MBB Annual Report 2018-2019

Malta Business Bureau

A SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE EDITION TO MARK THE 2019 EUROPEAN ELECTIONS

Annual Report

OFFICIAL SPONSORS OF THE MBB ANNUAL REPORT

2018 Malta Business Bureau 2019 Annual Report

Contents 15

Foreword by the CEO

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A time to address new EU scenarios

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A message from the Prime Minister

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A message from the Leader of the Opposition Pushing for growth: Maltese businesses’ expectations of the new European Parliament

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A message from the President of BusinessEurope

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A message from the President of HOTREC

Publisher

Content House Group Mallia Buildings 3, Level 2, Triq in-Negozju, Mriehel BKR 3000 T: +356 2132 0713 E: info@contenthouse.com.mt www.contenthouse.com.mt

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EU Policy and Lobbying Enterprise Europe Network MBB European Projects Foundation for the Promotion of Entrepreneurial Initiatives Calendar of Events MBB Board and Executive Team

Editor:

Senior Advertising Sales Executive:

Editorial Coordinators:

Corporate Sales & Business Development Executive:

Joe Tanti Sarah Abdilla, Martina Said Design:

Nicholas Cutajar Director of Sales & Business Development:

Matthew Sciriha

Angele Buscemi Le Brun

Operations & Client Relationship Manager:

Elena Dimech

Matthew Spiteri

The Annual Report of the Malta Business Bureau is distributed to all members of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, all the members of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association and to leading public and private institutions in Malta and Brussels.

HEAD OFFICE: 64, The Exchange Buildings, Republic Street, Valletta VLT 1117, Malta Tel: +356 2125 1719

info@mbb.org.mt www.mbb.org.mt

A message from the President of EUROCHAMBRES

BRUSSELS OFFICE: Malta Business Bureau, Rond-Point Schuman 6 Level 7, 1040 Brussels, Belgium Tel: +32 2234 7942

REPRESENTING

Malta Business Bureau 2018 Annual Report 2019

Foreword by the CEO I AM PLEASED TO PRESENT THIS YEAR’S ANNUAL REPORT 2018/2019 WHIC H IS A SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE EDITION TO THE 2019 EUROPEAN ELECTIONS. 015

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arlier this year, the MBB also published a Business Manifesto in view of the 2019 European elections and the new EU legislature.

The manifesto reflects on current political trends, analyses legislative outcomes from the last legislature, and communicates the expectations of the Maltese business community from the EU in the next five years.

The MBB developed the manifesto as part of its efforts to ensure that the interests and aspirations of Maltese enterprises are safeguarded. Through the manifesto, the MBB is proposing a set of principles to MEPs, backed by policy recommendations to guide their work during the next EU mandate. In the coming months, the MBB will continue to push these guiding principles, to ensure that the decisions taken by the legislators reflect the aspirations of businesses and citizens at the local level. The MBB will continue to support the elected MEPs in their work through our representative office in Brussels, by providing them with feedback on the impact that legislation would have on the sustainability and competitiveness of Maltese businesses.

“THROUGH THE MANIFESTO, THE MBB IS PROPOSING A SET OF PRINCIPLES TO MEPs, BACKED BY POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS TO GUIDE THEIR WORK DURING THE NEXT EU MANDATE.”

In order to help the business community reap the benefits of successful EU policy implementation, the MBB has continued to work on a number of EU-funded projects which bring together the EU vision and the interests of the Maltese business community. In its participation in these projects, the MBB has worked

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extensively to enhance cooperation between higher education institutions and business, to strengthen financial and digital skills in business, and to boost the efficiency of businesses’ operations, particularly in the areas of energy efficiency and food waste reduction.

Additionally, the MBB has continued to offer its support to small- and medium-sized enterprises from all sectors to take greater advantage of the opportunities of the Single Market. This was once again all possible thanks to our Enterprise Europe Network service-provision.

Numerous high-profile events have once again marked the calendar of the MBB. We have actively promoted EU policy and legislation through debates on a national level with the participation of public authorities and private stakeholders on issues such as the Future EU Budget, the Future Single Market, and the Platform2Business regulation. It was our pleasure to welcome key politicians and policy-makers, as well as other experts and stakeholders from various fields.

In September 2018, the MBB also relocated its Malta head-office to the historical Exchange Buildings in Republic Street, Valletta.

May I take this opportunity to thank MBB President Simon De Cesare as well as the Board of Directors for their direction and support, as well as the DG and CEO of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry and the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association respectively. My sincere thanks are also extended to the executive team at the MBB for their constant dedication, commitment and hard work.

Coincidentally, this year, Malta is commemorating 15 years since becoming a member of the European Union. As the EU-business advisory office of the Malta Chamber and MHRA, we shall remain committed to promote the EU opportunities for Maltese business and bring local business closer to the EU. Joe Tanti CEO Malta Business Bureau

2018 Malta Business Bureau 2019 Annual Report

A time to address new EU scenarios T WELVE MONTHS INTO HIS ROLE AS PRESIDENT OF THE MALTA BUSINESS BUREAU, SIMON DE CESARE REFLECTS ON A SUCCESSFUL YEAR AND ASSESSES THE EU-REL ATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND C HALLENGES TO COME WITH JO CARUANA. 018

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imon De Cesare looks back on his first year as President of the Malta Business Bureau as an invaluable experience. “It has introduced me to a different world of EU affairs and has been a rather steep learning curve in terms of EU lobbying,” he says. “However, the work also has a strong local business aspect to it.”

Photos: Alan Carville

Mr De Cesare explains that, other than the significant policy work MBB carries out on behalf of Maltese businesses, the organisation also taps into direct funds to help local businesses in all areas. This could include anything from training start-ups on how to finance and run the financial side of their businesses, to advising companies on how to get the most of energy efficiencies, and even assisting catering outlets on how to reduce their food waste.

2018 and the start of 2019 were certainly busy periods, with numerous highlights.

But, for Mr De Cesare, one that stands out was being invited to represent Malta in the EU Parliament. “About 750 businessmen and women from all over Europe sat in their parliamentarians’ seats and were able to address the President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani,” he recalls. “It was a tremendous trip where I learned a great deal about the institutions and the work that we do in Brussels.”

Beyond that, the President has taken part in numerous events and discussions that the MBB organised to promote and provide various services to local businesses. “There is a thirst to tap into EU funds among our local entrepreneurs, and it excites me to be able to provide this assistance through the MBB,” he continues.

“Of course, there have been challenges too; the largest of which was understanding the different processes and funding streams within the EU. Fortunately, we have a very capable team of people running the organisation who have been doing this for many years. They were extremely patient with me while I got up to speed!”

However, the time allowed for Mr De Cesare to adjust didn’t hold MBB back at all, and there have been numerous key developments throughout the year. These included the launch of two new EU-funded projects – one aimed at strengthening the financial and digital skills of entrepreneurs to enable them to widen their networks and internationalise, and the other to support the reduction of food waste in Malta, specifically within the hospitality sector.

And, already, focus has shifted to the year to come. Looking towards the rest of 2019, Mr De Cesare says that, as always, MBB needs to focus on ensuring that any new proposals put forward by the EU help (and not hurt) Maltese businesses.

“THERE IS A THIRST TO TAP INTO EU FUNDS AMONG OUR LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS, AND IT EXCITES ME TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE THIS ASSISTANCE THROUGH THE MBB.”

