New executive secretary for MCESD

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday met Joe Montebello, the new executive secretary of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD).

MCESD chairman Sonny Portelli said Mr Montebello held managerial posts in the manufacturing industry and served on various boards and councils in the public and private sector.

Mr Montebello knew how the MCESD worked and also experienced the network among the social partners, Mr Portelli said.

Dr Gonzi spoke of the role of the MCESD in bringing together the social partners, advising the government on policy and helping it to take decisions. The success of the council depended on the effectiveness of the executive secretary.

Dr Gonzi quoted the slogan his party campaigned with during the March general election - Together Everything Is Possible - saying that more than a partisan slogan, this was now the national agenda.

In line with this policy, he said he had appointed Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said specifically responsible for public dialogue. Dr Said's role, he added, is primarily concerned with keeping a close contact with the social partners especially through dialogue with MCESD.