THE ECONOMIC UPDATE Malta and the new economy

F O C U S
FOI and GWU agree that changes are needed at Malta's ports
Although the Federation of Industry and the General Workers Union believe that some form of uniformity is needed for Malta’s ports, the FOI believes that a major overhaul of the situation is needed..READ MORE >>

BoV registers strong response for bus loan scheme
Barely one month since its Bus Finance Package was introduced, Bank of Valletta has confirmed that the scheme has had a positive response from the owners of Malta’s rapidly ageing bus fleet and that take up has been very encouraging. READ MORE >>

INTERVIEW The Gozitan who runs a special hotel business Victor Borg talks to Saviour Balzan about his projects in Gozo and his dream for a heritage park and a golf course at Ta’ Cenc

OPINION Tourism and the commoditisation of culture Mario Schembri Wismayer weighs the pros and cons of mass tourism and comes to the conclusion that despite several drawbacks, it does serve to keep certain aspects of our culture alive, which would otherwise inevitably die out.

NEWS
FIMBank publishes interim financial statements
First International Merchant Bank plc has just published its interim financial statements for the six-month period of 1 January to 30 June this year.

Unacceptable price increases for Maltapost, MIA services - Consumers' Union
The Consumers’ Union yesterday expressed its disagreement with the 55c additional charge to be imposed on anyone using the Malta International Airport, which amounts to some Lm800,000 a year.

San Antonio registers expected first half net loss
As it had expected, bond issuers Grand Hotel Mercure Coralia San Antonio yesterday announced a net loss after depreciation and finance charges over the first six months of the year.