23 - 29 December 1999

FOI and Chamber welcome Helsinki decision on Malta

The Malta Chamber of Commerce and the Malta Federation of Industry (FOI) have issued a statement in which they said that they consider the Helsinki European Council decision on EU enlargement of historic importance to Malta. At the same time, they said, the forthcoming negotiations between Malta and the EU, due to commence in early Spring 2000, are a challenge to the whole country which requires the utmost preparation and collaboration from all the various interests in the country.

The Maltese business community reiterates that Malta's gradual integration in the EU will be beneficial to Malta's industrial and commercial links with the EU member States, with other Mediterranean countries, and also with other countries which present trading possibilities for Malta in both goods and services.

The statement said that as the bilateral screening process draws to a close, the Maltese government will shortly be required to finalise its position papers on the various chapters of the European body of legislation. The FOI and the Chamber said they expect to be consulted about the formulation of negotiating positions in those areas which are being identified as more important than others for commerce and industry and which require economic impact assessments. The results of these different assessments should help to give a scientific basis for the National Programme for the Adoption of the Acquis (NPAA). At its drafting stage this key document should be the subject of all-round consultations. A realistic NPAA will eventually mobilise the much-required local and EU funding without unnecessary delay so that the economic development of the country may proceed at a faster pace.

The FOI and the Chamber also urged the government to appoint without delay a chief negotiator who will coordinate the efforts of the core team which will be responsible for obtaining the best possible conditions for the country prior to and after membership in consultation with the private sector.

The statement said the industrial and commercial community represented by the FOI and the Chamber are willing to provide all the necessary support within their financial and human resource possibilities to enable government to secure the best possible deal to guarantee a better future for entrepreneurs and workers alike in a thriving economy.