The Prime Minister yesterday met officials from the Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise to listen to their suggestions at a time when the PN is drawing up its electoral programme.

Dr Gonzi said the country was on the eve of an important event in its democratic life.

"We are in the last phase of this legislature and the PN, at present in the process of preparing its electoral manifesto, wants to continue with the characteristic past trend of engaging in dialogue, this time with the social partners to hear comments and suggestions before formulating and formalising policies for the next five years," he said.

Chamber president Tancred Tabone outlined the chamber's proposals which, he said, were designed to ensure an efficient commercial and economic environment.

The chamber hoped the electoral campaign would be short and that it would not hinder the country's economic momentum.

The chamber was satisfied with the way public finances were placed on a sound footing in recent years, Mr Tabone said.

There was no doubt that the commercial sector was unable to shoulder more taxation. The chamber wished that discussions on how the taxation system could be made more effective would take place during the next legislature between the social partners.

The chamber favoured a refinement of the tax bands in order to strengthen the people's purchasing power.

Furthermore, the chamber expected the new administration to take difficult but necessary decisions on state subsidies and social services, especially in the light of waste and abuse.

The chamber also favoured rebates to those people who join private health and retirement schemes.

Mr Tabone also touched on the free movement of products particularly the abuse in that sector. He said the chamber was not against the free market but it insists that regulations and conditions apply to everyone equally to ensure fair competition.