Reform plan's vision 'limited'

The Malta Business Bureau (MBB) has welcomed the European Commission's assessment of Malta's National Reform Programme (NRP) on the EU's strategy for growth and job creation in line with the Lisbon Agenda goals.

The bureau said it agreed with the Commission's conclusions especially on the need to boost Malta's competitiveness.

The MBB, which represents the Malta Federation of Industry, the Malta Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise and Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, said that while the consultation process on the programme during the summer was rather extensive, there was only limited strategic vision encompassing all policy areas.

Commenting on the Commission's view that the Malta NRP emphasises the need to improve human capital and environmental sustainability, the MBB said it would not like to see any efforts to strengthen the social or environmental pillars done at the cost of the economic pillar.

"With very low economic growth rates being experienced, it is important to have a prioritisation of initiatives that aim to enhance the economic pillar, particularly initiatives in manufacturing and tourism."

The MBB said it will be focusing a lot of its efforts on the national programme's objectives during the early part of this year and beyond.

It could be counted on as a pro-active partner of the other social partners to enhance competitiveness and to see through a successful implementation of the proposed measures over the coming years.

The MBB will hold a national conference next week to discuss the programme and the Commission's analysis of it.