Exorbitant port charges make Malta expensive base
By Kurt Sansone
Industrialists wanting to import or export goods by shipping have to face a complex scenario of mismanagement and inefficiency resulting in exorbitant port charges that make Malta almost three to four times more expensive then other European ports

Parallel importation, block exemption rules rewritten
By David Lindsay
The changes heralded by the amendments to the Competition Act have been widespread, according to the Director General of the Consumer and Competition Division, Marcel Pizzuto. Major changes have presented themselves in the spheres of parallel importation, block exemptions and in placing public undertakings on a level playing field with the private sector.

Retailers optimistic about budgetary changes
By Kurt Sansone
The budget measures to cut red tape for small businesses and the self-employed are a step in the right direction but operators in the sector are hoping that they are the beginning of an ongoing exercise and not an end in themselves

British holiday firm hit hard
Britain's biggest holiday firm, Airtours Plc reported a 57 percent rise in annual operating profits yesterday but warned investors its outlook was uncertain and confirmed it had cut 1,600 jobs since 11 September. Airtours company in Malta, represented by Edrichton Holidays, refused to comment yesterday on whether their own staffing levels had been reduced.