Marketing opportunity during recession

The relatively positive performance of the economy during the recession could be used to market the country as an important investment destination, the president of the Malta Employers' Association has suggested.

Speaking at the association's annual general meeting, Pierre Fava said the recession was a "phenomenon that is testing all economies" and its outcome would shape each country's image.

He said there was a need for social partners to plan for the post-recession scenario.

"Malta stands to emerge from this experience as a stable, diversified economy, which is an attractive and trustworthy destination for foreign direct investment, whether it is in financial services, manufacturing or information technology".

He also referred to the need for a national human resource strategy but said he was pleased with the schemes announced by the Employment and Training Corporation last week, which provide substantial incentives for employers to "engage disadvantaged groups and to develop their staff at all levels of skills".

"Indeed, such schemes are among the main reasons why Malta stands to benefit from EU membership.

Education and labour mobility - both occupational and industrial - will define the extent of Malta's economic success in the coming years," said Mr Fava.