GRTU wara 60 sena ta` esperjenza, bhala r-rapprezentant nazzjonali tas-self employed u n-negozji zghar ta` pajjizna, kif ukoll bhala l-promutur ta` numru infit ta` proposti u suggerimenti ghal tishih ta` l-intraprizi f-pajjizna, tghallimna li l-aktar moghod effettiv li jittwassal messagg b`sahhtu hu li nohorgu l-proposti taghna min zmien ghal zmien b'format ta` Manifest f'isem l-intraprizi z-zghar.

Dan il-Manifest jigi mahdum b'konsultazzjoni shiha u kontinwa mal-membri u jibqa` jigi aggornat skond il-kwistjonijiet li jinqalghu, dak li jkun qed jigi propost mill-Gvern, kif ukoll ic-cirkustanzi ekonomici u socjali li jitilghu min zmien ghal zmien. Illum dan isir ukoll fi sfond ta` Malta bhala membru shih ta` l-Unjoni Ewropeja.

Il-proposti taghna ma jinhadmux ghal sena wahda izda jkollhom l-ghan li jintlahqu sa 3 jew 4 snin. Barra dan il-GRTU tenfasizza wkoll punti differenti skond il-bzonn u s-sitwazzjoni tal-mument.

Realta` Ewropea

It-Tema ewlenija bhalissa hi li nwasslu r-realta` Ewropea lic-cittadin, specifikament lis-sidien tan-negozji u lis-self employed. Il-GRTU taghmel dan billi tohrog gazzetta b'informazzjoni u tikkonsulta mall-membri fuq tibdil ta` ligijiet jew dhul ta` ligijiet godda u b'laqghat kontinwi kemm fl-ufficju centrali fil-Belt u kemm fil-lokalitajiet. Niddependu wkoll fuq l-ispazju li ttina l-media.

Il GRTU hi attiva hafna wkoll fuq livell Ewropew mill-ishubija taghna diretta fl-European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), fl-EuroCommerce li jirraprezentaw organizzajonijiet nazzjonali tal-hwienet u kummercjanti, u fl-UEAPME li jirraprezentaw organizzazjonijiet nazzjonali ta` entraprizi zghar u medji. Hawn ahna nipprezentaw is-suggerimenti taghna, inhaddmu l-proposti ta` l-imsiehba taghna u maghhom nidjalogaw mall-Kummissjoni Ewropea f'ishem in-negozji Maltin.

F'Malta il-GRTU hi attivissima fil-fora kollha fejn ikunu discussi l-interessi tan-negozji zghar. Ghandna livell ta` konsultazzjoni mill-eqreb mal-Gvern u l-Entitajiet Pubblici.

Lokalitajiet

Tema importanti ghall-GRTU hi l-lokalita`. Ahna l-organizzazjoni nazzjonali li ghandna prezenza qawwija fil-lokalitajiet kollha ta` Malta u Ghawdex u ghalhekk naghtu importanza kbira lill-attivita` ekonomika fil-lokalita`. Ahna grati tar-relazzjoni tajba mall-bicca l-kbira tal-Kunsilli Lokali u nahdmu sabiex ikun iffacilitat ix-xoghol fill-lokalitajiet. Sfortunatament ghadu jsir wisq emfasi fuq ic-centri magguri tax-xoghol, ta' l-industrija u l-kummerc u ninsew li l-bicca l-kbira ta` l-impjiegi jinholqu fil-lokalita. Kliem favur il-lokalita` u n-negozji zghar hemm hafna imma fatti ftit li xejn u xoghlna hu li naraw aktar fatti.

Il-GRTU temmen li l-htigijiet ekonomici, ambjentali u socjali tal-lum jesigu strategija ta` incentivi tajba li jkattru l-holqien ta` intraprizi fil-lokalitajiet u li joholqu aktar opportunitajiet ta` xoghol permezz tat-teleworking, ix-xoghol li ‘llum isir fl-istabbilimenti kbar fic-centri ewlenin jibda dejjem isir fil-lokalita`. Ma taghmilx sens li llum ingibu l-back office work f'Malta minn New Zealand, l-Awstralja u l-Amerika meta m'ghandniex hila inwasslu x-xoghol minn tas-Sliema, il-Belt, il-Marsa u Bulebel ghall-irhula taghna. In-nisa, iz-zghazagh u wkoll l-anzjani ghandna ingibulhom ix-xoghol fir-rahal u mhux nifilguhom jaqsmu Malta ghall-ftit sijghat li jkollhom ghax-xoghol. 