“We do this by being present in Brussels, and by being respected and listened to by our wealth of contacts,” he explains. “Beyond that, we will continue to come up with new funding partnerships for Maltese businesses to tap into so that they can get the very most out of the EU. We believe this will propel more local businesses into the global industry.”

“As the MBB, we will also endeavour to keep doing what we’ve been doing for the last five years – knocking on doors, lobbying the positions of Maltese businesses, and ensuring that, as much as possible, that position is reflected in the legislative texts.”

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“IT MIGHT BE TIME FOR A CLEAR RETHINK OR REVIVAL OF THE EU SO AS TO ADDRESS THESE NEW SCENARIOS AND TO SAFEGUARD THE FUTURE OF THE EUROPEAN PROJECT.”

With the European Parliament elections just around the corner, the MBB’s role is also tremendously important in ensuring that some perspective is retained – and Mr De Cesare is acutely aware of this. “Often in the run-up to European elections we find that the discourse gets bogged down on national issues that can only be tackled through national means,” he says. “When we elect members to the European Parliament, they represent us during legislative negotiations on wider issues, such as those that affect the functioning of the Single Market.”

“MBB has published a manifesto in this regard,” he continues, “which gives a vision of what the business community needs from the EU – both from a political and a legislative perspective – so as to flourish in the next five years.”

That said, elements of the parliament may well change after the elections and Mr De Cesare admits the future prospects for stability and the status quo appear to be changing.

“With Brexit, Malta will be losing a partner that, more often than not, was a close collaborator of ours within the institutions, through our common history as well as our common ideologies and social backgrounds. We will have to make new alliances, most likely with other small nation states like Ireland and the Netherlands.”

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“Beyond that, it looks like there is going to be a real shift towards populist and nationalist parties in the EU Parliament. The centrist parties will still retain a majority in the body, however this shift will place a big strain on the future prospects of the institution,” adds Mr De Cesare.

“Finally, and given this new landscape, it might be time for a clear rethink or revival of the EU so as to address these new scenarios and to safeguard the future of the European project.

This is something French President Macron has just called for, and one that I believe to be important.”

Malta Business Bureau 2018 Annual Report 2019

A message from the Prime Minister JOSEPH MUSCAT MALTA REPRESENTS EUROPE’S BEST PERFORMING ECONOMY. WITH THE HIGHEST GROW TH IN JOB CREATION AMONG ALL MEMBER STATES, HARD-WORKING FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES ARE LIVING UNPRECEDENTED SUCCESS. THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE PROGRESSIVE LEADERSHIP OF THIS COUNTRY HAS BROUGHT ABOUT STABILIT Y, CL ASSIFIED BY THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM, AS TOP IN THE WORLD.

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he upcoming European Parliament elections provide the country with another opportunity of not only sustaining this positive momentum, but also strengthening the process of change which I consider key for future generations. Electing six MEPs who will always strive to safeguard Malta’s national interests is one other important step in our strategic direction of looking beyond the next day and rather focusing on the next decades.

Malta’s representation in the European Parliament can prove crucial in the discussion and sharing of ideas about what we are doing together for the people and enterprises of this country, and how we intend to develop in the years to come.

Quite frankly, a tit-for-tat attitude in such institutions will do little, if any, good. I have always embraced the idea of a balanced approach towards policy-making, rather than resorting to extremes which never deliver.

Our ethos determines the way we work for the short-, medium- and long-term viability of this country.

Whenever statistics reveal results which are practically too favourable to improve next time round, we simply strive even harder. Constantly reaching new heights might surprise many, including ourselves, but this ambitious outlook has to remain the priority of all our decisions, particularly in the elections for members of the European Parliament.

“MALTA’S REPRESENTATION IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT CAN PROVE CRUCIAL IN THE DISCUSSION AND SHARING OF IDEAS ABOUT WHAT WE ARE DOING TOGETHER FOR THE PEOPLE AND ENTERPRISES OF THIS COUNTRY.”

I am an optimist for Europe. This continent has the potential to be more of a world leader in important areas, such as the economic sector of regulation. Any proper business shies away from markets which have no rules. Europe can be a global hub which investors of unregulated products and services look to for certainty, and Malta will be at the forefront of this industry. We

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are not the founders of AI or blockchain, for instance, but we have embarked on legislation and strategies to provide peace of mind to the businesses that are involved in this sector.

Europe is also a leader in what I would call lifestyle standards. Offering ideal education, health and other services, nowadays, Europe is the place to be to establish a career and to have citizenship. This is a core competence of Europe which Malta can invest so much in.

As a country, we have managed to avoid problems associated with a stale economy, but we still need to address challenges created by growth. Businesses are not finding enough local human resources and consequently employ foreign workers to take up everincreasing opportunities. I believe our work in the European Parliament should keep showing that Malta is, in its very nature, a welcoming country which will not erect any walls or be engulfed by a siege mentality.

While supporting a climate that incentivises enterprises and protects consumers, we are also looking at the future of our environment. Malta is taking a leading role in waste separation systems, plastic bottle refund programmes and in the conversion from conventional to electric cars. Likewise, we have taken the lead in the efficient implementation of EU funds, with Commissioner Cretu recently highlighting Malta as the benchmark for other countries in the delivery of EU-funded projects, including for sustainable development.

One other crucial challenge for Malta is gender parity. More than half our population is basically unrepresented in the highest institution of this country and other decision-making bodies. This has to stop through shock therapy which promotes more equality.

The MEP elections are about these priorities. Through a strong representation in the European Parliament, we must keep up with the pace of change happening in our society. Faced by the uncertainty of Brexit, Malta has to be fully prepared for any eventuality and, no matter what decisions will be taken, we will strive to be the most UK-friendly jurisdiction in Europe.

Our representatives must keep challenging our own positive results. As much as we work for social justice, for human rights and for Europe as a whole, we must not be afraid to venture on economic governance, security and the love towards our country. Fighting divisions and barriers, in favour of unity and hope, is the way forward for a fair and sustainable society which will strengthen the quality of life for all.

Malta Business Bureau 2018 Annual Report 2019

A message from the Leader of the Opposition ADRIAN DELIA THIS YEAR, MALTA IS CELEBRATING ITS 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF EUROPEAN UNION MEMBERSHIP. EUROPEAN UNION MEMBERSHIP HERALDED A PROCESS OF C HANGE IN MALTA , PROBABLY EQUAL TO THE ONE THE COUNTRY WENT THROUGH WHEN IT BECAME INDEPENDENT.

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ur country changed its laws to align itself with the European Union acquis. Our way of doing business had to adapt to the fact that we were now an intrinsic part of the largest trading bloc in the world. Our country’s infrastructure was overhauled, enabling us to achieve higher environmental and operational standards. Although in the run-up to membership, just under half the country was against membership, today Malta boasts one of the highest approval ratings of the EU among member states.

Clearly, the Maltese consider our short history in the European Union as a success story.

Having said that, one has to look ahead. The European Union is facing challenging times. The rise of populist regimes in Europe is threatening the very fabric of the EU. The United Kingdom voted to leave the Union, making it the first so-called big country to launch the process of exiting the European Union. The process of Brexit is understandably a complicated one, made more complex by the fact that Brexit in the United Kingdom seems to mean different things to different people. The process of Brexit is taking the focus of the European Union away from the important goals it set for itself, not least the goal of remaining the largest economic powerhouse in the world. The dominance of Europe is being eroded by the emerging economies in the East.

Europe is being seen as the old lady of business, the power that was rather than the power that will be.

