Malta's consuls overseas are being requested to propose at least one project a year aimed at bringing investment to Malta and exploring opportunities.
Addressing the consuls at Smart City this morning, where they gathered for their biennial conference, Foreign Minister George Vella said the advancement of Malta’s economic and cultural interests overseas was topmost of the Government's agenda.
"This Government is committed to ensuring that we utilise our extensive diplomatic reach to the maximum of its potential. We are however realistic and have our feet firmly on the ground. We cannot wait for investment to come to our shores.
"Now, like never before we need to extend our reach and use all the means at our disposal in order to continue to attract high quality foreign direct investment to our islands. This is our focus and this will be the main focus of my Ministry during this legislature."
Dr Vella told the consults the government looked at them to enhance Malta's reputation in several areas, including the financial services, maritime and aviation sectors.
“We have successfully retained our position as one of the largest maritime flags in the world... We will not succumb to being a flag of convenience but a serious flag which will continue to contribute to the highest industry standards.
"This Government is fully committed to further enhancing it and continue to develop the services connected to our maritime industry...
"The same will be done with aviation. Plans are fully on their way to create a national civil aviation authority which will ensure a comprehensive national aviation policy."
Dr Vella said the Government wanted to encourage as many students as possible to come to Malta to pursue their studies - not only in the English language but also at higher educational institutions.
"This will not only give Malta access to budding experts in the future but also ensure an ever growing international feel to our institutions."
Consuls should engage more with the ministry and agencies they met to look at all possibilities of networking and creating opportunities for investment and promotion.
"My ministry will be calling upon youto propose at least one project a year aimed at bringing investment to Malta and exploring opportunities… Malta cannot afford to be complacent – we want to be proactive and engage our networks and partners overseas. This is the mission of my ministry and to which I will be giving my full attention," he said.