This year’s conference tackles the report on competitiveness covering 2020.

Mr James Pearsall, chairperson of the National Productivity Board spoke about the importance of the report – a report assigned to MCESD by means of a legal notice.

He thanked former Minister of Finance Prof Edward Scicluna who supported the report and also through the support shown from the Economic Policy Division along with the Central Bank of Malta.

He expressed his appreciation towards the board members specifically his predecessor chairperson, who, through his constructive contribution, board members managed to give their full potential, amid the Covid restrictions, to enable the specialist consultants in their endeavour to deliver to the European Commission a high level technical report that shows how Malta is fairing, while  looking towards a Sustainable Development Strategy.

He also thanked the three consultants namely Dr Philip von Brockdorf, Dr Stephanie Fabri, and Dr Ian Cassar.

He said Malta has been praised by the National Productivity Boards and the Economic Committee. Malta is one of 14 countries in the EU particpating in this important assignment.

Minister for Finance Clyde Caruana, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Carmelo Abela and Prime Minister Robert Abela closed the conference.

The Prime Minister said that he will ask Minister Abela to raise the recommendations of the report during the next Cabinet meeting.