Across-the-board consensus

Early in the year (The Sunday Times, January 12 - "The voice of business") I called on the various business organisations to come forward with strong and clear pronouncements on their EU membership stand. This was also necessary to further reaffirm the real economic, commercial and social implications such a momentous decision would have on the country. This, I argued, was particularly necessary in view of the unfortunate climate of partisan politics and polarised political content within the EU debate.

I appealed for the need to further strengthen our business leadership. "Leadership that not only informs, but also guides, inspires, offers direction and portrays a clear vision". This, I opined, was what the business community expected from their representative business organisations, and nothing less.

I also appealed for the establishment of a common business platform, particularly after having finalised negotiations, and consequently, the need to reflect on the real choices ahead. This platform, I contended, was necessary for business organisations to act more collectively on this national issue, thereby becoming more effective and vociferous in their pronouncements.

Today, we can look back with great satisfaction. All the five leading business organisations, namely, the Malta Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Industry, the Malta Employers' Association, the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, and the Association of General Retailers and Traders, have come forward with the necessary pronouncements and visionary guidance.

An across-the-board consensus has been struck among all the five business organisations; consensus on the overall positive implications of EU membership. Surely the significance of this cannot be ignored by anyone. After all, a positive business outlook means more opportunities, more investment, more wealth, more jobs and much more. Collectively, it means more economic and social prosperity for each and every one of us.

It is also worth expressing satisfaction for the timely platform that all these business organisations opted to stand on. This firm and undisputed platform was based on the cost-benefit analysis highlighted in Ali Bayar's report. The scientific conclusions by this highly acclaimed economist have significantly contributed in propelling the significance and implications within a membership and non-membership scenario.

Through their pronouncements, these business organisations have helped all and sundry, in no small measure, to distinguish facts from fiction, along with that of distinguishing the real choices from purely utopian dreams. This, we must all acknowledge, has been no mean feat within an environment which has been highly dominated by strong bouts of distorted facts, frequently leading to outright misinformation.

In spite of the highly nebulous climate, all these business organisations have clearly maintained a strategically focused, well-placed and proactive approach in their respective fields.

Our business organisations have risen to the occasion and, by doing so, they have done a great service to this country. Through the timely delivery of their visionary guidance, they have lived up to their responsibilities and general expectations. Beyond doubt, the voice of business has now been heard.