Projects Malta is the tool that will create new opportunities, instil economic growth and ensure the delivery of services in an efficient, transparent and accountable manner, according to Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi.
Projects Malta is an entity created to act as a coordinator between the private sector and the various ministries that would be involved in any particular project involving the public and private sector.
Addressing a conference on public private partnerships organised by the Chamber of Commerce, Dr Mizzi said government was willing to work with the private sector on new projects and the delivery of services currently served by government.
“This government believes in the private sector and its ability to deliver at a faster pace and with more expertise than possibly held by government. The private sector is prepared to take risks and has the capacity to create jobs,” Dr Mizzi said.
He added the government was willing to hear ideas from the private sector on a broad range of subjects. Currently, some six projects are already being discussed. He referred to the energy sector as an example of success.
“Government should not be competing with the private sector and should leave the space for the private sector to deliver, offering the best prices and best services to citizens,” Dr Mizzi said.
He said the government believed the private sector can deliver at a faster pace and instil a discipline in the provision of services. “We are ready to explore different options. We are prepared to work with everyone,” Dr Mizzi said.
He said public private partnerships can lead to increased investment as well as increased accountability in the country. Such projects could deliver more value for money and also contributing to economic and social development.
He explained that risk allocation would be spread fairly between the government and the public sector.
“The country should not spend years deliberating on a project. Bureaucracy is burdensome. In this day and age it is unacceptable,” Dr Mizzi said.
Adrian Said, chairman of Projects Malta, said the new entity was composed of people with experience in public and private sectors. “Our aim is to explore how we can create more synergies in a small country. Our size should be an advantage,” Mr Said said.
He stressed Projects Malta would adopt “an open door policy”. Every project would be considered. Projects can range from infrastructural work to health services to the protection of cultural heritage.
Addressing conference participants for a second time when introducing the second phase of the conference, Dr Mizzi listed a number of projects already being discussed including the setting up of Trade Malta – a joint initiative with the Chamber of Commerce.
The aim of Trade Malta is to help local businesses better exploit the international market. The service is currently being provided by Malta Enterprise but it will be passed on to the Chamber, working in collaboration with the economy ministry and the energy ministry.
It will offer assistance to local businesses on how to develop their businesses abroad, offering technical and marketing support among other things.
He listed a number of other initiatives in the pipeline, including tourism projects. The government is currently in discussion with the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association in this regard.
The Royal Malta Yacht Club is also in discussions with government to promote sailing and, and through the sport, targeting quality tourism.
Public private partnerships are also in the pipeline in relation to infrastructure projects, including the cleansing and upgrading of roads. Another project relates to transport, and improving connectivity between the Three Cities and Sliema.
The regeneration of dilapidated sites around the country is also being considered for private public partnerships.
“There will be different, relevant ministries involved in each project. But we will take a back seat. We will create the right environment but you will own the project you will drive it,” Dr Mizzi said, adding the government will also have to ensure the funds are available for the projects to be successful.
David Curmi, chairman of the Chamber, said only 13 per cent of small to medium sized enterprises in Europe are managing to reach international market.
“This shows just how difficult it is for local businesses. Trade Malta will guide exporters, new and experienced,” Mr Curmi said.
Closing the conference, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat referred to the European Commission’s assessment of Malta in its winter economic forecast, which predicted dynamic growth and low unemployment ahead.
Dr Muscat said Malta made a historical achievement with the highest rate of employment ever at 63.5 per cent. Unemployment was at its lowest and the average wage had increased by 2.1 per cent last year.
“This is not enough. We want to exceed expectations and I believe we can,” the Prime Minister said.
He said public private partnerships were the way forward. “We will open new horizons… but if we want to succeed we have to cut the chains of bureaucracy and create new mindsets,” Dr Muscat said.