In the face of these challenges, EU member states including Malta have to decide on the steps that need to be taken to strengthen the Union and ensure that it remains competitive in tomorrow’s world. It is within this context that one hears arguments in favour of and against closer assimilation and harmonisation. While it is clear that Europe will gain from some further harmonisation, this cannot and should not happen at the expense of eroding national sovereignty in key areas such as taxation. Malta and other countries in the EU operate as financial jurisdictions in competition with other financial jurisdictions outside the EU. It is in the interest of the European Union that the competitive advantage of this jurisdiction is not eroded. This is not to say that there should not be standards of

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“WE, BOTH AS A UNION AND ALSO AS INDIVIDUAL MEMBER STATES NEED TO INVEST MORE IN STRENGTHENING OUR COMPETITIVE EDGE.”

operation that need to be upheld and respected. But it would be folly and against its own economic objective for the European Union to take any action that could undermine the financial jurisdictions to the point of making them extinct.

We, both as a Union and also as individual member states need to invest more in strengthening our competitive edge, not least through increased spending on research and development in emerging realities such as AI. We need to keep at par with the research being undertaken in other parts of the world if we are to remain relevant. The European Union should also keep in mind that over 90 per cent of the businesses in the Union are small- and medium-sized operations.

The programme of funding should respect this reality as it should respect the fact that each country has its own geopolitical and social realities. The one-sizefits-all approach will not work in the EU. Also, if the European Union wants to avoid the risks of Brexit being exported to other countries, it should ensure that there is a stronger link between the corridors of power and the people.

The EU is a union of people first and foremost. And that is what it must remain, despite the challenging times ahead.

Malta Business Bureau 2018 Annual Report 2019

Pushing for growth: Maltese businesses’ expectations of the new European Parliament

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ELECTIONS THAT WILL BE HELD THIS MAY WILL DETERMINE THE SHAPE OF THE FORTHCOMING LEGISL ATURE, TASKED WITH ENACTING BLOC-WIDE POLICIES. BUT, IN THE ECONOMIC ARENA , WHAT ARE LOCAL COMPANIES’ EXPECTATIONS OF THE EP’S NINTH TERM? REBECCA ANASTASI TALKS TO THE NEW PRESIDENT OF THE MALTA C HAMBER OF COMMERCE, ENTERPRISE AND INDUSTRY, PERIT DAVID XUEREB, AND PRESIDENT OF THE MALTA HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS ASSOCIATION , TONY ZAHRA TO FIND OUT.

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hange is coming to the European Union this May, with the European Parliament elections set to precipitate a shift in the political composition of the parliament towards an increasing number of MEPs from new, smaller parties. And, for the next five years, this ninth legislature will determine policies on climate change, migration, security and the economy, within a context of rising populism and Brexit, both of which threaten the unity of the bloc.

“Malta has benefitted greatly from its EU experience.

However, future success depends on the strength of the European project,” says the new President of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, Perit David Xuereb. While he notes the risks posed by “growing alienation and disappointment” felt by companies and citizens in the bloc – in the aftermath of the 2008 recession and the resulting rise of

“IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT PIPELINE EU LEGISLATION AND INITIATIVES THAT WILL AFFECT HOW SMEs OPERATE, AVOID OR ELIMINATE DISPROPORTIONATE ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS.” – David Xuereb

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populist parties – he underlines the necessity to provide “legitimacy to the whole EU project” by enacting policies geared towards growth.

“Maltese businesses, therefore, expect the EU to provide market conditions which allow them to generate growth and employment; to make the necessary reforms which would provide strong foundations to prevent or, at least, help us sail through potential future economic shortcomings; and to reconnect with EU businesses and citizens to solicit their trust,” he states.

Despite the challenges faced recently by the bloc, Perit Xuereb stresses that the EU should remain “committed to multilateralism” and do “everything in its power to mediate, reconcile and advocate reforms to preserve market access gains achieved over the years.” Free trade agreements should be continually promoted since “they mean nothing if they are not utilised by market players” and he advocates for the “coaching of enterprises to take up the opportunities provided by EU trade agreements.”

Sustainability is key, according to the Chamber President. Indeed, he underlines the necessity for the EU to pass legislation which upholds a balance between economic imperatives and environmental protection, while also encouraging businesses to constantly invest and innovate for the future, including in their use of natural resources. Moreover, “incentivising the development of public-private partnerships” by encouraging the sharing of finances and expertise, might bring about proactive solutions, he asserts.

The concerns and challenges faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) should also be on the agenda, Perit Xuereb stresses. “The protection and growth of SMEs can be ensured through streamlining the legal and administrative environment they operate

Malta Business Bureau 2018 Annual Report 2019

in and by simplifying and making procedures more flexible. It is essential that pipeline EU legislation and initiatives that will affect how SMEs operate, avoid or eliminate disproportionate administrative requirements.” He also underlines that, on a local level, government should resist over-regulation by bearing in mind that “the implementation of legislation should not go beyond what is necessary to achieve the objective” and by improving “the uptake of existing simplification measures.”

The EU budget is central to the economic buoyancy of the bloc, the Chamber President continues, emphasising that it is “the most important tool to enable the EU to adapt to future challenges and consolidate itself as a global economic power by ensuring focus is placed on the correct priority matters.” He refers to the EU’s commitment to prioritising investment in research, development and innovation, as well as in digitalisation, but cautions that important instruments, such as the Cohesion Fund, should not be neglected, since they provide a better standard of living for citizens within the EU. Indeed, the anticipated decrease in the allocation of Cohesion Funds – due to the deficit caused by Brexit, as well as, in Malta’s case, the buoyancy of the local economy – does not bode well, according to Perit Xuereb. “Cohesion Funds are expected to be reduced in this budget and this is expected to affect vulnerable economic sectors, especially in less developed regions or transition regions. This is expected to negatively affect EU citizens at the core and, this, in a time of growing populism. This matter should be considered seriously,” he stresses.

Britain’s exit from the EU has already presented further challenges for businesses in the 27 member states and is likely to continue doing so. “It is this uncertainty which is affecting the business community in Malta.

Businesses, citizens, workers and all other members of

“WHAT IS ALSO NECESSARY FOR TOURISM TO GROW IS FOR THE EU TO DEDICATE A STRONG BUDGET TO PROMOTE EUROPE AS A TOURIST DESTINATION.” – Tony Zahra

society in the EU that operate in the UK, or those in the UK that operate in the EU, will not know where they stand, until after the nature and logistics of Brexit are actually known, implying that planning is challenging,” he says. In his opinion, the current deadlock has resulted in “uncharted waters where relevant businesses remain unsure on what will happen in the immediate future.”

This was echoed by MHRA President, Tony Zahra, who listed the various Brexit scenarios and how these are likely to affect local businesses within the tourism sector in the next five years of the EP legislature. “The best scenario is an agreement which, in terms of trade, leaves everything, more or less, as it stands today; the worst would be a firm no deal which could impact the British economy – and local tourism – severely. We could lose at least 20 per cent of the UK arrivals in such a situation,” Mr Zahra states. However, he does not deem the repercussions to be debilitating for Maltese firms and the economy, since “losing 20 per cent of the UK arrivals translates to 5 per cent of the total arrivals” – a figure which could be replaced by increased tourism from other markets, he notes.

