Malta Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise becomes formal member of Eurochambres

Louis Apap-Bologna, president of the Malta Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise, recently returned from Vienna where he signed the Declaration of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the current and acceding EU member states and of Eurochambres.

This led to all national chambers of commerce in the new EU member states to become full members of Eurochambres. The Malta Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise had been involved in the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry since October 5, 1989, when its application for associate membership was unanimously approved at the 66th general assembly held in Nicosia.

To mark this historical event, a reception was held at the Belvedere Castle in Vienna under the auspices of Mr Christoph Leitl, president of Eurochambres and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber.

The formal reception was followed by a workshop where the following topics were discussed; joint activities on the integration of new EU members; social dialogue; and the implementation of transitional periods for the free movement of services and workers.

During his contribution, Mr Apap-Bologna outlined the implications of EU membership for Malta. He stated that opportunities for business and education, among other areas, are soon to expand immeasurably for members of the Malta Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise.

The "domestic" market will no longer be comprised of 400,000 consumers but 450 million. Local businesses would be able to exploit public procurement opportunities related to 25 national governments and countless regional governments while becoming eligible for European funding for various projects and innovation.

Likewise, Maltese people, particularly those seeking to further their knowledge, shall be given equal opportunities to pursue their studies and training in European universities and vocational training centres. He stated that, at this stage, the chamber sought to ensure that the benefits strongly outweigh certain costs which were also expected.

With regard to free movement of labour, the chamber president explained that Malta negotiated an important arrangement that safeguards against any significant labour market distortions.

Contrary to the pessimistic view, Mr Apap-Bologna opined that Malta might even witness an outflow rather than an inflow of workers. He stated that a "brain drain" could prove quite detrimental to our economy in that it would not be easy to replace the resources lost in a timely manner.

On the issue of social dialogue at the national level, Mr Apap-Bologna outlined the developments leading to what the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) has become today - an entity recognised by the laws of Malta, enjoying financial autonomy and falling under the responsibility of the Prime Minister.

He stated that the chamber has been represented since the council's inception around a decade and a half ago. The chamber has since taken its participation in social dialogue with utmost importance, nominating its President to represent it at this forum year after year.

Mr Apap-Bologna stated his belief that it was through such a medium that all three social partners can meet to discuss matters related to national economic policy on behalf of their members.

The event came to a close with the signing of the Vienna Declaration of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the current and acceding EU member states and of Eurochambres by Mr Apap-Bologna and his fellow chamber presidents. Mr Walter Balzan, Malta's Ambassador to Austria, was also present at the signing and the reception.