Irridu l-Gvern johloq incentivi biex ix-xoghol fil lokalita` jissahhah, l-infieq tan-nies isir aktar fil-lokalita` taghhom u l-lokalita` tigbed lejha attivita` turistika u ohra li jaghmlu l-lokalita` dejjem aktar sostenibbli. Hekk intaffu l-problema ta` l-ambjent u niffacilitaw l-impjiegi tan-nisa, dan ghaliex dawn ghandhom hin limitat li jistghu jiddedikaw ghax-xoghol, nofs dan jigi mohli fl-ivjaggar. Dwar dan il-GRTU ghanha position paper dettaljata.

Incentivi:

• Tax allowance ghall-izviluppaturi li lesti li jinvestu go facilitajiet ta` ufficini go lokalitajiet
• Estensjoni ta` l-iskema specjali tad-djar tal-host families li huma lesti li jikru il-kmamar taghhom lit-turisti
• Jinghataw premji lill-Kunsilli Lokali li jaghtu appogg lill-entraprizi u tkabbir ekonomiku. Local Authority Business Growth Incentive (LABGI)
• Negozji u l-ambjent li jahdmu fih

• Partecipazzjoni tal-komunita` kummercjali fil-votazzjoni ghall-Kunsilli Lokali
• Sistemi ta` trasport imtehjjeb sabiex jintlahqu l-lokalitajiet kollha. Skemi prattici biex b`serjeta` jintlahqu ahjar l-irhula u z-zoni rurali
• Attenzjoni partikolari lejn il-farms iz-zghar li qed jinqerdu minhabba nuqqas ta` pjanar tajjeb
• Pjan miftihem biex titmewwet il-marda tal-late payments
• Program li jiggieled bis-serjeta` l-kriminalita` fil-lokal u l-biza` zejda li saru jsofru minnha n-nies tal-hwienet u l-impjegati
• Espansjoni tal-progett ghall-inkoraggiment tal-e-commerce. Emfasi biex ikomplu jonqsu t-tariffi tat-telekomunikazzjoni.
• L-Ambjent ta` hafna fic-centri kummercjali u minn fejn jahdmu l-entraprizi z-zghar ghadu batut allavolja sar hafna progress fl-ahhar snin

Pizijiet amministrattivi

L-investiment u t-tkabbir ta` l-ekonomija hija tema importanti hafna ghall-GRTU. Il-GRTU tinsisti li s-sid tan-negozju ghandu jinzamm sodisfatt sabiex ikabbar, jinvesti u jzid l-impjiegi. Sfortunatament wara hafna snin nghidu dan ghadna meta nkejlu il-pizijiet ta` mili ta` formularji u hela ta` hin f'burokrazzija ghadna nsibu li s-sid tan-negozju aktar jqatta` hin jaghmel dan milli jiffoka fuq in-negozju tieghu u jwettaq strategiji biex itejjbu.

Il-GRTU trid tara li b'effett mill-bagit li gej lil-Gvern jiehu l-ezempju ta' l-Olanda u jfassal targets precizi b'figuri  li jridu jintlahqu biex l-impatt tal-burokrazija fuq il-kummerc jitnaqqas b'mod kalkolat. Matul dawn l-ahhar snin bdejna nhaddmu b'success numru ta' incentivi bbazati fuq tax allowances agevolati u tax credits. Il-Gvern irid ikompli f'din it-triq.

L-islogan tal-GRTU hi "Halluna Nahdmu". In-negozji llum ma jridux sussidji u ghajnuna specjali, iridu biss li jithallew jaghmlu xogholhom minghajr hafna ndhil zejjed u kumplikazzjonijiet. Il-Gvern ghandu dejjem jistaqsi kif jista' jiffacilita l-hajja tan-negozji zghar u medji u mhux jibqa' jahseb biss kif ser iroxx il-mijuni biex jaqla` u jehles minn dak li qdiem. Hemm hafna oqsma ohra fejn il-GRTU thoss li l-Gvern naqas jekk veramnet ried ikabbar il-produttivita` tan-negozji zghar.

Punti

• Ilna nghidu zmien li kull decizjoni tal-Gvern ghanda issirilha Impact Assessment u jitfassal mitigation plan sabiex il-hsara tkun pacuta. Fejnhom dawk l-istudji? Liema proposta saret wara Impact Assessment indipendenti?
• Qeghdin nitkellmu hafna fuq simplifikazzoni, specjalment fejn jidhlu proposti socjali, ambjentali, jew ta' protezzjoni tal-konsumatur. Il-GRTU ghad trid tara din is-simplifikazzjoni ghax il-formolarji qeghdin dejjem jigu aktar ikkumplikati.
• Kemm semmejna l-kwistjoni ta' Red Tape. Jekk thares lejn ir-regolamenti tax-xoghol tiggennen. Illum negozju zghir jaqbillu ma jhaddimx.
• Tax simplification: ghamilna passi ‘l quddiem u certu formularji gew irrangati izda waqafna. Hemm ghalfejn nibqghu b'din il-kumplikazzjoni ta` audits?
• M'hix vera li l-standards huma mahduma with the small business in mind. Saru biex l-accountants jibqghu ipappuwa. Illum bir-returns ikkumplikati li hemm ma tistghax tmexxi anqas l-izghar negozju jekk ma jkollokx l-accountant u l-avukat mieghek. Pajjizi ohra sabu tarf. Cipru titlef ftit kaxxi biss fir-return tal-VAT u ghal aktar minn kumpanija wahda il-consolidated accounts tohroghom malajr.

