A country that, in under 10 years, changed a record of negative performances into a success story must be an example of perseverance. In less then a decade, the country managed to make good use of the opportunities presented to it and, over the last three years, since becoming a member of the European Union, succeeded in having one success story after another.

The measures taken by the present Administration led to a flow of opportunities. This is merit to the reforms in the educational system and the new opportunities presented to local companies to seek new markets.

For companies to succeed in the competitive environment prevalent in the world market they require a strong backbone. Well-trained skilled workers and an education system that provides the latest and most up-to-date knowledge available must form this backbone.

During my constituency week activities, I had the opportunity to visit yet another successful Maltese company. The company, 6pm, increased its employees from six to over 100 in 10 years. This is another example that proves that the Maltese are highly skilled and we can take on any competitor in our particular markets.

6pm has become one of Malta's leading IT companies with revenues in excess of £6 million. The company has been trading for 11 years now. With offices in Malta and the UK, it offers IT services to a number of international clients such as Cap Gemini, SunGard Vivista, Fujitsu, Verizon (US), the UK local government, Toyota GB and BT.

Thanks to EU membership, companies such as 6pm were enabled to grow. This particular company offers its services to large and renowned companies away from our shores.

With Malta's accession to the European Union new opportunities and advantages were presented to companies such as 6pm. Among these advantages one must mention the reduction of expenses to conduct business. Thanks to the EU, the opportunities for businesses are enormous.

Nowadays, EU laws empower companies to expand while funding is granted especially in the areas of research and development. To remain competitive one must continue exploring new grounds and new ways to carry out the business. Better quality products are very important to expand and penetrate new markets. Agreements the EU has with third countries also help these companies penetrate non-EU markets.

The vision of having a workforce that is knowledge based is generating a positive effect in our country. This, together with political stability, is improving our status as a nation that is worth investing in.

With modern technologies, we can reach markets that where unreachable until some time ago. Thanks to the investment carried out by the Nationalist government in the IT sector and EU membership, Maltese businesses have the facilities to provide their service on a global scale.

Once again, the Nationalist Party is renewing the successes of the past and of the present by projecting an even more prosperous future. A future built on vision that is, in turn, based on consultation and dialogue with the public. A vision that plans to create further successes and provide quality employment for the Maltese.

We definitely have come a long way since the commencement of our European adventure three years ago. The momentous decisions taken by the government led by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi have again proved to be the best in the interest of our country, our children and ourselves. The determination shown by Nationalist administrations to put Malta and its people among the finest has once again yielded fruit.

Since joining the European Union our country made big leaps forward. When in January we will adopt our new currency we will be moving further ahead towards European integration and economic growth.

When one considers that, in under 10 years, Malta has been transformed from an isolated country into one that is being recognised for its economic achievements and the prosperous future ahead of us, that must be a good result indeed.

Let us not forget that Alfred Sant had frozen our EU application. Thanks to the choice we made three years ago, we are changing our country to the better and creating opportunities for all. Today, companies are finding it easier to expand and grow and this creates more opportunities for our workforce.

A nation must renew itself to succeed. The Nationalist Party not only renewed itself but also regenerated a country. The Nationalist Party in government never looked back and achieved the objectives it set for itself when entrusted with the government of this country.

Malta's adoption of the euro on January 1, 2008 confirms this success. It is another step that will increase our competitiveness in international markets while at the same time solidifies our economic growth. This growth and success storyline may be assured continuity only if the electorate gives the mandate and says yes to our country's prosperity. Let's not risk; only the Nationalist Party in government can guarantee a prosperous future!

Mr Casa is a Nationalist member of the European Parliament.

david.casa@europarl.europa.eu, www.davidcasa.eu