Moreover, and concurring further with Perit Xuereb, the MHRA President also notes the predicted increase of populist parties within the EP in the forthcoming legislature, stating that this could “present a challenge for the EU going forward.” He praises the EU’s four freedoms of goods, services, capital and people, saying that these are the cornerstones of the bloc’s unity and prosperity, which should not be taken for granted. “Maltese businesses expect that despite the bigger challenges, pro-Europeans work closer together to deliver on the promises of a European vision that provides prosperity, security and equal opportunities to all citizens. For this, legislators need to engage with social partners and civil society, and ensure that decisions taken reflect the aspirations of businesses and citizens at the local level and in their respective communities,” he asserts.

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Growth can also be supported through enabling SMEs to access skilled labour and more finance, the MHRA President underlines. “Banks should be encouraged to consider qualitative viability, when assessing loan applications from SMEs, and frameworks should be put in place encouraging the development of alternative financing solutions,” he says. Indeed, SMEs can flourish if “market conditions are innovation-friendly and if barriers hindering innovation are mitigated,” which would involve more streamlined legal and administrative services, as well as “improved access to information for SMEs on markets, regulations and procedures that concern them both when it comes to the domestic market and also to provide their goods and services crossborder,” he explains.

This is also true for the tourism sector, says Mr Zahra, as he emphasises the need for an extensive review to the 2010 Commission’s Communication, which sought to consolidate Europe as the world’s number one destination. According to Mr Zahra, the EU should develop a new tourism strategy with a vision for 2030.

“What is also necessary for tourism to grow is for the EU to dedicate a strong budget to promote Europe as a tourist destination. It should also have a focus on locations that go beyond mainstream EU destinations,” Mr Zahra asserts.

Indeed, while the EU budget is already expected to invest further in research, development and innovation, through a revised Horizon Europe programme, the MHRA President notes that these should be applied to tourism and hospitality. “Just like any other industry, this sector requires adapting and should make the best of these new EU priorities. It needs be at the forefront, working with innovators to design technology and systems that would make tourism operators more competitive. It should also be open to solutions provided by artificial intelligence and robotics, as these will undoubtedly shape future trends of the industry,” he continues.

Yet, sustainability within growth must remain a priority, Mr Zahra stresses. Concluding, he notes that as travellers become more experienced and environmentally conscious, sustainability will move up their priority list, which means that businesses should be supported to provide for the future. “Business is committed to introducing more sustainable practices as it shoulders its responsibility towards the planet. However, support is required. Business needs future-proof policies that incentivise the application of environmentally-friendly solutions and technologies,” he concludes.

*Brexit negotiations were still ongoing at the time of printing.

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Our ambition is Europe with opportunities for all A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF BUSINESSEUROPE, PIERRE GATTAZ

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oday, Europeans face a paradox: the European project is at the centre of debates, sometimes disputed and challenged, even though its success is evident. The initial ambition was to create a peaceful, united and prosperous Europe.

And the European Union brought us 70 years of peace and prosperity. This is a great achievement, but it isn’t sufficient anymore with the challenges we face today, both globally and internally.

A few months ago, we launched a survey among our members on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing Europe. We had a frank and forward-looking debate which resulted in very clear conclusions. Firstly, companies consider the European Union a necessity – faced with fierce global competition and with the huge challenges of digitalisation, climate, environmental and demographic change. For us, the EU is not an option, but a necessity. Secondly, entrepreneurs value the EU’s achievements: the Single Market and its four freedoms (guaranteeing free movement of goods, services, capital and people), and the Euro – because these tools led to simplification, growth and prosperity.

The EU made the European way of life possible.

The European business community strongly believes in Europe. We are committed to transforming current challenges into opportunities. Doing so is the essence of entrepreneurship. Companies want to continue playing their role in addressing societal challenges such as health, mobility, food security and climate change. And for that we need to invest, create jobs and make the economy grow. Our common well-being depends on the good functioning of the European Union. To have a better Europe we need to have more efficient institutions, as well as modern and simple regulations. We need to stand united to have a Europe with opportunities for all.

So, what is our vision for the future? European businesses believe we need a stronger European Union to remain in the driving seat at global level and shape the direction of change according to our values.

We must maintain our ground towards giants like the US and China. The EU must strongly invest in digital technology, innovation, skills and the circular economy.

And we need to work further on achieving an EU that is economically cohesive and socially inclusive, a Europe with opportunities for all its citizens. To reach these objectives we need more Europe – not less. This is the clear and common view of the millions of entrepreneurs and companies all over Europe that BusinessEurope represents.

The 2019 European elections are crucial for Europe.

Citizens will elect new members of the European Parliament, then a new European Commission will be appointed for the next five years. We call on entrepreneurs and citizens to go and vote because these elections will be shaping the European landscape for the next years. Casting a vote is a first step to being part of the solution.

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Hospitality: a key driver for the EU economy – building a better and sustainable Europe A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF HOTREC, JENS ZIMMER C HRISTENSEN But more needs to be done to sustain our industry’s future for the five years to come and to tackle the challenges raised by innovation, digitisation, sustainability and social inclusion. In a world of fragmentation and polarised politics, which calls for clear values including respect for minorities, we must foster dialogue, because this is the only way to address conflict and differences of opinion.

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ourism has become a unique driver both for the European economy, being its third largest socioeconomic activity, and for each member state, considering its growing share towards job creation and growth. Recent data shows that the hospitality industry created 1.6 million new jobs between 2013 and 2016, and is therefore a pillar of sustainable tourism development in Europe. For this reason, the tourism sector must play a strong role in the EU policy debate. The 2019 European Parliament elections represent a crucial opportunity to develop the framework that tourism needs.

HOTREC and its members, including the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, had a critical role in the setting up of policies which put tourism on top of the EU agenda over the past five years, thanks to excellent cooperation with the EU institutions. As Maltese MEP David Casa commented in HOTREC’s White Paper for the 2019 European elections, “HOTREC is an exemplary organisation that is constantly engaged in constructive debate with decision-makers.

They are effective and thorough.” This partnership resulted in the following policies in support of the tourism sector: thorough action on the collaborative economy, an EU Regulation on platform-to-business relations, a reform of the VAT system that keeps optional reduced rates for our sector, a modernisation of consumer law in light of the platform economy, and a reasonable adjustment of the new data protection requirements to SMEs. These measures are crucial for our competitiveness.

In this spirit, HOTREC makes five EU policy proposals for the next EU mandate: • Further levelling the playing field in the accommodation and food service market in light of the fast professionalisation of providers using ‘collaborative’ economy platforms.

• Revising the outdated EU framework regulating online platforms’ liability to reflect their increased role on markets, businesses and consumers’ choices.

• A better regulation agenda with a new thinking on subsidiarity to ensure that the EU focuses primarily on large cross-border issues and better accommodates sectorspecific concerns.

• Fostering of voluntary initiatives on nutrition and healthy lifestyles for local food services, instead of horizontal EU legislation.

• Making the fight against skills shortage a truly EU case supported by concrete policy actions.

Besides, we support the EU institutions’ initiatives and investment plan to make blockchain, artificial intelligence and big data the pillars of the industry of the future.

These five policy priorities are key to foster investment, to ensure fair market conditions, to further develop sustainable tourism, and to anchor innovation into the tourism sector.

Last but not least, these will help boost tourism’s role in social inclusion, as the potential for jobs and growth is huge as shown by the 1.6 million new jobs created between 2013 and 2016.

Beyond HOTREC’s vision, which places hospitality at the heart of sustainable tourism development in Europe, we have the ambition, together with the EU institutions and the European tourism industry, to build a better and sustainable Europe for the benefit of future generations.

