Recently, President Martin Galea led an FOI delegation of Council Officers at a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Dr. Lawrence Gonzi.

The importance of the Manufacturing industry was given high priority throughout the meeting with FOI officials stressing that although this industry was often looked at as a declining segment, statistics disproved this with approximately 20% of GDP directly contributed by this industry, which also generates ancillary value-added activities in various areas. FOI President highlighted the fact that Malta-based industry has undergone a number of shocks in recent years including the dismantling of import levies for those catering for the domestic market.

With reference to the Industrial Strategy document commissioned by Government last year, Mr.Galea reconfirmed the Federation’s commitment to the implementation of this strategy’s recommendations and urged Government to ensure that the document is translated into an action plan in the short term.

Another issue discussed during the meeting was the situation at the ports and the overdue reform in that sector. Both sides agreed that this situation needs to be unblocked and that all the parties have a responsibility to ensure that our competitiveness is not jeopardised by the excessively high port charges.

Also on the agenda discussed at this meeting were the consultation process for the new MCESD chairman, with FOI officials highlighting the need for the strengthening the technical support granted to constituted bodies; the ongoing talks between the FOI and CoCE in view of a possible merger; and the importance of re-skilling of the existing workfoce.

Accompanying the FOI President at this meeting were FOI Director General Wilfred Kenely, Deputy President Helga Ellul and Vice Presidents Ian Mizzi and Anton Borg.

Another issue discussed during the meeting was the situation at the ports and the overdue reform in that sector. Both sides agreed that this situation needs to be unblocked and that all the parties have a responsibility to ensure that our competitiveness is not jeopardised by the excessively high port charges.

Also on the agenda discussed at this meeting were the consultation process for the new MCESD chairman, with FOI officials highlighting the need for the strengthening the technical support granted to constituted bodies; the ongoing talks between the FOI and CoCE in view of a possible merger; and the importance of re-skilling of the existing workfoce.

Accompanying the FOI President at this meeting were FOI Director General Wilfred Kenely, Deputy President Helga Ellul and Vice Presidents Ian Mizzi and Anton Borg.

Another issue discussed during the meeting was the situation at the ports and the overdue reform in that sector. Both sides agreed that this situation needs to be unblocked and that all the parties have a responsibility to ensure that our competitiveness is not jeopardised by the excessively high port charges.

Also on the agenda discussed at this meeting were the consultation process for the new MCESD chairman, with FOI officials highlighting the need for the strengthening the technical support granted to constituted bodies; the ongoing talks between the FOI and CoCE in view of a possible merger; and the importance of re-skilling of the existing workfoce.

Accompanying the FOI President at this meeting were FOI Director General Wilfred Kenely, Deputy President Helga Ellul and Vice Presidents Ian Mizzi and Anton Borg.