Businesses hit by the recent escalation of violence in Libya will be given breathing space under measures announced yesterday.
The government has pledged to speed up any payments due to these firms, such as VAT refunds, to ease any cash flow problems.
It will also give them an extension on the deadlines for the payment of tax and social security contributions.
Economy Minister Chris Cardona made the announcement during a special session of the Malta Council of Economic and Social Development (MCESD), which met yesterday to discuss latest developments in Libya.
The meeting was called following insistence by the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises (GRTU).
Malta Enterprise estimates that some 200 companies could have been affected by the recent escalation of violence in the oil-rich north African state.
They range from companies in the manufacturing sector and petroleum industry to those in the medical and education fields. The majority were worried the crisis would impact their future, the minister said.
He added that the government’s ultimate objective was to safeguard jobs and the interests of Maltese companies with investments in Libya.
GRTU president Paul Abela expressed satisfaction at the outcome of the meeting.
He pointed out that back in 2011, at the height of the Libyan civil war, the government had kept in touch with all social partners through regular meetings at the Prime Minister’s Office. He said it was important for Malta to re-establish business contacts in Libya as soon as the situation stabilised.
Earlier, the head of the civil service, Mario Cutajar, briefed the MCESD on the contingency plans being drawn up by the government in case of an escalation in the conflicts.
These include facilities to host up to 3,800 refugees and treat injured Libyans.
Forty-eight patients have so far been brought to Malta for treatment at Mater Dei Hospital. One of them died and seven have been discharged.
Mr Cutajar fended off criticism over the fact Malta had not ordered the evacuation of all Maltese citizens left in Libya, saying that no EU country had done so.
“Malta followed the example of a number of other EU countries who opted for assisted departures,” he said.
In all, 163 Maltese nationals left Libya following travel arrangements made by the government. Others, however, were not showing any desire to leave, he said.
Nevertheless, they were still being notified of opportunities to depart, as was the case recently when a group of workers from the Philippines were evacuated to Malta, he said.
Mr Cutajar pointed out that unlike the situation in the civil war, it was difficult to keep in touch with the Libyan government for the simple reason that the country was being administered by several factions who were fighting each other.