Kostruzzjoni u investiment fil-propjeta`

Il-waqgha ta` l-attivita` fis-suq tal-kostruzzjoni hi ta` inkwiet kbir ghall-GRTU mhux biss ghaliex tirrapprezenta l-izviluppaturi izda wkoll ghal-membri taghha kollha l-ohra. Bhalissa l-investitur qed jibza` jinvesti ghax is-suq mhux stabbli u l-banek qed jaqtghu qalb in-nies. In-nies bhal membri taghna iridu affordabilita`. Il-GRTU bhala principju tinkoraggixxi x-xiri ta` propjeta` mhux il-kiri.

Ta` min isemmi l-izball kbir li sar f'dan ir-rigrard fil-proposti li saru fil-White Paper tar-riforma fil-ligijiet tal-kirjiet kummercjali. Il-GRTU diga` pprezentat il-proposta` taghha li hi bbazata fuq fatti, studju ta` kazi u konsultazzjoni mal-membri. Dan sfortunatament ma jistghax jinghad ghal kif inhadmet il-White Paper. Din il-White paper hi dizappunt kbir ghall-GRTU specjalment fi zmien fejn L-Unjoni Ewropeja qeghda tohrog Att sabiex tinghata importanza magguri lill-Entrapriza u l-emfasi ta` kull Direttiva hi fuq il-principju tat "think small first".

Il-GRTU studjat il-ligijiet ta` kiri ghal stabbiliment kummercjali ta` pajjizi ohra, fosthom tal-pajjiz li bhalissa ghandu l-presidenza, Franza. Il-ligi tal-kera fi Franza hi wahda tajba hafna u ta` vantagg ghal partijiet koncernati kollha. Waqt li l-Att ta` Franza jipprovdi l-protezzjoni gusta kollha ghal kull min jikri tipprovdi wkoll protezzjoni specifika ghal sid il-kerha. Ghaldaqstant nappellaw li l-ligi ta` Franza tigi studjata sew ghaliex hafna mizuri essenzjali minnha m'humiex qeghdin fil-White Paper.

Idea ohra hi skema ta` tax relief mil-gwadanji kapitali biex sid il-post ikun jista` jbigh, din tajba anke fil-kas tar-residenzjali. Bi grant ta` 10,000 fuq propjeta` ta 50,000 u jinvesti 5 miljuni f'dan il-grant ikun nehha ammont kbir ta` propjeta` mis-suq. Il-Gvern b'kumbinazzjoni ta` bolla, income tax u VAT imur xorta min fuq. Kull pass li jsir b'din l-iskema tkun wahda dejjem ‘l quddiem mhux lura.

Dwar il-kostruzzjoni u zvilupp irridu wkoll inhaddnu l-kuncett li dahhalna dan l-ahhar, fejn l-incentiva kienet tfisser ukoll li l-hlas isir mit-taxxa dovuta min-negozjant jew inkella b'zieda mat-tax allowances li wiehed inaqqas mit-total ta dhul taxxabli. Ghamilna dan b'success, b'hekk inkoraggejna l-investiment fl-e-commercer, l-apparat gdid ta` l-IT u xiri tal-kompjuters. Issa rridu li mit-taxxi dovuti jinghataw incentivi lill-izviluppaturi biex dawn joholqu bini li jkun energy saving u li joffru l-facilitajiet ohra mixtieqa. Dan ifisser li kull fejn hu possibli l-incentiva trid tithaddem. Din mhux ittellef il-gvern mid-dhul tat-taxxi izda tohloq attivita gdida li twassal ghal gid kommuni mixtieq u miftiehem.

Riforma fit-taxxa

• Is-sistema ta` simple withholding tax fuq id-dhul li giet addottata ghall-bdiewa tinfetah ghal setturi ohra
• Self employed u negozji zghar mhux inkorporati li ghandhom dhul ta` anqas minn €600,000 jinghataw l-opzjoni li jiehdu 3% withholding tax u turnover. Fejn id-dhul mhux immedjatament kalkolabli tinghata` hlas fuq bazi quartjarja.

Ghal ambjent ahjar

• Tnehhija tat-taxxa ta` l-eco contribution li tigi mibdula f'registrazzjoni ma` skema ta` gbir ta` skart approvata.

