The fact that the sector of financial services in Malta grew throughout the last months notwithstanding the global economic downturn is very significant, Roberta Metsola Tedesco Triccas said earlier on today.

Speaking at a press conference she gave in front of HSBC bank and Price Waterhouse Coopers in Qormi, she said that jobs in this sector increased to 7,000, and are forecast to grow further in the coming years.

Dr Metsola Tedesco Triccas said that the success being experienced by the financial services sector was a result of the PN legislations that always believed in the sector's potential. This, she said, together with investments in infrastructure and the creation of a high-level regulatory system, helped in such a way that Malta established itself as a regional financial centre.

Dr Metsola Tedesco Triccas complimented the companies that exploited the benefits such as a proper legal system, and a number of agreements that removed double taxation, which came as a result of EU membership.

She also said that a report by the City of London shows that Malta is the only European centre, and one of five around the world, that is expected to become more important. She commented about the fact that had the PL had its way about EU membership, Malta wouldn't be enjoying such growth in the financial services sector.

Dr Metsola Tedesco Triccas concluded by saying that if she is elected to the European Parliament, she's going to be committed to creating more jobs and ensuring that the country continues to exploit the benefits deriving from EU membership so as to encourage foreign investment.