New fair grounds permits 'still pending' one year on

The Malta Trade Fairs Corporation yesterday expressed surprise and anxiety at the fact that the necessary permits for the development of just under 100 tumuli of land between Ta' Qali and Mosta, earmarked for the new fairs centre, had not yet been issued.

A year had passed since the applications were submitted and only two were left until the lease of the grounds in Naxxar was terminated, corporation president Joseph J. Mifsud said.

The promise of sale on the land in question had expired and was renewed but time was running out, he pointed out. "Every passing hour means less time for us to be able to open the new centre on time."

Mr Mifsud appealed to the government to see to the issue of the necessary permits in order for the corporation to be able to start works on a bigger and better fairs centre as soon as possible. He also stressed the corporation's determination to invest in the construction of a fairs centre of the highest international levels.

Mr Mifsud was speaking at the launch at Hilton Malta of the 48th edition of the Malta International Trade Fair, which also marks the corporation's 50th anniversary.

He said the demand was always increasing and the international fair, which kicks off next week, is seeing the growing participation of 338 exhibitors, including 31 newcomers. Many companies were also enlarging their stands, taking not only a second but a third and fourth pavilion.

Despite the fact that car companies would not be exhibiting at the fair this year, the large void they left has been filled, Mr Mifsud said.

He felt the lack of car exhibitors would not affect the number of people attending the fair. "There has always been an increase in visitors and I believe the trend will continue this year."

Every year, the amount of exhibitors' space increases, he pointed out, adding that the corporation is aware of the importance of the 12 days of commerce - also considered the 13th month of business - and has continued to expand to meet the demands for more stands.

Among international pavilions this year are the UK, Italy, China, Libya and Russia, which has returned with a strong presence. The US will not be participating but intends to do so next year, Mr Mifsud said. Mr Mifsud said the corporation intended to focus on the foreign dimension, with particular emphasis on the Euro-Mediterranean region. A delegation from the corporation recently visited Tunisia for discussions with Tunisian entities in the hope of having a stronger international presence in fairs, while foreign delegations would be attending the Malta International Fair next week.

Celebrations for the 50th anniversary will include a host of cultural events spread throughout the year and sponsored by HSBC, also the main sponsor of the 48th edition. Highlights included a concert in September by cellist Julian Lloyd Weber and the climax in November with Andrew Lloyd Weber's Requiem at St John's Co-Cathedral, in Valletta.

The international fair is being held at the trade fair grounds in Naxxar from next Thursday to July 10. It is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. and on Fridays to Sundays (and on the public holiday) from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

A free park-and-ride scheme is being organised, with a continuous shuttle service from MCAST, at Targa Gap, Mosta, and the Furtu Selvatico Technical School, in Naxxar. Parking in the school grounds includes security and floodlighting, Mr Mifsud said, appealing to the public to use the service.