AMCC Newslletter, Volume 1, Issue 3, 26-4-2013

A.M.C.C E Newsletter: Vol 1, Issue 3, 26TH APRIL 2013. Edited by Charles Hili & Antonio Pantalone

Malta: A Gateway to North Africa

Rapidly developing into a center of excellence and a regional hub between the European and African continents,

Malta offers the ideal environment for prospective investors wishing to set up within a stable, business-friendly location and reach out to nearby markets from a strategic position. Its proximity to North Africa, to which it is connected with reliable air and sea connections, makes Malta the ideal base in the European Union to tap into the new opportunities that markets in this region are offering following the Arab Spring. The support provided particularly during the crisis in Libya, when Malta was used as a base for humanitarian assistance and evacuations from the North African country, has enabled it to strengthen its relationship with the people in these countries. Malta has also been active on a commercial level, with various MOUs being negotiated and signed by Malta Enterprise and its investment and trade promotion counterparts in North African countries establishing frameworks for increased cooperation. Besides offering on the ground assistance through its regional office in Tripoli, Libya, Malta Enterprise also supports companies based in Malta to expand into the North African markets through participation in international expos as well as the organisation of business delegations. Events in Algeria, Libya and Tunisia have already been held, with more being planned for the coming months.

AMCC AGM 2013

On April 17, 2013, the AMCC held the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The reports from the outgoing board are that the AMCC is in the best financial state since its foundation. A variety of topics were discussed including the intention to organise a trade mission to Malta for 2014. The Trade Mission was reported in the last newsletter as hapenning in 2013, however, 2014 Jean-Claude Uhlenhaut of Malta Enterprise was in attendance and oversaw the proceedings of the new board election. Jean-Claude also discussed an initiative of Malta Enterprise to create a multiplier effect by incentivising members to recruit businesses. He will talk in more detail about this at the next bi-monthly meeting. Congratulations to newly elected board members! They are: President – Mr Sydney Borg; Vice President – Mr Joe Borg; Treasurer – Mr Steve Vassallo; Secretary- Mrs Joselle Attieh; Board Members – Mr Charles Hili, Mr Wayne Schembri, Ms Lauren Borg, Mr Paul Sant, Mr Glenn Fisher, Mr Victor Gauci, Mr George Bongiovanni, (representing New Zealand).

MALTA VS ITALY IN 2014 WORLD CUP QUALIFIER

Mario Balotelli continued his hot streak in front of goal with a brace to fire Italy to victory over Malta in World Cup qualifying Group B.Gianluigi Buffon did have to deny Malta’s Michael Mifsud from the spot, though, before Balotelli found his second goal at the end of a devastating team move just before the break. Italy did enough against a lackluster Malta side to pull three points clear of Bulgaria, who reached ten points with a 1-1 draw in Denmark. When Andre Schembri caught Claudio Marchisio cold in midfield, all Buffon could do was smother at the Maltese’s feet and bring the player down. The Juventus keeper made amends, though, guessing right to parry Mifsud’s penalty. It was a frustrating moment for Mifsud and he would have other moments later as his dipping drive found the crossbar. Italy turned the screw for the rest of the half and, despite Jonathan Caruana missing from six yards; it was a one-sided run to the interval. Malta needed a smart save from Haber from Emanuele Giaccherini to keep the score line to two when play resumed, with Andrea Barzagli heading wide from the resulting corner. The Juve defender then denied Mifsud who came sniffing from 12 yards on the counter-attack. (Source: fifa.com)

MEDIA RELEASE –  01/2013

The Malta High Commission wishes to inform the general public and particularly the Maltese community in Australia that following a trial period spread over the last two months, SBS has started to download the Malta News programme directly.

This means that we have finally re-established the direct connection between PBS in Malta and SBS in Australia.

During a rather protracted interim period, the Malta High Commission in Canberra had contracted privately the download of the programme on a weekly basis and has it delivered to SBS.

The Malta High Commission is satisfied that the current process delivers a good, fast and timely service of the weekly programme with the latest news.

The Malta High Commission is very grateful to the Maltese community for its patience and forbearance during a period of trial and change and to the management at SBS and PBS. It is particularly thankful to Mr Syd Borg of PCS Australia and Mr Andrew Buckwell from PBS Malta for believing in the project and painstakingly going out of their way at odd hours to help us take those first steps, to Video 8 and to Fats Digital for their subsequent support. The Malta High Commission encourages the Maltese community to view the Malta News programme on SBS One on Sundays morning, repeated on SBS Two, to ensure that its listenership levels remain consistent and high. The Malta News programme can now be seen on demand on the SBS website http://www.sbs.com.au/maltese .

MALTA ELECTS NEW PRIME MINISTER

Malta’s opposition Labor party has won a general election for the first time in more than 15 years, with party leader Joseph Muscatclaiming a “landslide victory” in the euro zone’s smallest member. The tiny island state is a rare example of a euro zone state with low unemployment, respectable economic growth and solid public finances. The unemployment rate is 6.0 per cent and, according to the latest estimates, the country clocked 1.5 per cent economic growth last year. Muscat has run a slick US-style campaign calling for change, accusing his rival of failing to ensure stability by ruling with a one-seat majority. Originally an opponent to Malta joining the European Union, Muscat has since changed his views and is a former member of the European Parliament. (Source: news.com.au) Muscat, who was hosted by the AMCC on his visit to Australia, has proven popular with Maltese-Australians. The AMCC would like to congratulate the new Prime Minister on his historic result and look forward to fostering further relationships between the two countries.

Media Release 06-2013

New Cabinet Announced

The Malta High Commission wishes to inform the public and the Maltese community in Australia and New Zealand in particular, of a statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister of Malta has announced the appointment of the new cabinet and their portfolios.

Ministers and their Portfolios are as follows:

Office of the Prime Minister
Prime Minister: Dr Joseph Muscat
Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Simplification of Administrative Processes: Dr Michael Farrugia

Cabinet Office
Internal Audit and Investigations
Public Administration
Strategic Policy Coordination
Management Efficiency Unit
Information
Planning, Policy and Priorities Coordination
Malta Environment and Planning Authority
Government Printing Press
Lands
Land Registry
Joint Office

Ministry for European Affairs and Implementation of the Electoral Manifesto
Deputy Prime Minister: Mr Louis Grech
Parliamentary Secretary for the EU Presidency 2017 and EU Funds: Dr Ian Borg

Relations with the European Union
EU Internal Coordination
EU Presidency 2017
EU Funds and Programmes

Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Minister: Dr George Vella

Relations with Foreign and Commonwealth Countries
Relations with International Organisations and Institutions
International Economic Relations
Maltese Communities Abroad

Ministry for Tourism
Minister: Mr Karmenu Vella
Parliamentary Secretary for Culture and Local Government: Dr Jose’ A Herrera

Tourism
Tourism Studies
Cultural Heritage
Restoration
External Transport
Airport
National Library