Author: Mel Chamber

The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry in collaboration with MCAST, organised the ‘AGORA Inclusive Futures – Transforming the Workplace’ conference with the aim of discussing the challenges and solutions in integrating disadvantaged groups, including those with socio-economic and migration backgrounds, disabilities, learning difficulties, and low skills into the workforce.

In his opening remarks, Chris Vassallo Cesareo, The Malta Chamber President, noted that the workplace is undergoing a transformation. “It is evolving from a mere space for economic transactions to a vibrant community where diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunities are not just encouraged but celebrated. The Malta Chamber has been at the forefront of advocating for practices that recognise and embrace the varied tapestry of our workforce,” he said.

In his speech on MCAST’s role in preparing disadvantaged groups for the work environment, Dr John Bartolo, Director for Support Services at MCAST emphasised that educators and employers need to create and support systems that leave no one behind.

Since this event was organised as part of the GIVE Project, Duncan Vella, Deputy Director Curriculum – Key skills and Centre for Learning & Employability at MCAST, explained how with the right attitudes, the GIVE Project will have an impact at local and European level to support students from vulnerable groups achieve social inclusion and transition into meaningful employment.

During a panel discussion moderated by Diana Miceli, Projects Manager at The Malta Chamber, an array of business leaders and industry experts shared their experiences and knowledge on current best practices in creating inclusive workplaces. The panel was made up of:
• Olivia Farrugia, Head of Jobseekers Division, Jobsplus
• Joseph Zammit, Deputy Director – Inclusive Education, MCAST
• Daniel Schembri, Executive Director, ThinkTalent
• Danica Ann Attard, HR Business Partner, Toly Products
• Esmeralda Micallef Zarafa, Chief Executive Officer, Lino Spiteri Foundation

This conference was organised as part of the ‘Governance for Inclusive Vocation Excellence’ (GIVE) Project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, 621199-EPP-1-2021-1-IT-EPPKA3-VET-COVE. The main aim of the GIVE Project is to contribute to the innovation in the VET sector for the social inclusion of individuals belonging to disadvantaged groups, with particular reference to learners with a migration background, disabilities, low skills, a drop-out history, special educational needs, and socio-economic disadvantages.

The Malta Business Bureau welcomes this week’s EU political agreement on the EU Short-Term Rental Regulation. The boom of short-term rental services through digital platforms during the last decade has provided benefits for both private hosts and tourism in general. However it has also raised concerns in several local communities, particularly those facing issues like affordable housing shortages.

The Short Term Rental Regulation will enhance data collection and sharing from hosts and online platforms to provide public authorities valuable insights for developing effective and proportionate local policies to address the challenges and opportunities associated with the private short-term rental sector. The new rules will enhance transparency regarding the identification and activities of private hosts and simplify the registration process of properties used for the purpose of short-term renting with public authorities. They will also address the current fragmentation in data sharing practices among online platforms, ultimately aiding in the prevention of illegal listings.

Commenting on the agreement, MBB President Alison Mizzi stated; “This agreement marks a significant milestone as it addresses the negative impacts brought on by the lack of basic rules for private short-term rentals, the lack of transparency among online platforms, and lack of enforcement. The new regulation will thus bring a more level playing-field between private short-term rentals and traditional accommodation providers should member states implement the rules rigorously and start earnestly collecting data to get a more accurate picture of the impact of private short term rental activity, and by deploying sufficient resources to exert the necessary enforcement.”

For further information on the EU Short-Term Rental Regulation, please contact the Malta Business Bureau on infobrussels@mbb.org.mt .

The Malta Business Bureau is the EU business advisory organisation of The Malta Chamber and The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association. It is also a partner of the Enterprise Europe Network.

The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry welcomes the Opinion by the Advocate General on the EU Mobility Package 1 earlier this week, proposing to the European Court of Justice to strike off the provision of the compulsory return of heavy goods vehicles to the member state of establishment every 8 weeks. The Malta Chamber has for long cooperated with its network of business organizations at EU level and argued that this provision introduced during the EU legislative process clearly goes against the principles of the European Green Deal. It was inexplicable how returning trucks to the Member State of establishment is compatible with the general principles of the economy, operational efficiency, and climate protection goals.

This would result in a dramatic impact on the increase in transport emissions in the EU, thus impeding the EU in its long-term goals of achieving a 90 percent reduction in transport emissions and climate-neutrality by 2050. Road transport operators had warned EU legislators that most vehicles required to return to their Member State of establishment would travel empty, which would result in unnecessary additional traffic on the continent’s road network.

