PM stresses unity as prerequisite to overcome challenges ahead

Malta's economy is doing well but this should not be taken for granted as there are many challenges ahead that can only be overcome by working together as a nation, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi told a national conference organised by the Nationalist Party to mark Workers' Day.

He invited the opposition to participate in next year's conference, aimed at generating a national debate on work, adding that the subject should not be politicised.

The motto Together Everything Is Possible, the theme of the conference, was not a mere election campaign slogan, he said. It was time to throw out old partisan practices and work together with the opposition, in the interest of the country.

Dr Gonzi concluded the conference during which 14 speakers, representing various sectors of employment, gave their contribution.

He cautioned that although Malta's economy was doing well there were many challenges ahead, such as the rising price of oil and wheat that was being felt all over the world.

Dr Gonzi outlined four main challenges that had to be faced in order to secure the country's success over the next five years.

First, he said, the country's economic situation had to be maintained and this meant that everyone had to play one's part to make this possible.

It was also important to keep investing in the capabilities of workers, continue making use of opportunities offered by the EU and strengthen social dialogue.

Over the past days the idea of having a social pact had re-emerged. "I believe we need a pact for sustainable development," he said. This pact, he elaborated, would need to find a balance between safeguarding the environment and incentivising development.

He noted that May 1 this year was also the fourth anniversary of Malta's EU accession, which had led to better employment and work conditions.

Workers' Day should not be merely marked with street parties but it was important that, on this day, people gathered to discuss the country's strengths and weaknesses and gauge the current situation - as the 14 speakers had done.

The president of the Gozo Business Chamber, Joe Grech, said that the economic situation in Gozo was not as encouraging as that prevailing in Malta. There was need to improve on incentives for Gozo in various areas, he insisted.

David Thake, the chairman of Vanilla Telecoms Limited, touched on the progress in the IT industry and the potential threat that SmartCity could pose in absorbing the work force from small companies.

Grace Grima, the Director General of Education, stressed on the important role of education in generating a competent work force and also pointed out the benefits of life-long learning.

The director general of the Malta Employers' Association, Joe Farrugia, commented on the importance of health and safety and ethics at work.

Mark Azzopardi, from Malta Enterprise, said he was glad to see that the environment was generating significant employment and the EU's objectives would increase the importance and relevance of employment in this sector.

Claire Xuereb, the general manager of The Palace Hotel, stressed that the tourism sector depended on workers and people more than any other and their training and preparation was thus crucial in promoting Malta's image.