Malta – Libya – Tunisia – Algeria – Morocco Trade Exhibition & B2B Networking Forum

Nathan Archer Rochelle Beighton The second edition of the much anticipated Malta-LibyaAlgeria-Morocco Tarde Exhiition & B2B Networking Forum themed “Bottom-Up Economy”, organised by the Malta Business Review published by MBR Publications Ltd, was a great success from start to finish. The event was well attended by over 300 delegates and 20 exhibitors, local and foreign, bringing together business leaders, politicians, MPs and entrepreneurial organisations from across the Maghreb/MENA region to partner with Maltese businesses, encouraging them to do business together. The event, hosted at the Laguna Hall, SmartCity Malta, also comprised of an open debate session, networking activities, new concept business development meetings, trade exhibition and was rounded with a sumptuous five course buffet lunch served by Delicia Caterers.

The opening address was given by the Hon Minister for Competitiveness and Digital, Maritime and Services Economy Dr. Emmanuel Mallia, who spoke about how he supports the conference’s ideology of creating jobs through economic growth: “My ministerial position involves supporting business leaders in this country to be competitive, with a projected perspective on the digital agenda, and I hope that today we will all learn more about that fundamental principle to rebuild economies through competitiveness, which we can apply to our own and unique situation and by fostering business and trade development,” stated Minister Mallia. “Competitive economies can be strong foundations to building successful countries. The name of this event, Bottom-Up, I believe reinforces this belief.”

Before concluding Dr Mallia expressed his hopes that the forum would encourage learning, development and build exciting new relationships of trade, fraternity and friendship.

One of the main highlights of the day was a spontaneous speech made by the Honourable Minister for Finance, Professor Edward Scicluna, in which he condemned the terror attacks that had occurred in Nice and expounded his views on the threat of Brexit. Prof Scicluna claimed that, “despite fear and uncertainty, the attacks and political ambiguity could be overcome; promoting education and communication to be the way forward.” He said that, “We need to react to terrorism through education. We ask students to have faith in us. We want business, jobs and peace here in Malta and occasions like this are not easy, but communication is key, it is our best weapon against the events that took place today.”

HE Ambassador of Tunisia in Malta, Zohra Landgham followed with a presentation promoting Tunisia as a good destination for trade and holiday destination due to continuous strong economic growth since 2011.

HE the Libyan Charge’ d’Affaires, Mr Elhabib M Al Amin then took to the stage and spoke about how, despite political difficulties, Libya still has hope and will recover. He said, “we are well aware Libya is a country under very difficult circum- stances after everything that occurred in 2011. But Libya will recover, and we are very happy to give business the chance to fix what politicians have exploited.”

Conference attendees had the chance to network with each other, build new contacts and foster business relationships. The event was hosted by Colin Fitz and included speeches by diplomats from the Embassies of Libya and Tunisia, with support from the Ministry of Education and Employment, the Ministry for the Economy, Investment and Small Business and the Ministry for Finance. The Forum was sponsored by Conventions Malta, Continental Cars Ltd, Malta Business Review and MBR Publications Ltd.

Delegates were treated to speeches from across the political and geographical spectrum, including internationally acclaimed Chef Jozef Oseli from Chefs Sans Frontiers, who has donated his career to training disadvantaged and handicapped young people to train and have full time jobs for themselves.

Other speakers included the Maltese Leader of the Opposition, Dr Simon Busutti, who addressed the political change happening across the region: “There are a number of serious challenges that need to be overcome but we can overcome together if only countries in the Mediterranean could put their act together and overcome them. We all know the challenges that we face. The country that is geographically close to us, Libya, is in a very fluid situation; though thankfully things have improved markedly in the recent past. Peace and security is vital for peace in the Mediterranean. That is an issue that our country was deeply involved in at the time of the revolution in 2011 and I believe that Malta showed at the time that it can be and is a trusted friend and partner in a time of need for the Libyan people.”

The success of this event was based on its principles to unite the region in good business practices and to create an ambience of business development for business who are working in sustainable economies under volatile political situations. The name ‘ Bottom Up’, suggested by mentor Werner E Jung from Flexible Germany, came from his notion that from good private enterprises can come secure, stable economic growth for all nations and we work best when united in this aim.

Delegates and exhibitors were treated to a special appearance by the exceptional Lateral Thinking Professor Edward Debono, who arrived with his team to reveal his latest work, also distributing signed copies of his latest book ‘Creating Value’. The famous author, philosopher and visionary explained his newest book which focuses on a new tool called “bonting.” He explained that, “my latest book is about thinking to create value, and adding value to that which is already good, but not good enough.”

Attendees gained a positive outlook on the future of MAGHREB/ MENA- Maltese business relations, new trading opportunities and a fresh stance on the importance of creating value in life.