Moreover, this measure is also excessively restrictive and discriminatory against peripherical countries, including island states such as Malta, and will put Maltese road haulage companies at a disadvantage, given that they would be required to board a ferry compared to other operators that would only be required to cross a land border. As a result, this would add disproportionate additional costs to the road transport operators and consequently to business clients and end consumers.

The Malta Chamber thanks the Maltese Government for its efforts in the case before the European Court of Justice and looks forward to a favourable sentence next year. Looking ahead The Malta Chamber reiterates its call for the European Commission to introduce criteria for a ‘Territorial Proofing’ or ‘Insularity Test’ to complement the Competitiveness Check as part of the overall impact assessment process to identify provisions that would negatively impact specific member states for conditions derived by their geographic location. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for impact assessments to take place on significant changes introduced by the EU Council and the European Parliament during the legislative process, which in cases such as the Mobility Package I would have identified the inconsistency of such a provision with the EU Treaties and the overall EU climate policy.

The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry have signed a Silver Collaboration Agreement with Maypole Group to collaborate together on initiatives that will benefit Malta’s business community.

Chris Vassallo Cesareo, The Malta Chamber President, ahead of the signing said that “The Malta Chamber is constantly enhancing its ability to formulate policies and refine its stance on various national priority issues. To this end, we are proud to be partnering with Maypole Group. Through their invaluable expertise and indispensable resources, Maypole Group are ideal partners in supporting The Malta Chamber to be at the forefront of bringing positive change within the business sphere.”

Following the signature of this agreement, Mario Debono, Managing Director of the Maypole Group, said that this cooperation agreement marks a significant milestone for the Maypole Group and opens up new avenues for collaboration, growth and community engagement. This partnership will not only enhance Maypole’s visibility within the business community but will also provide valuable resources, networking opportunities and support for Maypole’s future endeavours. We believe that, together, we can achieve great things and make a positive impact on our local economy. Mr Debono continued saying that, as we move forward, Maypole is confident that this collaboration will lead to mutually beneficial opportunities. Mr Debono concluded by thanking The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry for the ongoing commitment to the business community.

The agreement was signed by Chris Vassallo Cesareo, Nicholas Xuereb and Dr Marthese Portelli, President, Deputy President and CEO of The Malta Chamber respectively, and Mario Debono and Sebestian Debono, Directors at Maypole Group.

This week, a delegation of The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry and Malta Business Bureau participated in the European Parliament of Enterprises (EPE) organised by Eurochambres, the European Association of Chambers of Commerce. The EPE is the largest event in Brussels recreating a parliamentary session giving the floor to entrepreneurs and represents a unique opportunity for businesses to have a direct debate with high representatives of the EU institutions on EU policies. During the EPE, entrepreneurs also expressed their opinion on several questions through a voting procedure on major EU business-related issues.

Discussing ‘Unlocking the potential of the single market for skills and human capital’, The Malta Chamber President Chris Vassallo Cesareo stated, “The private sector is keen on turning workplaces into learning centres to promote upskilling and reskilling of people, but it cannot face this challenging task on its own. EU funding towards training programmes, educational grants, and skills forecasting tools, are critical to complement and build on the investment already undertaken by business.”

On ‘Navigating the energy crisis’, Malta Business Bureau President Alison Mizzi emphasized that, “focusing solely on currently available solutions must not come at the expense of continued innovation. EU policy must be forward-looking, flexible, and fast to anticipate technological developments which we will certainly see in the coming years.”

With regards to ‘Strengthening Europe’s competitiveness in uncertain times”, The Malta Chamber Deputy President Nick Xuereb highlighted that, “SMEs potential for growth through international trade is significant. The inclusion of dedicated SME Chapters in Free Trade Agreements aimed at improving transparency and increase access to information is welcome. But more effort is required so that rules are harmonised as much as possible. This is key to provide a level playing field for all companies, especially SMEs, to compete globally.”

During this visit, the delegation also had the opportunity to meet European Parliament President Roberta Metsola to discuss some of the challenges being faced by Maltese businesses as a result of EU legislation that does not look at the specific realities of island states. Changes to the EU governance in view of future EU enlargement was also discussed.

Other members of the delegation included Dr. Marthese Portelli, Mr. William Spiteri Bailey, Mr. Mark Bajada, Mr. Brian Muscat, Mr. Sergio Vella, Mr. Joe Tanti, and Mr. Daniel Debono.