Taxxa tar-registrazzjoni fuq passenger coaches

Introduzzjoni tar-riformi necessarji li jinvolvu it-tnehhija totali tat-taxxa tar-registrazzjoni bil-kundizzjoni li l-operatur tal-coach illicenzjata ikun parti mill- End of Life Vehicle registration scheme.

Small Business Act (SBA)

Kif gie spjegat fid-dokument ta` qabel il-budget fuq l-SBA, li se jigi mibdul fi strument li verament ser jissimplifika il-hajja ghall-SMEs mhux bizzejjed. Meta nisimghu xi haga bhal din nindunaw mall-ewwel li wara din is-sentenza m'hemmx strategija u pjan ta` kif verament ser issir. Il-Gvern Malti irid jifhem li din hija bicca ligi importanti hafna. Aktar xoghol hu ta` bzonn f'dan ir-rigward.

Politika ghall-Entraprizi

In-negozju jezisti biex jaghmel qliegh. Il-qliegh jista' jaghmlu fejn ma tantx hu mehtieg biex jizdied il-valur mizjud ekonomiku ta' pajjizna u jitkabbar l-GDP, fejn mhux tant mehtieg ghat-twettieq tal-pjan strategiku ekonomiku u socjali jew jista' isir fejn hu meqjus ta' prijorita`. Ezempju ta' dan hu l-investiment fl-IT u fil-HiTech milli f'oqsma aktar tradizzjonali ghax dak li ser isir fi Smart City hu mportanti li jsir mill-Maltin u mhux mill-barranin ghax il-Maltin ikunu ghadhom jinvestu banda ohra. Irridu l-izvilupparturi Maltin jiehdu bis-serjeta` l-opportunitajiet godda ta' investiment fil-portijiet; irridu lill-Maltin joholqu opportunitajiet godda ta' innovazzjoni u ta' xoghol gdid ghaz-zghazagh u ghan-nisa taghna. Il-Gvern irid johloq sistema ta' tassazzjoni u tax credits li tinkuraggixxi u tiskuraggixxi. L-Investitur jaf jaghmel il-kalkoli tieghu. Fejn jara` li t-taxxa se tagevola jmexxi, fejn jara li se tghabbilu jwarrab. Jekk kollox jibqa' xorta jibqa' jaghmel dak li dejjem ghamel, jinvesti fil-blokok ta' appartamenti mhux fil-portijiet; u fir-retailing u servizzi tradizzjoni mhux fl-IT.

Hemm bzonn ta` pakkett ta` proposti li bihom il-Gvern ikun aktar flessibli, mibnija fuq tax credits u allowances sabiex jghin lin-negozji jimxu f'certu direzzjoni. Dwar dan il-GRTU ghanda proposti dettaljati.

Proposti:

• Servizz ta` appogg ahjar ghall-investiment u uzu tajjeb tal-potenzjal innovattiv

• o F'Malta qeghdin nitkellmu hafna fuq l-innivazzjoni izda hi teoretika u m'ahniex napprezzaw l-ideat u l-innovazzjoni li hierga mill-SMEs li ghax ma tikkwalifikax mal-istandards ta` hi-tech imfassal mill-esperti ma tikkwalifikax
• o Aktar attenzjoni ghall-istandards: sirna tajbin biex noholquhom u zopop fl-enforcement

• SMEs need public support to get sufficient access to finance

• o Sufficient financial means for risk sharing instruments
• o Risk sharing models; eligibility for State Aid

• Flexicurity

• o Working time directive
• o Define ways to increase the dynamic on the labour market
• o Make lifelong learning a reality
• o Recognition of vocational education and training

• Environmental Policy – "think small first" approach

• o Compliance Assistance Programme for SMEs in the environment
• o Revision of the Waste Framework Directive making it more compatible with the Internal Market

• Better governance

• o Protezzjoni: Meta se tinbidel il-ligi biex business li jigi mqarraq min bejgh li sarlu minn business iehor ikun protett. X'jigfieri bhal fil-kas li accennajna ricentement tad-direttorji kummercjali li nbnew fuq l-ifrodar jithallew ghax m'hawnx min jipprotegi il-vittma.
• o Minimum consultation time of 8-12 weeks
• o Promote strong and representative Craft and SME associations
• o Involve representative Craft and SME
• o Facilitate the bipartite social dialogue; deepen tripartite concentration

