A new economic model
At Manchester Business School we were often taught about the practices of consultants – legal, economic, business, whatever. And we were also shown, by means of films, how it is only a few of such consultants who would not fail to ask, “And what would you like to see included in our final report?”.
Truly honest economists, and their analysis, should in Malta these days be advising the government and its authorities about:
• Discriminating taxation, for example taxing the highly polluting and socially disturbing building and construction sector at higher rates; Generally lowering the income tax rate for new polluting industries seeking to expand, or newly establishing themselves in Malta;
Introducing a brave new fiscal regime which favours those parts of the maritime and educational sectors which can tangibly prove that they are nonpolluting;
•
•
•
An overall reduction of the level of activities of the building and construction sectors;
Positive fiscal discrimination, plus greater direct financial assistance, to all those who tangibly show that more land is being dedicated to productive agriculture in Malta. Returning the social role and aspect into Malta’s banking, by ensuring that in all towns and villages in Malta and Gozo a certain number of ATMs or branches or operative agencies of the main banks are always present.
Government ensuring truly effective on-site controls into the methodologies, and rates, of imported products’ mark-ups as practised by local importers and businesses.
The list can go on and on and on. Of course those who will scoff at these suggestions – which could really provide the basis of a new economic model for the country – will probably also be the same who most brag about socialist credentials.
JOHN CONSIGLIO
•
•
•