‘Three letters of intent on medicinal marijuana, three more almost concluded’

Malta Enterprise has already signed three letters of intent with big companies who are interested in opening manufacturing facilities of medicinal marijuana products in Malta. Another three are in an advanced stage of negotiations.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat was speaking in a short phone intervention on Radio One yesterday.

There are other companies who are interested and approaching the government, he added.

Once the relevant bill becomes law, Malta will be among the foremost in Europe and in the world in this regard, the prime minister added.

He looked back at the past week and singled out the opening of the Crane Currency facility. Dr Muscat reminded listeners that some time ago, De La Rue were about to sack many employees and also close down. When government brought in Crane Currency, DLR changed their mind and not only stayed here but also increased the number of employees.

So now Malta had two companies - DLR and Crane - working in the same line of work but still enough employees have been found for the two.

Next Dr Muscat insisted on the need for balance in facing up to issues. He focused on the issue regarding fields in Zejtun being taken over to provide factories. These fields were always earmarked to become factories and the land in question belongs to the government. But a balance must be found.

With regards to the issue with doctors, Dr Muscat said more negotiations will take place today and on the following days. The talks on the government side are being led by Minister Chris Fearne, who, he said, enjoys all his trust.

Dr Muscat encouraged all to stop looking at the past and to focus on the future. Agreement will lead to the investment of €200 million into the three hospitals.