• Ensuring a Level Playing Field

• o Competition policy: X`jiswa li jsiru r-regolamenti bla enforcement. Sid il-hanut ma jiflahx aktar ghall-kompetizzjoni ta` nies li jevadu t-taxxa, jimpurtaw kull ma jistghu bla VAT, eco tax u bla inkwiet fuq ambjent. Dawn ghalhekk jifilhu jqacctu l-prezzijiet qisu xejn m'hu xejn. Enforcement kwazi bah. Ghandna issa l-emigranti li jaghmlu li jridu u jfaqqsu negozji u jiccaqalqu min post ghall-iehor, u jekk tikkritika jghajruk razzist.
• o Care sector
• o Charities
• o Informal economy
• o Commercial confidentiality

Edukazzjoni

• Eluf kbar ta` self employed u haddiema huma kwalifikati pero` jidrhu li m'huniex. Dan bic-certifikazzjoni li ghandna li ma tirrikonoxxix lill min ikkwalifika fis-sena tal-bank tax-xoghol
• Non-codified specific qualifications systems
• Developing SME clusters and demand oriented offers to vocational training

Aid schemes

• Alleviate effects of rising fuel costs on businesses, growth and employment
• Small Businesses Rate Relief Scheme (SBRRS)- Alleviates the rate bill for many small businesses
• Reform of Capital Gains Tax (CGT)

• Entrepreneurs get a 10% rate on the first £1 million of gain

Sahha u sigurta`

• Irridu nahdmu wkoll permezz ta` incentivi godda biex id-djar ta` l-assigurazzjonijiet jirikonoxxuta aktar il-bzonnijiet tan-negozji u ma jesagerawx fil-prezzijiet
• Irid isir aktar xoghol biex is-sidien ta` negozji ikunu kopert ahjar b'assigurazzjoni tas-sahha u mharrga ahjar f'health and safety

Pensjonijiet

Meta se nibdew inwettqu l-proposti ghal skemi ahjar ta` pensjonijiet ghal selfemployed u l-haddiema maghhom? Fejnhom it-tax credits biex jinholqu dawn l-iskemi ta` penzjonijiet u jinataw il-vantaggi lil min jinvesti fijhom?

Hemm hafna kwistjonijiet ohra li in-negozji zghar m'humix agevolati li dwarhom qas ghandna dibattitu bhal ma hi n-national wage, l-impjieg ta` l-emigranti li jirkbu d-dghajjes, il-parental leave, il-moghod kif jahdem l-employment u l-konsumer affairs tribunal. Dawn u hafna kwistjonijiet ohra li qajjimna juru li l-mentalita` li ghadha tahkem is-settur pubbliku hi wahda li mhux vera tikkunsidra is-sid bhala punt prioritarju. Mhux vera jemmnu li l-entraprizi huma forza qawwija tal-GDP ta` Malta u li huma s-sinsla ta` l-ekonomija.

Nixtieq nghid hafna aktar u nispera li jien u shabi ikollna cans nispjegaw lilna nfusna fil-workshops. Il-propoti taghna se jkunu fuq il-website tal-GRTU aktar tard din il-gimgha fuq http://www.grtu.eu/. Infakkar llil min irid jibqa up to date jista` jibghat email fuq u ninklludukom fil mailing list taghna.a

GRTU has yesterday attended a public dialogue with the European Commissioner responsible for Competition Neelie Kroes. The session was entitles ‘How Malta can get the most out of competition policy', organised by the European Commission Representation in Malta.

Dr Joanna Drake, Head of EC representation in Malta's opening statement was that we frequently speak of making the best out of EU membership and a key component of this is competition policy.

Commissioner Kroes said that some years back it would have been unthinkable to believe that Europe could function with 27 Member States (MS) and she therefore believes it is a miracle for the EU to have achieved the status of the most important economic continent today. The economic force that all the 27 have created makes Europe the most powerful in economic terms.

For a small country like Malta being part of the global economy is very important, as is having a Government in favour of a level playing field. These are two essential factors that instigate competitiveness and growth. If Government does not have a policy in favour of a level playing field businesses become lazy.

A single market cannot work if everyone uses different rules, there would be no playing field and no equal access to a fair market. This is why it is essential for Malta to be in line with the basic principles of fair trade in the single market and be on a level playing field like the other MS.  

Commissioner Kroes mentioned an example that goes totally against this principle. She explained that tax payers have already paid €800 m to the shipyards. She bluntly stated that this is not according to EU rules and regulations for a fair market and it is specifically the kind of thing Malta needs to avoid.

This is the reason why the Commissioner earlier yesterday dismissed the Government's plans for Shipyards. Malta has been given time till the end of the year to present a viable business plan for the shipyards, this time according to the rules.

The Commissioner continued by saying that such state aid is no longer acceptable. Malta can succeed only if state aid is used in the right way, directed to horizontal objectives. She mentioned research, development and innovation as perfect examples where Malta needs to direct state aid. It can no longer be given to companies that are not viable but to start-ups and companies with potential.