The visit was organised by the Brussels office of the Malta Business Bureau (MBB). The MBB is the EU-business advisory organization of The Malta Chamber and the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association. It is also a partner of the Enterprise Europe Network.

The below is the speech given by Chris Vassallo Cesareo, The Malta Chamber President, during a skills session at the European Parliament of Enterprises in Brussels

New skills are continuously emerging whilst others are sunsetting especially in fast-paced industries undergoing digital transformations such as automisation and artificial intelligence.

Upskilling and reskilling have become an essential part of day-to-day business operations, and this requires an investment which may be significant for companies, especially SMEs, considering the cost-inflationary pressures that have eaten up an important size of their revenue in the last years.

In a tight labour market like the one we are experiencing today, hiring specialized employees may be a lengthy and costly process, especially if one must look beyond the EU into third countries’ labour market.

The private sector is keen on turning workplaces into learning centres to promote upskilling and reskilling of people, but it cannot face this challenging task on its own. EU funding towards training programmes, educational grants, and skills forecasting tools, are critical to complement and build on the investment already undertaken by business.

The competitiveness of EU companies is at stake and we must ensure that the right level of funding is available to secure the right skills set to shape the digital transition rather than be conditioned by it.   

During an event organized by The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry together with the Malta Business Registry as part of SME Week under the auspices of the Ministry for the Economy, European Funds and Lands, practitioners and businesses emphasized the importance of reputation, simplification and digitalisation.

When addressing the conference Minister for the Economy, European Funds and Lands Silvio Schembri lauded the important work carried out by MBR and the importance of such collaboration with the business community.

Minister for the Economy, EU Funds and Lands said that businesses need more efficient systems in place in order to be able to launch, operate, and expand their business.

Minister Schembri said that, “we are working on a string of measures to address business concerns and to bring about more efficiency. These include a central data repository solution whereby all economic operators will have the possibility and access to update this register interlinking all services offered by government to businesses while putting the once only principle into practice, a credit review office which will reconcile and act as an arbiter between commercial banks and clients to ensure the loan system works effectively, and the right to a bank account which is currently a major stumbling block for those looking to invest in Malta.“

He added that the joint MBR and The Malta Chamber event held today is a true representation of the spirit and objectives of SME Week, an event that serves as an important instrument in providing our SMEs with a unique opportunity to understand business challenges and improve them.

In his speech, Chris Vassallo Cesareo, President of The Malta Chamber said that “due consideration should be attributed to the challenges faced by regulators in these complex times. Safeguarding our hard-earned reputation should remain the primary overarching priority for the country, something we intend to always uphold with our members through collaboration with Government entities.”

He added that, “reducing red tape and simplifying business processes across government agencies, authorities and departments is crucial to improve operational efficiency as well as to reduce useless additional costs and time wasting for business. Embracing newer and more efficient technologies, including digital compliance obligations, is essential for our progress. In this digital era, customer expectations have soared. Real-time interactions and seamless digital interfaces are non-negotiable. To meet these demands, investment in human resources and technology is crucial. Labour shortages are unlikely to vanish anytime soon. Placing tech at an elevated platform to play is the way to go.”
The MBR’s Chief Executive Officer and Registrar Dr Spiteri Lucas gave a thorough explanation on the recent changes and milestones the MBR experienced in aim to better its services to the business community.

Whilst mentioning the ongoing projects of the online system and central repository data solution, Dr Spiteri Lucas said that, “above all it is crucial to have an open mindset to adapt and adopt new methods in our operations, hence why the MBR is introducing digital methods that pave the way to a paperless entity.

During a panel discussion moderated by Rachel Bondi Attard, Head of Media and Communication the Vici President of The Malta Chamber William Spiteri Bailey, emphasized the need and importance of an ongoing collaboration between The Malta Chamber and MBR. He noticed the efforts done by MBR in taking up recommendations put forward by The Malta Chamber members and implementing them through their new digital platform. Christine Cassar Naudi, Partner – Ganado Advocates spoke about the importance of having a seamless, paperless procedure in place to facilitate any requirements without the necessary red tape for the shipping and yachting industry. Timothy Zammit, Principal for Tax and Corporate service – RSM spoke about the shift in the way locally registered businesses view their obligations on compliance since delisting. Mark Lautier, Partner – PWC highlighted the challenged encountered in terms of filings including legal obligations on disclosures of UBOs’.