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Pre-Budget meeting with the Prime Minister and Members of the Cabinet
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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.
During a meeting with Economy Minister Silvio Schembri and Permanent Secretaries Ronald Mizzi and Jonathan Vassallo, the SME Chamber officials exchanged views on the importance of elevating the level of service across the board.
This includes proper customer care services, a client centric approach, automation and digital investments and streamlining the implementation of AML requirements.
The SME Chamber emphasised that the banking market was still not operating in a healthy manner, in fact big imbalances were still present and clients were not being served in a satisfying manner. A bigger effort needs to be put in place in order to give access to basic and good quality banking service and to increase the choice for clients and competition.
Minister Schembri said that the challenges in this area were not small ones and require actions which are deeper routed. The Minister explained that we should keep in touch in order or him to continue being the voice of businesses in this respect and to push for change. It is however sure that the government is sensitive to this reality and will work to ensure that there is fair access to basic services.
During this meeting the Malta Chamber of SMEs was represented by its CEO Ms Abigail Agius Mamo and Council Members Mr Mario Ciantar and Mr Beppe Muscat.
The Malta Chamber of SMEs met Hon. Silvio Schembri, Minister for Economy, EU funds and Lands and presented him its 50 proposals for Budget 2023
The SME Chamber’s delegation included President Mr Paul Abela, CEO Ms Abigail Agius Mamo, Deputy President Mr Philip Fenech and Council member Ms Marthese Micallef and Mr Dino Fino.
A number of proposals were discussed in detail with the Minister, one of the topics falling under his remit is the reduction of burdens on businesses, especially those AML related. The SME Chamber emphasised that whilst it understood the need for Malta to come up to speed with regulations, it did feel that Malta could reach its AML requirements in a smarter manner. This includes the requirements being placed on businesses by the regulators such as the MBR, MFSA and FIAU, the requirements from the local banks, as well as accountancy requirements. Apart from this the SME Chamber also emphasized that whilst the requirements were difficult to comply with, they many times depended on the accountants and auditors and also carried hard headlines and hefty fines. The SME Chamber discussed options on how these burdens can be streamlined.
The Minister on his side said that his ministry was already working on a number of solutions to this end through a centraclised system for a number of obligations and also increasing the communication between the main stakeholders in order to streamline their work. Further details and outcomes will be made known in the coming weeks.
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.
Intellectual property, or IP, is becoming a daily part of negotiation. However, understanding what may be a difficult task.
In order to ensure that EU small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have the help and information they need to navigate the IP world, EUIPO is putting companies like yours directly in contact with IP experts who speak your language. This support is provided free of charge and may be requested by any SME registered in the EU.
IP experts can offer you advice (around 2-3 hours) on issues such as:
The process is quick and easy: just fill in the online application form “free consultation on IP”. You will receive with the first email with a list of available suppliers meeting the criteria indicated in your request.
Do you have any questions? Call on+ 34 965 139 100 or contact Malta’s national intellectual property office.