Maltese business delegation participates in special EP session

A strong Maltese business delegation led by the president of the Chamber of Commerce Tancred Tabone yesterday took part in the first edition of the European Parliament of Enterprises (EPE) in Brussels which brought together business representatives from all over the EU to debate important current issues particularly the financial crisis and future economic prospects.

Over 750 entrepreneurs of all sizes and sectors of business, from 45 European countries took part in the event.

Through their debates, which they even took a vote upon, EPE members illustrated that the shockwaves from the crisis in the financial markets are beginning to spread across the business community.

In fact, 66 per cent of participants said they will be obliged to review their investment plans and half of them are, even at such an early stage, encountering tighter credit conditions. Apart from the financial situation, entrepreneurs debated some of the key issues facing Europe today, including international trade, climate change and demographic shifts.

This special session of the European Parliament was inaugurated by the president of the EP Hans-Gert Pottering and the president of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso.

Malta's delegation also included Stefano Mallia, senior vice-president of the chamber, Omar Cutajar from the Malta Business Bureau and Sonny Portelli, chairman of Go.