Malta is currently very low on the innovation scoreboard so this must be placed higher on the agenda. Neelie Kroes gave Malta thumbs up in areas such as e-gaming, with nearly 100 companies already registered in Malta, and on our high tech export.

She explained that the question that needs to be asked when taking certain decisions is: what investments are going to help Malta? She said she understands it is very hard to make the right choices but emotions cannot prevail. Industry should survive on its own two feet.

Commissioner Kroes also expressed her concern on the method some professions are running because it is too hard to enter them at the moment. Competition, she continued, was found to be insufficient in pharmacies, the legal and accountancy sectors and  engineers. She also proposed that we take the examples of the Scandinavians and the Netherlands.

She concluded by saying that Regulations are not always the answer and when not needed they may be harmful. We have to make sure that competition is not just about rules from Brussels.

The restoration of rubble walls and agro-tourism projects will be benefiting from EU funding of €5 m and €12 m respectively, Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino said.

The financial allocation for the agriculture sector from EU funds between 2007 and 2013 amounts to €100 m.

The sector is experiencing a "period of renaissance" and, together with the subsidies, has never seen such a heavy investment. Priority would be given to environmental investments highlighting a shift in funding towards quality products and environmental improvements, rather than quantity. Farmers & herdsmen can apply for 3 types of funding:

to improve product competitiveness;

for environmental investment

to ensure that structures are in conformity with EU standards.

One of the measures of the rural development programme involves a €13.5 m investment (€11 m from the EU and the rest from the government) for farmers and herdsman to modernise their setups and introduce new methods of production.

Breaking down the €100 m allocation, Mr Pullicino said €7 m would be poured into the investment of quality products, based on fresh produce; the restoration of rubble walls would net €5 m and agro-tourism projects €12 m.

Another €7 m are being earmarked for the marketing and processing of local products.

The first call for funding would be issued in October, and applicants would be granted 50% of the investment, while forking out the other half. The growth in the agricultural sector has succeeded despite the fact that it has passed on from total protection to complete exposure to competition.

Mr Pullicino was speaking at the Meridiana Wine Estate in Ta' Qali, which benefitted from €22,000 from the 2004-2006 EU allocation – 50% of its investment in three projects.

These included new tanks to raise its wine capacity; a waste water recycling plant for automatic irrigation; and a photovoltaic panels pilot project to power two floodlights on the estate all night long.

Source: Funding Opportunities Alert- Malta Enterprise

Last week the European Parliament (EP) called for a ban in the EU on the cloning of animals for food supply. MEPs also urged an embargo on imports of cloned animals, their offspring and products derived from these sources.

In a resolution adopted by 622 MEPs in favour, 32 against and 25 abstentions, the House calls on the Commission "to submit proposals prohibiting for food supply purposes:

the cloning of animals,

the farming of cloned animals or their offspring,

the placing on the market of meat or dairy products derived from cloned animals or their offspring, and

the importing of cloned animals, their offspring, semen and embryos from cloned animals or their offspring, and meat or dairy products derived from cloned animals or their offspring."

The text refers to the health, welfare and higher mortality problems of cloned animals and their surrogate dams recently highlighted by several groups of European experts. MEPs also stress that cloning would significantly reduce genetic diversity within livestock populations, increasing the possibility of whole herds being decimated by diseases to which they are susceptible.
 In addition, the EP fears that use of cloning techniques would harm the image of the European agricultural model. 
Commissioner Vassiliou said that the Commission was closely following scientific developments in this area and "is aware that even though the efficiency of animal cloning has improved over the last years, adverse health effects on animal health and welfare still occur today". The Commission takes ethical considerations fully into account", including the opinion of the European Group of Ethics which "advocated that at the moment there are no convincing arguments to justify the production of food from clones and their offspring". "According to global trade rules, imports of food products from third countries might be suspended if they present a serious threat to animal or public health.

Duties on low energy light bulbs come to an end, but EU manufacturers request another extension

EuroCommerce, GRTU's representative in Brussels, warmly welcomes the decision by Osram to withdraw its request to extend anti-dumping duties on energy saving CFl-I light bulbs. A large number of those products will be made available to consumers at a lower price so benefiting European consumers.

However, leather footwear manufacturers have requested another extension of the antidumping duties on imports of leather shoes from China.

Both duties were set to end in October 2008, according to compromises agreed by the EU member states last year (on light bulbs) and in 2006 (on shoes). The extension request leaves importers and retailers facing uncertainty. EuroCommerce has urged the European Commission and the Member States to refrain from extending the duties, highlighting the importance of consumer prices, predictability and legal certainty.

In the light bulbs case, EuroCommerce had also reminded the EU of the need for consistency between environmental, energy and trade policies, recommending the creation of incentives for the imports of environmentally-friendly products rather than penalising them.