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EUROCHAMBRES’ European vision and the business expectations for the new European mandate 2019-2024 A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF EUROC HAMBRES, C HRISTOPH LEITL

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uropean elections are always important. The EU makes decisions that have a significant impact on the way that we all live and, from Chambers’ perspective, on the way that our businesses – from the very largest to the very smallest – operate.

But the May 2019 elections are more important than ever.

Extremist and Eurosceptic parties have gained traction in some EU member states, and we are still dealing with the fallout from the UK 2016 referendum. Beyond Europe, China is gaining strength and the USA is turning towards protectionism. On top of this, we have global challenges of a monumental scale to address, including migration, security and, of course, climate change. The stakes have never been higher.

Chambers recognise this and are keener than ever to get involved in these European elections. Our new #Chambers4EU campaign is central to this effort and will enable the network of 800 Chambers across the EU and their millions of business members to engage with citizens and candidates over the coming weeks.

Chambers are not political actors and do not intend to tell citizens for whom they should vote. However, we will encourage them to exercise this valuable democratic right and to select candidates who are engaged, informed and committed to an ambitious, forward-looking EU agenda.

Despite Brexit, or perhaps even because of it, EU popularity is at a historic high in several countries. Let’s build on this optimism. We must learn from the past but continue to move forward!

The European project has achieved remarkable progress over the last 60 years to preserve peace, ensure freedom and pursue prosperity. We should not take this for granted, but nor should we overlook the importance of constructive criticism and reform in order to drive further improvements and progress.

After the elections, and once the new European Commission is in office, we want to work with the institutions to make the EU the best place in the world to run a business and to do business. For EUROCHAMBRES, this revolves around five key issues.

• A solid, fully-functioning Single Market, not just in the lawbooks, but in the way in which this core component of the EU is applied and delivered at national level.

• An ambitious EU trade and investment agenda that

delivers for all, is accessible even to the smallest companies, and promotes free and fair trade and investments on the international stage.

• A fully interconnected digital Europe underpinned by the provision of advanced, secure and accessible digital infrastructure.

• Europe-wide solutions to socio-economically damaging skills mismatches.

• A framework that enables businesses to adapt to the changing climate and environment, and to drive the shift from linear production and consumption towards a circular economy.

Challenges of this magnitude cannot be addressed only at local or national level. They require a coherent and effective European response. Therefore, we need an EU that understands entrepreneurs, understands the importance of the Single Market and understands the need to enhance Europe’s profile on the international stage.

Politicians don’t create jobs and opportunities for youth; businesses do, but politicians must provide support to enable businesses to do this, not obstacles.

Of course, members of the next European Parliament will not all agree on the best way forward in relation to such issues, but we fundamentally need MEPs who agree that the best way for Europe is forward, not backward.

For this reason, I urge every citizen in Malta who is eligible to vote to exercise that right on 25th May and help shape the future of your country and the EU in a positive direction.

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Malta Business Bureau 2018 Annual Report 2019

EU Policy & Lobbying Signing off on an intense legislature

IT WAS NO DOUBT AN INTENSE YEAR FOR POLICY AND LEGISL ATION IN THE EUROPEAN UNION , WITH THE COMMISSION , COUNCIL AND PARLIAMENT ALL FACING A L AST SPRINT TO THE FINISH LINE IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT ALL REMAINING LEGISL ATIVE PROPOSALS THAT ARE STILL UNDER NEGOTIATION ARE CONCLUDED BY THE END OF THE 2014-2019 LEGISL ATURE.

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Malta Business Bureau 2018 Annual Report 2019

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t was an eventful year for the MBB’s Brussels Representation Office, in order to keep up with the discussions on the various politically- and technically-sensitive legislation. It is often said that the EU’s co-decision procedure takes an eternity from start to finish, but this cannot be said for the time when the end of a mandate comes about, with the pace picking up drastically, and politicians, diplomats and bureaucrats alike buzzing around at twice their usual speed leading to the European elections.

In 2018-2019, the EU agenda was filled with the climax of negotiations on important legislative proposals, and the following are just a few of what the MBB was active on.

Single Market Following the speedy and positive result of the Directive for a Proportionality Test, the rest of the Services Package reached an unceremonious end with lawmakers in the Council firmly putting the brakes on the proposed Services E-Card and the Services Notifications Procedure. On the former, this was not such a bad thing, as the way the E-Card was proposed by the Commission would have in practice complicated matters for companies wishing to provide cross-border services within the EU, even though in theory it tried to do the exact opposite.

However, it is disappointing that the Services Notifications proposal was brought to a halt, as it was a very good proposal that would have required member states to notify the Commission about any additions or changes to its services legislation on a national level. This would have been an extremely useful vehicle to ensure increased compliance with the Services Directive.

The Compliance Package was also met with mixed results. The Single Digital Gateway (SDG) is a very good initiative, and was adopted, even if it could have been more ambitious. The SDG will create an online one-stopshop for companies to be able to search for procedures in other member states. The second part of the Compliance Package included the Single Market Information Tool (SMIT) that was meant to empower the Commission to require information directly from companies, which would have been used to investigate distortions in the Single Market and be used in enforcement efforts against member states.

This would have placed huge obligations on companies, which would have been forced to comply with the request for providing information, while confidentiality was not fully guaranteed. Understandably, member states rejected it before discussions had even really begun. The MBB opposed this proposal and therefore did not overly lament its abrupt end.

Moving on to more positive outcomes, the Goods Package introduced proposals to improve the framework for the mutual recognition of goods, as well as improved coordination for market surveillance in the EU. Both proposals, while still heavily debated, were adopted with comparative ease when compared to the other files.

On the Digital Single Market front, intense negotiations on the so-called Platform-to-business Regulation, a legislation to regulate the contractual relationship between online platforms and businesses which sell goods and services via those platforms, were drawn to a successful conclusion.

This proposal was adopted in response to the increasingly dominant market position of online platforms in recent years, which has allowed them to unilaterally dictate the terms of their services. This led to several cases of unfair commercial practices towards business, which should now decrease due to the proposal aiming to bring back balance between the rights of the platforms and the businesses through increased transparency and clarity in the terms and conditions set.

Consumer Affairs The New Deal for Consumers, a bombastically defined package, brought forward two legislative proposals: the first so-called ‘omnibus’ proposal, which would amend and update the Unfair Contract Terms Directive, Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, Consumer Rights Directive, and the Price Indication Directive. All four landmark pieces of legislation were severely outdated and required updating in order to bring them in line with the digital age and the e-commerce revolution to ensure the adequate strength of consumer law and maximum consumer trust. At the time of writing, the Council and Parliament were engaged in trilogues in order to find a common agreement, to which there should be no major roadblocks.

The second proposal attempted to introduce a muchneeded Framework for Collective Redress, but what was put on the table fell way short of what was expected. The proposal would apply also to domestic infringements of consumer law and would allow anyone to bring forward collective actions while financed by third parties, which opens the door wide open for abuse of the system. Proof of actual loss or damages, not even the mandate of the consumers represented would require for the court to be able to consider compensatory relief as a remedy. There is little doubt that the proposal in its current state is not only anti-business, but also anti-consumers, and the only ones who stand to benefit from this proposal are those who work in the legal profession. Unsurprisingly, this proposal is facing major stumbling blocks in the Council and it is unlikely that an agreement will be reached before the European elections.

Social and Employment It was also a busy year on the social and employment front, with the culmination of the negotiations on various proposals emanating from the European Pillar of Social Rights. The Work-Life Balance Directive aims to harmonise a minimum level of family leave and flexible work arrangements in the EU. As a result, 10 days of paternity leave compensated at least equivalent to sick-pay; four months parental leave, two of which are non-transferable and will be compensated; and an annual five-day carers’ leave will be introduced.

