Government stresses commitment towards Lisbon goals

The government yesterday expressed satisfaction at the European Commission's assessment of its work programme (NRP) to reach the Lisbon goals and reiterated its commitment to translate such plans into action.

Competitiveness and Communication Minister Censu Galea, who is responsible for the monitoring and implementation of the plan, described the Commission's assessment as positive. He said the Commission acknowledged the government's analysis of Malta's main challenges and described its programme as ambitious.

In its assessment, the EU described as strengths, the emphasis in Malta's NRP on education and environmental sustainability. On the other hand, the Commission said that it would have preferred further attention being given to strengthening competition, improving the quality of the regulatory system and reducing the tax burden on labour.

Mr Galea said Malta attaches great importance to securing its increased competitiveness. However, the island's competitive edge does not lie solely in the development of its hard infrastructure but significantly in the development of its human resources.

"The government agrees that we need to lay as much emphasis as possible on competition issues and the quality of our regulatory system. Various measures mentioned in the NRP are already included in this year's budget programme, including further liberalisation in various sectors, including port reform which is already underway."

Mr Galea said the government is also committed to continue to build an environment which further attracts investment and stimulates entrepreneurship.

"A Better Regulation Unit has been set up within the Office of the Prime Minister and work is already underway in rationalising, consolidating and removing regulations apart from having a critical look at unnecessary bureaucracy. This is one of a set of measures aimed at achieving a more attractive business environment."

Referring to the Commission's call for a reduction in the tax burden on labour in order to render work more attractive, Mr Galea emphasised that the NRP already includes various measures aimed at attracting more women to the workforce.

He said the Commission acknowledged that Malta's NRP is the result of very substantial public consultation and that is the way the government intends to implement the reforms mentioned.

"The Maltese government is proud to have already approved a formal structure to oversee the NRP's implementation and therefore, the holistic vision expressed can be delivered more appropriately in this manner while securing the necessary linkages between the various measures proposed. This is a reflection of Malta's commitment towards the new partnership for growth and jobs."

Last year the government appointed a special Cabinet Committee responsible to oversee the implementation of Malta's National Reform Programme. The first phase is expected to be implemented by the end of 2008.