Contact allergies caused by oxidative hair dye products is an important and increasing health problem for consumers and society, often causing acute and severe dermatitis on the face, scalp and neck.

In its Memorandum from March 2007 the Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) drew the Commission's attention to the fact that many of the hair dye substances currently used in hair dye products have the potential to cause skin sensitisation. A person sensitised to a hair dye substance may eventually develop skin allergy to this substance.

Substances that possess skin sensitizing properties have proved to be necessary ingredients. Since the Cosmetics Directive, considering some are potential skin sensitizers, the warning "Can cause allergic reaction" has become obligatory  the label.

In recognizing some of  the safety concerns, the cosmetics industry has, over the years, gradually extended the warnings printed on hair dye products.

 In practice, besides the labelling requirements set out by the Cosmetics Directive, labelling used today by some manufacturers often includes (besides the ingredient labelling) the following warnings:

a warning that hair colorants may cause reactions which may be severe;

a warning not to apply products in people who have already experienced some reactions;

a warning of increased allergy risk of black henna tattoos.

In order to better inform the consumer about the possible adverse effects and to lower the risk of sensitization to hair dye products, the Commission has envisaged a new enhanced use of warnings and labelling on oxidative hair dye products. These new labelling requirements will be added to the existing requirements for labelling of oxidative hair dye products already set out in the Cosmetics Directive.

The new wording should be clearer and more visible on product packages and containers. The main message for consumers should be to avoid hair colouring if they have ever experienced any kind of adverse reaction (such as itching or a rash) when dyeing their hair.

I. Proposal for warnings to be set out in the Cosmetics Directive

II. Proposal for safety instructions

There is also the introduction of safety instructions to be implemented by industry.

B. Recommended safety instructions to be implemented by industry

These safety instructions must appear on the packaging and the container. Where this is impossible for practical reasons, an enclosed leaflet, label, tape or card must contain that information to which the consumer is referred either by abbreviated information or the symbol given in Annex VIII to Cosmetics Directive, which must appear on the packaging and the container.

For the full text please contact Abigail Mamo @ GRTU. Any comments are welcome till the 26th September 2008.

Last week GRTU Director General Vincent Farrugia was invited to actively participate during a press conference addressing the issue of combating misleading business directories, hosted by the European Parliament Office in Malta.

Many enterprises, often small traders, fall victim to scams operated through misleading advertising. A common scam is that whereby victims unwillingly sign up to an insertion into a business directory after having been led to believe that this would be free of charge.

Following this they receive a letter thanking them for placing an order for an advert, which will be placed on the business directory for 3 years and will cost them approximately €1000 a year. Presently the main company operating such a scheme in Malta is the European City Guide. 

The European Parliament has received more than 400 petitions from small businesses across the European Union and even from some third countries, who claim to have fallen victims of this scheme.

For this reason the European Parliament has appointed MEP Simon Busuttil as a rapporteur on this issue to prepare a report so that this would be adopted as the position of the institution.

Dr Busuttil explained that this initiative is not against business directories but against the misleading way in which some get clients. He continued by saying that the intentions must be set out clear at all times.

The report which Dr Busuttil is preparing has several important objectives to GRTU's members. First of all it aims to raise an awareness so that who is not a victim already does not become. It also seeks to analyse first of all whether European Law can be of assistance and secondly how it is being respected.

Dr Busuttil further explained that the team will be looking for a loop whole in  the legislation. If a grey area is identified it will be emended. Dr Busuttil seemed positive that this will be the case, since such a problem was created.

The European Parliament will be contacting the victims to inform them that the problem is being tackled and their interests are being safeguarded.

It was explained that there are laws on the subject, however the interests are sometimes not equally safeguarded. This places certain individuals at an advantage over others. What is usually the case with such scheme is that the company selling the business directory would target companies outside its country, this is fully lawful according to European law and they are fully protected. There is however not the same level of protection for the companies who are the clients of a company in another Member State.

Dr Busuttil already met with the  Commissioner for Consumers Meglena Kuneva, and numerous victims locally and throughout the EU. The next step is the public hearing which will take place in Brussels this week.

For the hearing, to which GRTU was cordially invited, all stakeholders will be present, starting from the victims, 1400 of which will be present, the representative of the European City Guide, UEAPME, the organisation representing GRTU at European level, and the Association of business directories.

The European City Guide has been in operation at least from 15 to 20 years. Its operations have escalated in 2000 with the use of the internet.

Dr Busuttil explained that a draft report will be issued and it wile be open for comments. The hope is that it is adopted in the Petitions Committee. A section on his website www.simonbusuttil.eu has already been dedicated to the subject.

GRTU Director General, Vincent Farrugia, thanked Dr Busuttil for the important initiative. As the representative of small businesses GRTU is very satisfied of the initiative primarily because it is small enterprises that are caught in the net of these scams.

