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Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Competitiveness and Communications, Edwin Vassallo, yesterday said business associations grouping small enterprises and the self-employed were instrumental in facing the challenges of external competition, whilst on a visit of the Chaudron Co Ltd factory.
Vassallo said that a number of boat builders had formed manufacturing associations with the aim of discussing together ways and means of facing challenges and reaping the opportunities in the field of boat manufacturing. These entrepreneurs were being assisted by the Malta Standards Authority and the Small Business and Crafts Directorate, to be able to overcome difficulties together.
The companies forming the association of boat builders are: Buccaneer Boats, Carmelo Aquilina, Chaudron, Crown Fibreglass, Fibreoptic, Hi Tech Marine, Paul’s Garage, Petercraft and Tar-Ratal Marine Crafts.
Speaking at the Chaudron factory, Vassallo said a number of boats constructed by Chaudron were on their way for export to Norway and had already been certified by the Malta Standards Authority with the CE trademark, the stamp of conformity with EU standards on safe usage by consumers. This mark ensured Maltese products be available in foreign markets, both within the European Economic Area and beyond.
Also present at the loading of the boats in the containers destined for Norway, Competitiveness and Communications Minister Censu Galea said this was an example of the clear advantages which EU accession brought with it. Maltese entrepreneurs, Galea said, were now no longer limited to their small market but had trouble-free access to the EU market.
“Our country has to be commercially competitive in order to create more jobs, increase the value of our industry and the level of our manufacture and production. My Ministry’s effort is to see this country become more competitive. Every service offered should be more efficient. In future, following consultation with all sectors involved, the Ministry will announce a working plan that will see Government aiding its businesses in taking part in the global market. I promise my Ministry’s assistance to this association, which will certainly help its members in widening their markets and challenge new exports markets.”
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