The MBB lobbied intensively for the level of remuneration to be decided at member state level and it is satisfied that in this case, the subsidiarity principle prevailed.

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2018 Malta Business Bureau 2019 Annual Report

Another flagship proposal was the directive for more transparent and predictable working conditions in the EU, which aims to ensure that workers are provided with adequate information on their obligations and working conditions at the start of their employment. While in favour of transparency, the MBB lobbied intensely so that the timing and level of information provided are proportionate so as not to add burdens on businesses, particularly microenterprises.

In addition, a proposal to set up a European Labour Authority was adopted with the aim of facilitating access to information to employees and employers on rights and obligations, as well as to services which are available to them, while supporting co-operation between EU member states in the cross-border enforcement of Union labour law.

The European Labour Authority will also provide mediation services in case of cross-border disputes between national authorities.

Justice The EU adopted a new Visa Code, which will benefit the tourism industry by facilitating the process by which thirdcountry nationals become eligible to visit the EU member states for less than 90 days. The new rules include more flexible procedures, whereby applications can be submitted six months ahead of travel instead of three months; a digital tool will be developed to sign and lodge applications online; where possible, interviews can also be held through digital means; and the introduction of multi-entry visas for frequent travellers to the EU. Tax In the area of taxation policy, several legislative proposals were also tabled. A Digital Service Tax proposal to ensure that digital businesses are adequately taxed was approved overwhelmingly by the European Parliament, but rejected by the Council, twice. The MBB opposed this proposal because it diverts from a long-standing practice that it is company profits that should be taxed, not revenue. This proposal would have also risked double taxation. The MBB prefers that further discussions on digital taxation take place at international level for a global solution rather than a European unilateral action that would impact its competitiveness.

An amendment to the existing VAT Directive was also adopted, in order to reduce the VAT rate on e-publications

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and thus aligning the VAT rules for electronic and physical publications.

In the meantime, despite progress registered in the past year, discussions on a Definitive VAT System are still ongoing. The current VAT system, which has been in place since 1993, is outdated, and a new framework is required to keep pace with the challenges of today’s global and digital economy. VAT will also be expected to be charged on cross-border trade, and the process will be facilitated through a one-stop shop.

Trade The EU’s trade agenda remains highly ambitious. In recent weeks, the EU overwhelmingly approved and ratified the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, which entered into force on 1st February 2019. This trade agreement will do away with these barriers and help leverage global trade rules to a European standard, while sending the powerful message that two of the world’s largest economies reject protectionism. This is also the first trade agreement negotiated by the EU that makes specific references to the Paris Agreement on climate change and commitments by both parties to meet their obligations in this regard.

The EU trade and investment agreement with Singapore was also endorsed by the European Parliament. This is expected to boost the EU’s economic relations and cooperation with Singapore while continuing to deepen the EU’s ties with Asia.

Brexit The MBB also actively followed all developments related to the EU-UK negotiations for a withdrawal agreement and a political declaration on the future relationship. The MBB also followed the EU’s contingency plans for a no-deal Brexit as uncertainties increased.

With the European Council providing an extension until the end of October 2019 for the UK to withdraw from the EU, the MBB hopes the UK Parliament can ratify an agreement to leave the EU in an orderly manner and for future relationship negotiations to commence as soon as possible with an ambition of retaining deep economic relations as much as possible between the two.

For more information contact the MBB Brussels Office on T: +32 2234 7942 or E: infobrussels@mbb.org.mt

Malta Business Bureau 2018 Annual Report 2019

Enterprise Europe Network Boosting innovation and promoting internationalisation

WORKING IN COLL ABORATION WITH OVER 600 BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD, THE ENTERPRISE EUROPE NET WORK (EEN) HELPS SMALL - AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES (SMEs) FROM ALL SECTORS TO TAKE GREATER ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES OF THE SINGLE MARKET. EEN IS PART OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION’S INTEGRATED POLICY FOR PROMOTING ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND GROW TH OF ENTERPRISES IN EUROPE. 051

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018 marked the Network’s 10th anniversary – an exciting year for the global Network and also one for EEN Malta as it officially launched its new web portal, serving as a gateway to support ambitious local SMEs to grow internationally, innovate and transform their business. The portal’s appealing audio-visuals distinctly explain how the Network’s services have assisted several local companies over the past three years.

EEN Malta was also very proud to join its international partners in launching the ‘Ready to Grow’ campaign locally and celebrate its most promising clients together with those across 60 member countries. The submission of two local success stories (one from the Maltese aquaculture and research sector and the other from the local fashion industry), resulted in some major media coverage for the EEN clients during their participation in the ‘Digital Transformation International Business Festival’ in Liverpool and the Torino Fashion Week in June 2018.

Globally, thanks to its partnering and advisory support services, during the past year, EEN managed to facilitate several business partnership agreements with foreign companies for their network clients and also provide significant impetus to improve their competitiveness and innovation at European level. The Network’s achievements are best shown through the positive results of the many businesses it has assisted already, with several inspiring success stories being published on the EEN web portal.

As part of EEN, the MBB is linked with powerful databases, thus enabling it to assist companies in going international, tap different sources of finance, and grasp new opportunities within the European marketplace. Since the beginning of the project, MBB has also been committed to serve as the direct channel to feed back to the European Commission the views, experiences and observations of entrepreneurs on the ground. Such practical input is extremely valuable for developing European policy proposals to best meet the needs of small businesses. Over the past 12 months, the MBB held a series of business seminars, gathering valuable stakeholder feedback on a number of relevant EU legislative proposals, including the Goods Package proposal, and the proposal for a Regulation on promoting fairness and transparency for business users of online intermediation services (platforms).

The MBB is also a member of one of the 17 key international expert groups of EEN – the Tourism and Cultural Heritage Sector Group. The Group comprises 26 business experts from various countries which are working together to promote business innovation and to enhance co-operation and sustainable partnership among European tourism SMEs. As co-chair of the Group, the MBB has jointly drafted the strategic paper for 2019. Through a number of planned activities, the Sector Group’s special focus this year is to assist tourism SMEs to improve the IT skills of their workers, and to support tourism and cultural heritage entrepreneurs to improve the management of their business.

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Towards a future European Innovation Council In 2019, the current support for EEN clients under Horizon 2020 will undergo further changes in the form of an ‘Enhanced European Innovation Council (EIC) pilot’, which will build on and expand the current pilot paving the way for a fully-fledged EIC under Horizon Europe. EIC is designed to tackle three main gaps: to support disruptive and breakthrough innovation in the hope of generating impact from the support for breakthrough science; to finance high-risk innovations through which EIC will also generate a pipeline of projects that are investable for private investors; and to scale up high potential innovative start-ups in Europe (which are not possible at member state level) by providing them with higher levels of finance and connecting them to EU-wide ecosystems.

The future EIC will complement other key elements of EU innovation policy, notably to improve regulatory frameworks such as the Single Market and increase private investment for commercially viable projects such as InvestEU and VentureEU. In order to achieve the aforementioned objectives, the enhanced EIC pilot (2019-2020) will further introduce three main novelties. These comprise reformed and simplified funding instruments, designed for disruptive and breakthrough innovations from an early stage (Pathfinder) to development and scale-up (Accelerator); a more flexible and pro-active management needed for highrisk projects, fast-moving technologies and markets; and a renewed governance with an EIC Advisory Board to bring in leading innovators and create a higher visibility.