Mr Farrugia has also however expressed his disappointment in the authorities. He stated that had it been a business abusing from a consumer intervention would have been immediate, however because it is a business abusing of another business there seems to be no authority to take action and nowhere to go to ask for help.   

He continued by saying that GRTU feels the Commission was too slow in its action and too many businesses not to mention the numerous NGOs who have already fallen victims.

The number of victims in Malta is to the GRTU quite alarming. 1,343 names are presently listed and amongst them would pay the amount of €4 m.

It is important for the members that have fallen victim of this scam not to give in the intimidations saying that they will take you to court. A solution will be found and no money is to be paid till now.

Regular updates will follow this issue. For further information please contact Abigail Mamo at our offices or on . 

GRTU's subsidiary company, Green mt Ltd, is now officially licensed to operate national waste management schemes on behalf of the Business Community with the support of Government and the Local Councils.

In this regard GRTU called  held a press conference earlier today to explain certain important aspects. 

Malta, as a Member State, has hefty obligation under European Union Law. Our present obligations for Waste Packaging are to collect 47 % and recycle 41 % of the total waste. For Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment 4 Kg per capita are to be collected and recycled.

As GRTU we accept and understand our environmental responsibility and through the utilisation of effective policies strive to create a greener community.

 What is Green mt?

Green mt is a not for profit GRTU subsidiary company that collects periodical premiums from members to handle their environmental responsibilities. The premiums commensurate to market share and product environmental impact. The excess funding received throughout any year will result in reduced premiums the following year.

Green mt utilise the latest technology and the services of waste handling companies to re-claim the maximum amount of waste generated by its members. It operated on the advice of a supervisory committee comprised of members from relevant business sectors as well as the local councils.

Green mt aims and objectives:

The effective protection of the environment ranging from limiting global warming to safeguarding the right of the individual to air of good quality free from toxic contaminants.

To encourage the business community to invest in the sale and use of energy efficient systems and to promote the re-use and recovery of waste.

To take over the legal obligations of the business community in respect of: Legal Notice 277 of 2006 (Packaging and waste packaging regulations)and Legal Notice 63 OF 2007(Waste Electrical and Electronic equipment )

Advantages:

Guaranteed cost effectiveness. Funds used for environmental purposes only.

Estimated Costs

WEEE SCHEME: €3.0m

WASTE PACKAGING SCHEME: €4-4.5m

Coherency across the product spectrum ensuring that costs are proportional and shared fairly.

ECO CONTRIBUTION 2007 €12.14m

PROJECTED 2008 €15.14 m

Together with MEPA, Green mt Ltd will create and maintain an effective enforcement strategy to eliminate ‘Free Riders'.

Green mt Ltd will strive to ensure a fair and level playing field for the Maltese entrepreneur.

A cleaner and healthier environment.

A holistic approach to handling WEEE and packaging waste based on results rather then profit making.

Extended Producer responsibility built on the ‘Polluter Pays Principle'.

Scheme will be in constant liaison with the Local Councils with the aim of building  greener communities

Present Situation:

The current registered producers with MEPA for Waste Packaging amount to 1650 and the current packaging placed on the market by these is 60,100t. The projected members of the waste packaging scheme is 5000, with the approximate packaging placed on the market at 90,000t.

The current registered producers with MEPA for WEEE amount to 342. The projected members of the WEEE scheme is 1500, with the approximate WEEE placed on the market at 12,000t.

More information regarding the new scheme can be obtained from GRTU offices.

We would like to draw your attention to the issue of bicycles which have recently been recalled in the United States.  

According to the recall alert the affected products pose a risk of injury to riders because the interior alignment tabs of the bicycle's chainguard can be pushed against the chain causing it to derail. Cases of the chainguard derailing the chain, including one of a fall, have been reported. 

Additional details on the products affected can be found on the CPSC website at: www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08365.html or on the websites of the  Electra Bicycle Company at : http://www.electrabike.com/.com. 

The company informed that the recall involves some Amsterdam model bicycles in the Classic 3, Original 3, Royal 8, and Sport 3 styles. The bicycles have an enclosed chainguard. "Electra" and "Amsterdam" are printed on the bicycle's frame and/or chainguard. Bicycles with frame numbers beginning with "EL" or bicycles with chainguards marked "06/08" are not included in this recall. The frame number is located on the underside of the bottom bracket. 

The recalled products had been sold in  the following European countries : Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Should your company retail, import or distribute the product in question, you are requested to advise the GRTU without undue delays, so as to take the necessary actions as soon as possible.

If you are aware of any person or company who is retailing, importing or distributing this product, please also advise the undersigned to enable the said person to be contacted.

For more information contact Abigail Mamo at GRTU offices or email on