There is no two ways about it – the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) will be the largest trade and investment agreement ever, which studies estimate, will result in some €119 billion of additional growth per annum for the European economy.

If done correctly, the economic benefits are substantial and in the current climate, it is not something we can afford to discard. So far there has been very little debate in Malta about TTIP and this could mean we risk missing a very important opportunity. Through my involvement in the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), I am seeing many EU member states debate TTIP very seriously with the business community and civil society taking a very proactive stance.

With this in mind, the EESC and the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry will be organising a joint event on March 9 with the aim of providing practical hands on information concerning the TTIP. The event will answer questions such as: “What is TTIP all about?”, “Is TTIP relevant to Malta?” and “Will SMEs benefit from TTIP?”

It will be aimed at businesses that are either already trading with the US or are interested in doing business with the US. Key officials from the US Trade Department and from the EU Commission who are involved in the negotiations, as well as the participation of Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanely and Christian Cardona, Minister of the Economy, Investment and Small Businesses will participate.

We will also have the practical experiences of businesses that have either invested in the US or else are an American investment in Malta.

☐ For more information e-mail johanna.calleja@maltachamber.org.mt

Stefano Mallia is vice president of Employers’ Group, EESC.