EEN will be looking to identify and support the participation of start-ups and SMEs with the potential to bring cuttingedge innovation into the market in collaboration with the Horizon 2020 National Contact Points. The SME Instrument Phase Two will be continued in the EIC Accelerator as a grant-only instrument but with the option for the participants to apply for blended finance (grant plus equity).

In the meantime, the global network partners will be working to further develop the ‘Enhancing Innovation Management Capacities’ (EIMC) services. EIMC services are highly-valuable services for SMEs and should serve as an entry-level service in the context of the client journey.

Visit www.enterprise-europemalta.com to find out more.

For more information contact Ana Vella, Senior Executive – Business Support.

T: +356 2125 1719; E: avella@mbb.org.mt

Malta Business Bureau 2018 Annual Report 2019

MBB European Projects

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Malta Business Bureau 2018 Annual Report 2019

MBB European Projects

Amplifying financial and digital skills in business

IN AN AGE WHEN TEC HNOLOGY IS RESHAPING OUR LIFEST YLES, BOTH FINANCIAL AND DIGITAL SKILLS HAVE BECOME INCREASINGLY NECESSARY. FOR THIS REASON , THE MBB HAS SOUGHT TO BOOST FINANCIAL AND DIGITAL LITERACY THROUGH THE FOLLOWING EUROPEAN PROJECTS. INVEST – Financial and forecasting models for entrepreneurs In September 2018, the EUfunded INVEST project was brought to an end by means of a closing conference organised by the MBB and the Mediterranean Bank Network. During this event, a finalised version of the INVEST training model in financial literacy was presented to the business community.

This training model, which is a free and publicly-available online toolkit (available at www.investproject.eu), offers 30 hours of training. It has been specifically designed to address existing gaps in financial knowledge, within both the Maltese and the wider EU markets. The gaps were identified following research investigating the existing level of financial literacy among entrepreneurs in the five partner countries, namely Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

The success of the Erasmus+ INVEST project is reflected in the HSBC Malta Foundation’s endorsement of this initiative and the commencement of a partnership with the MBB, intending to extend the lifetime of this project by reaching out to a wider target audience.

Visit www.investproject.eu to find out more.

VITA: Developing a virtual and augmented reality trainers toolbox In May 2018, the MBB launched the concept behind the EU-funded VITA project with local stakeholders and entrepreneurs, providing a platform for discussion on the importance of digital skills among adults in the business world. Statistics show that there are still significant skill gaps in terms of digital skills which have not been fully addressed.

As a result, the VITA project has set out to create a novel toolbox by which trainers can attract, reach out to and assist learners in improving their digital literacy. Over the last months, project partners have been busy compiling and structuring the content of this toolbox, to be able to launch it in mid-2019.

Below is a list of modules that will be featured in this toolbox, complemented by a number of Virtual and Augmented Reality Technology case studies: • Module 0: An Introduction to the VITA Trainers Course • Module 1: An Introduction to Digital User Interfaces • Module 2: Basic Communication in Digital Environments • Module 3: Creating, Handling and Storing Basic Digital Content • Module 4: An Introduction to Virtual and Augmented Reality.

Visit www.mecb.com.mt/vita to find out more.

For more information contact Marija Elena Borg, Senior Executive – EU Funding.T: +356 2125 1719; E: mborg@mbb.org.mt

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Malta Business Bureau 2018 Annual Report 2019

MBB European Projects

Enhancing co-operation between higher education institutions and business

KNOWLEDGE ALLIANCES ARE TRANSNATIONAL AND RESULT-DRIVEN PROJECTS BET WEEN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (HEIs) AND BUSINESSES. OVER THE PAST MONTHS, THE MBB HAS LED AND PARTICIPATED IN T WO SUC H PROJECTS, WITH THE INTENTION OF DEVELOPING INNOVATIVE APPROAC HES TO TEAC HING AND LEARNING, AS WELL AS FACILITATING THE EXC HANGE AND CO-CREATION OF KNOWLEDGE. INCOME: Learning model for tourism In the context of the tourism industry, soft skills are deemed to be highly relevant to the rate of performance and competitiveness of businesses. Research has confirmed, however, that there exists an apparent mismatch between the needs of the market and the level of soft skills with which tourism students and graduates are equipped.

The goal of the INCOME project is to develop and incorporate soft skills into higher education curricula, and to strongly co-operate with businesses to ensure that learning opportunities in the ‘real’ world are provided to tourism graduates.

To date, project partners have successfully conducted an in-depth analysis of the current requirements of the tourism industry and the state of tourism curricula in the participating countries and regions, including Malta, Croatia, Germany,

Italy, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. Based on the conclusions of this analysis, the INCOME consortium developed a structure to guide the implementation of the project’s cooperative learning model, in the form of a scholastic year-long piloting activity.

This activity is set to formally commence in October 2019, yet preparatory workshops for students and tutors are taking place in the first half of 2019. Another innovative element of the project is that the learning trios – students, incompany trainers and HEI tutors – will have the opportunity to travel to Germany and learn from the dual German model within a mobility programme at the University of Ravensburg and its partner companies, thus maximising the learning exchange.

Visit http://income-tourism-project.eu to find out more.

For more information contact Marija Elena Borg, Senior Executive – EU Funding.

T: +356 2125 1719; E: mborg@mbb.org.mt

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2018 Malta Business Bureau 2019 Annual Report

DIFME – Digital internationalisation and financial literacy skills for micro entrepreneurs In 2019, MBB was entrusted with the strategic leadership and implementation of a three-year, Erasmus+ Knowledge Alliances project, entitled DIFME. Once again, this project seeks to link HEIs to businesses across Europe, with the aim of developing a learning model that will strengthen the financial and digital skills of entrepreneurs – enabling them to widen their networks and internationalise.

The project consortium – made up of 11 partner organisations based in Malta, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy and Netherlands – acknowledges that rapid economic growth has made it crucial for business and academia to come together and address some of the underlying challenges. In this regard, once existing gaps in the skills of entrepreneurs are formally identified, DIFME will set out to develop a set of financial and digital competences, adapted to the real needs of the industry.

These fundamental competences will be integrated in a curriculum and uploaded on an e-learning platform.

Moreover, since the project consortium believes that there is significant value in enabling entrepreneurs to engage in meaningful dialogue with their peers, DIFME will simultaneously work towards the creation of an ‘SME Hub’ that will not

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only provide entrepreneurs with access to the e-learning platform, but also promote a long-term partnership between representatives of academic, educational and business bodies based in different European countries.

For more information contact Marika Huber, Project Manager.

T: +356 2125 1719; E: mhuber@mbb.org.mt

Malta Business Bureau 2018 Annual Report 2019

MBB European Projects

Promoting sustainable business

EUROPEAN BUSINESSES ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY AWARE OF THE IMPACT SUSTAINABLE MEASURES MAY HAVE ON THEIR BOTTOM LINE. THE MBB HAS WORKED EXTENSIVELY THROUGHOUT THE L AST YEAR TO BOOST THE EFFICIENCY OF BUSINESSES’ OPERATIONS, PARTICUL ARLY FOCUSING ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND FOOD WASTE REDUCTION. Investing in Energy During the year under review, the MBB concluded the Investing in Energy project. This was a two-year project that supported industry-related obligations under the Energy Efficiency Directive and Malta’s 2020 energy efficiency targets. It helped SMEs in Malta, particularly those in the manufacturing and importer/retail sectors, to reduce carbon emissions and increase their energy efficiency.

