NEWS | Wednesday, 09 March 2008

FOI warns shipping problems affecting Malta’s business competitiveness

The Federation of Industry (FOI) has complained about “increased problems with the shipping of the export of goods, particularly to the United Kingdom and Northern European ports” that its members began to experience lately.
The FOI said in a statement issued on Monday that instances of cargo not being loaded or delayed were not isolated but becoming quite consistent, “to the extent that members’ clients are noticing this trend and complaints are being lodged. In cases, business deals are being lost,” it said.
The Federation insisted that business nowadays is won and sustained by remaining competitive. “This does not only imply competitively priced and good quality products – but also important is the ability of the supplier to deliver just in time to the customer, and every time. Thus, dependability and reliability of supply are crucial competitive factors,” it said.
The FOI explained that it was already difficult for Maltese business to find niche export markets. “Also, Malta being an island, locally based business has to strive harder as compared to mainland business to win export contracts. The last thing expected is the lack of reliable sea connections to the main European ports,” it said.
The FOI added that this matter not only affects Maltese-grown business, but also FDI companies based in Malta. “It goes without saying that it will be increasingly difficult to attract manufacturing foreign investment operations without reliable connections,” it said.
“The FOI considers this matter as a serious issue, which could jeopardise exports of goods and urges Government to actively study options to concretely address this real concern without undue delay,” the Federation concluded its statement.