The public administration should adopt a “private sector mindset”, according to Opposition leader Simon Busuttil.

Speaking during a meeting with the Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises (GRTU), Dr Busuttil called for enterprise to truly be considered the prime economic mover, with the government’s role limited to light regulation and ensuring fairness.

During the meeting, the PN presented a policy document – An Economy for the People – laying out a vision for the economy “in which hard work pays and which keeps sustainability as a core value”.

Dr Busuttil said the document was built around five key areas: developing a robust economic growth engine, adopting the environment as a major economic differentiator, prioritising equity and human dignity, embracing digital engagement and integrating Gozo into the mainstream.

GRTU president Paul Abela, discussing the challenges facing SMEs, highlighted bureaucracy as an increasing problem, arguing that the civil service failed to understand the challenges and uncertainties faced by self-employed individuals.

He stressed that access to finance remained a major problem for small businesses, highlighting the urgency of the proposed Malta Development Bank, which would offer financing to high-risk projects that commercial banks may not be willing to back.

Mr Abela also pointed to problems faced by Maltese businesses seeking to compete online, where rates for goods to be sent abroad were often twice as high as the rates for goods sent to Malta. He said discussions were underway with MaltaPost to address the situation.

He also renewed the GRTU's appeal for electricity prices to be reduced by 30%.