Economic momentum must be maintained, whilst ensuring good governance – MHRA

MHRA has presented its electoral manifesto to political parties, which builds further on what has been achieved in the past years.

Tourism remains a strong growth industry worldwide and is expected to keep growing into the foreseeable future. Malta has registered record arrivals since 2010 and is set to exceed the 2 million arrivals in 2017. However, Malta must avoid complacency and ensure that our focus remains on growing the economy. The recent political controversies related to good governance have undoubtedly hindered this momentum, however the debate should not get stuck here. MHRA strongly believes that none of the stakeholders should be talking about GAME-OVER but rather should focus their actions on how to further sustainably grow and develop our economy and hence GAME-ON, whilst ensuring that governance issues are addressed correctly to ensure economic stability.

In this light, MHRA is clear in its expectations for the next legislature and is proposing eleven macro strategic thrusts and related measures in the Electoral Manifesto as follows:

1. Set fiscal consolidation as an immediate priority; 2. Take stock of existing and planned accommodation development; 3. Pro- mote Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives; 4. Encourage investment, support innovation and pursue the regulatory reform agenda; 5. Build competitive digital capability; 6. Ensure that the transport environment supports economic growth; 7. Prioritise efforts for environmental and infrastructural improvement; 8. Increase supply of labour, skills and Indigenous participation; 9. Sustain industry resilience, productivity and quality; 10. Strongly guard our reputation as a secure destination; 11. Think global, act local.

Commenting on the publishing of the electoral manifesto, MHRA President Tony Zahra, states that MHRA urges the government elect to consider the implementation of its proposals as now we should start focusing on economic development initiatives. The economy needs more investment in both physical and human capital to upskill competencies, while at the same time we need to start improving quality and experiences on all fronts.

“Together with the other enabling factors, MHRA strongly believes that Malta’s economy should stay on course to development. The ultimate beneficiaries of all this would-be society at large. This explains why we believe that the new government elect should embrace GAMEON.”