GRTU and CNIPMMR sign Bi-Lateral Agreement

Today, while on a State Visit to Romania, accompanying the President of Malta George Abela, including a trade mission organised by Malta Enterprise, GRTU President Paul Abela and Director General Vince Farrugia signed a bi-lateral agreement for increased cooperation with the National Council of Small and Medium Sized Private Enterprises in Romania (CNIPMMR). Both GRTU and CNIPMMR are members of UEAPME, the European Association of Crafts, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises.

FFDuring the meeting GRTU's Director General outlined the points in favour of close cooperation between Malta and Romania he mentioned that Romania has €30 billion in structural funds and that Malta can help them utilise these funds through the experience it has gained in the last years. Romania can also benefit from Malta' s experience in tourism and specific areas as is the tuition of English language. Malta especially can provide excellent guidelines and best practice information while Romania is preparing to enter the Euro Zone, to first and foremost ensure SMEs are not badly affected.

The agreement outlines various areas where the organsations would cooperate, however the main focus of the agreement is to provide a safety net to Maltese and Romanian investors seeking to invest in one of the countries. This would provide additional peace of mind to investors and avoid unpleasant experiences. The GRTU delegates have had already opportunity to visit a successful Maltese Romanian Joint venture – Malta Travel-which successfully operates chartered flights between Malta and Romania. Both organisations have discussed the possibilities of cooperating further at EU level on issues concerning SMEs, also through their countries` representation on the European Social Fund and the European Economic and Social Policy.

Like the GRTU, the CNIPMMR represent small and medium private entrepreneurs. Present during the signing of the agreement were Director General Cristian Ionescu and Vice President Marian Dumitrescu. The Romanian Director General explained that they are organised at all regions in Romania and they aim to assist their members to seek new markets as many Romanian products are extremely favourably priced and Malta can benefit through the import of such products from Romania. GRTU is well established  o assist Romanian and Maltese businesses and seeks to assist Maltese entrepreneurs to seek the many opportunities that Romania has to offers. It is a market of 22 million people and the 7th largest in the EU27, providing unlimited opportunities. They will assist GRTU members by ensuring that they meet the right persons. Both organisations are planning to organise a visit of business representatives for early next year.