As a regular visitor to Malta, I have watched its growth and development with interest. It was very exciting to read (March 16) that the old Malta shipbuilding premises are destined to be turned into a maritime hub.

It is interesting to see that Malta is linking its own power infrastructure with that of the rest of Europe through the power interconnector to Italy.

I also read about the new developments at Malta Freeport in the Times of Malta classified section and noticed the improved infrastructure at Malta International Airport the other day, when I flew in from the UK.

All of these facilities form a vital component of Malta’s critical national infrastructure. They are also part of the wider EU’s infrastructure and are interdependent. Understanding of critical infrastructure, which is the backbone of any nation’s economy, security and health, is still in its infancy among the public in Europe.

We are used to the power we use in our homes, the water we drink, the transportation that moves us and the communication systems we rely on to stay in touch with friends and family and for business.

Like many European countries, Malta relies on its ports, airport and transmodal hubs to generate work and bring in and export goods to improve its economy. All are part of a critical national infrastructure. Few of us perhaps understand yet the interconnection, vulnerabilities and the consequences if one or all of these infrastructures is disrupted seriously.

Next week, Malta hosts complementary super yacht and business jet conferences. I understand that experts in critical infrastructure management and training will be present.

This is a golden opportunity perhaps to find out more about the lessons learned from threats to critical infrastructure and what is being done to reduce the threats in other parts of the world.