Chamber urges businesses to request help over Libya

Following its successful call for a Task Force on the escalating situation in Libya, the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry yesterday called on the business community with interests and investments in the North African country to come forward and present their concerns.

The Malta Chamber said it is in constant touch with the Ministry for Finance, Economy and Investment and Malta Enterprise in order to pass on these concerns, while communicating its recommendations on how these concerns can be alleviated.

The Chamber said it was encouraging businesses with Libyan interests to set an appointment in order to convey their concerns through it to the authorities.

It said it will assist the companies to determine the extent of the business risks involved and the resultant effect on the national economy. The Chamber said it wished to express its appreciation to the government for its quick action in setting up the Task Force, and undertakes to support the government’s efforts and ensure better communication with the people and companies directly affected.

It also congratulated the government for its efforts in dealing with such a delicate situation to ensure that Maltese people who were in Libya were safely evacuated to Malta.

The Chamber said it also recognises the humanitarian work done by so many Maltese to extend assistance to such a large number of nationals of over 90 states who had to be evacuated from Libya.

“It has noted with satisfaction the national consensus that there is in such a difficult time for Malta and the part played by the Leader of Opposition, which helped towards this consensus and national unity,” the Chamber said.

The Chamber said it supports the call made by the government to the EU and to the international community for assistance to ensure that Malta can continue fulfilling its humanitarian role in the coming days and weeks in the light of the ever-changing situation in Libya “and reassures the government of its readiness to encourage in every way it can through its members to provide such humanitarian aid”.

The Chamber also expressed its thanks and appreciation towards Air Malta, Malta International Airport, Grimaldi Lines, Virtu Ferries, the police and the Civil Protection Department, the medical team and all those who have worked beyond their call of duty to help out during this period.

Companies requiring assist-ance may contact Kevin Borg, director general of the Chamber, on e-mail kevinj.borg@malta-chamber.org.mt to set up a meeting.