Self-employed encouragedto seek EU partners

The Parliamentary Secretariat for the self-employed has vowed it will do its utmost to enable 300 businessmen to take part in EU programmes by the end of the year.

Addressing business organisations and consultants on EU programmes, Parliamentary Secretary Edwin Vassallo said yesterday that enough programmes which could lead to the participation of 150 businessmen have already been tapped.

Businessmen should make the most out of EU membership, by expanding their commercial activity within the EU, he said.

The secretariat, he said, would cut through the bureaucracy linked to the take-up of EU programmes by bringing businessmen in contact with their European counterparts. Businessmen had to help the country embark on a new chapter.

"Let's use your energy to invade the EU," Mr Vassallo remarked.

The secretariat would act as the middleman between consultants and the commercial sector. Businessmen would sell the secretariat their proposal, the secretariat would research it and search for suitable partners.

George Schembri from the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association said the initiative was very positive. He invited the EU programme consultants to attend seminars organised by his organisation and share ideas.

GRTU director general Vince Farrugia said Malta's economy had reached the end of the road and EU membership provided an opportunity to compete in a bigger market.