The Investing in Energy project was a partnership between the MBB, The Energy and Water Agency and The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, with cofinancing from the Regulator for Energy and Water Services and the Ministry for the Economy, Investment and Small Business. During the two-year period, the project provided complimentary energy audits, as well as organised workshops for technical staff and management debates at business breakfasts. An eco-driving course was also offered to businesses, which highlighted the significant fuel-

and cost-saving potential that results from implementing economic driving techniques.

The MBB has been working on energy efficiency since the Energy Efficiency Directive was transposed into Maltese law in 2014, supporting The Energy and Water Agency’s Energy Efficiency Partner Initiative, through which businesses commit to regularly take up energy efficiency action, leading to the Investing in Energy project. Whilst this project has come to an end, the MBB’s work on energy will certainly not end here.

The MBB is keen to continue exploring opportunities which arise on this front, and to collaborate with interested stakeholders, particularly, since 2019 is a very important year for energy efficiency in Malta and throughout the EU. The 2020 targets are right around the corner and efforts need to be maintained through 2019 and 2020, to ensure that every stakeholder does their part in reaching national objectives. We also need to plan ahead for the more ambitious 2030 targets. As anyone involved in business knows, there are changes that can be made fairly quickly in the business world. There are also changes which take more time.

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Investment platform The MBB, supported by Deloitte Malta, is exploring the possibility of supporting energy efficiency projects in businesses through the provision of financing. The financing options being explored are an energy-specific financial instrument which would address existing financing gaps on the national market. These gaps have been identified and informed through the MBB’s work aimed at supporting the implementation of energy efficiency policy, a work area the MBB has been active in since 2014. A key issue with promoting energy efficiency projects is that financing options are currently traditional bank financing, or owncapital. The former is considered unattractive by most businesses for energy efficiency projects, while own-capital is frequently reserved for projects of higher commercial priority.

The MBB aims to support the provision of additional financing options, bridging a gap which SMEs and smaller non-SMEs in particular could experience in driving internal energy efficiency projects. Financing options being considered include blends of private, public, EU, investment and development funds. Such blending requires a strong stakeholder participatory and collaborative approach. The MBB believes that such an approach will bring financing benefits, and importantly also technical benefits – a valuable asset owing to the technically challenging nature of energy efficiency in business.

FOSTER The MBB has now expanded its sustainability portfolio into another area of increasing importance, particularly to the hospitality sector – food waste reduction. The MBB is closely collaborating with Malta’s Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) on this initiative.

In 2018, the MBB formed part of a European consortium implementing a three-year LIFE+ FOSTER project, running until 2021. This is a collaboration between leading European Vocational Education and Training (VET) centres and business- and professional-representative organisations, the objective of which is to help build national capacity in reducing food waste in the hospitality sector. This will be achieved through education and training, as well as the engagement of businesses and policy-makers in the sector.

There is a growing business case behind reducing food waste. Simply put, wasted food represents wasted money.

Providing restaurants with practical ways to reduce food waste should directly translate into cost savings. Food waste has also become a key priority on the European agenda, in the context of a drive towards reducing waste production more generally. This has been reflected in the European Commission’s 2015 Circular Economy Action Plan which lists food waste as one of its priority areas.

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Education will be the vital element of the LIFE+ FOSTER project. It will introduce a bottom-up approach towards food waste reduction through the education of trainee chefs, kitchen staff and front-of-house restaurant personnel.

Local trainers will first undergo training in the best methods for food waste reduction in a commercial setting. Following this training, the techniques will be incorporated into curricula taught at national VET centres. The students of the VET centres will then apply these techniques during their placements at food establishments.

This approach will be coupled with strong promotion of the project’s results through seminars, fairs and workshops targeting restaurant staff, networking activities with other LIFE+ projects dealing with food waste, as well as through the engagement of policy stakeholders throughout the project’s lifetime. These activities will further drive home the importance of tackling food waste in this sector.

The project will culminate in 2021 with a European-level ‘Food Waste Hackathon’, during which students from the partner countries will compete to create the most foodefficient menus. Malta will be represented through three ITS students.

ENAIP NET (Italy) is the LIFE+ FOSTER project’s lead partner, with the Malta Business Bureau (MBB – Malta), Institute for Tourism Studies (ITS – Malta), Federazione Italiana Cuochi (FIC – Italy), University of Gastronomic Sciences (UNISG – Italy), Confederación Española de Centros de Enseñanza (CECE – Spain) and Agence Nationale pour la Formation Professionnelle des Adultes (AFPA – France) making up the rest of the consortium.

Visit www.lifefoster.eu to find out more.

For more information contact Gabriel Cassar, Executive – Sustainable Development.

T: +356 2125 1719; E: gcassar@mbb.org.mt

Malta Business Bureau 2018 Annual Report 2019

Foundation for the Promotion of Entrepreneurial Initiatives

THE PAST YEAR WAS ANOTHER ONE OF GROW TH FOR THE FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION OF ENTREPRENEURIAL INITIATIVES (FPEI) – A COLL ABORATION SET UP BET WEEN THE MALTA BUSINESS BUREAU AND THE UNIVERSIT Y OF MALTA , WITH THE AIM OF PROMOTING AND SUPPORTING ENTREPRENEURSHIP. 067

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aunched in 2015, the FPEI’s first project was the introduction of ZAAR – Malta’s only rewardsbased crowdfunding platform. From the outset, ZAAR’s vision and mission was to enable and facilitate innovation and great ideas, and to help them to achieve funding by providing a platform where these ideas can be showcased to the public and potential backers. ZAAR set out to promote the use of crowdfunding as an alternative means of financing in Malta, where small businesses and organisations often struggle to achieve the financing they need through traditional means.

The results have been very positive. Over the past months, ZAAR received over 100 project leads, of which 30 translated into published projects on the platform. Among the projects that did go live, ZAAR managed to achieve an 83 per cent funding success rate. Across the platform, ZAAR raised more than €197,000 with the support of more than 2,000 backers.

Throughout the year, ZAAR continued to offer its regular crowdfunding clinic sessions held at the University of Malta’s TAKEOFF Business Incubator. These take the form of crowdfunding information sessions that give potential campaigns the chance to network with like-minded individuals, and to better understand how to run a successful campaign. A number of collaborations were also integral in the last year. Both the Ministry of Economy, Investment and Small Business and the Arts Council Malta continue to be funding partners of ZAAR, while Grant Thornton has provided assistance and advice to potential start-ups interested in trying out crowdfunding, and CreditInfo Malta has provided ZAAR with due diligence and credit checks on project owners.

Towards the end of 2018, ZAAR also launched a marketing research study in conjunction with Grant Thornton to investigate the investor attitude towards early-stage investing and to assess the knowledge of investment-based crowdfunding. The information gathered will in turn feed into the future plans of the foundation.

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FPEI was also busy working on its second initiative which comprises an EU-funded project created with five European partners. The Three Questions Model of Developing Social Entrepreneurs (T3QM) provides an innovative way for adult educators to offer high-quality and needs-focused coaching to social start-up founders to become sustainable.

T3QM’s aim is to enable aspiring adult entrepreneurs, from backgrounds of need and who fail to access traditional support, to develop their enterprise in a practical manner.

As part of T3QM project, FPEI organised a very interesting seminar in March 2018 offering a great opportunity for potential entrepreneurs to discover how experts and experienced industry professionals believe entrepreneurship can be made more accessible. The event also highlighted some of the key opportunities available to entrepreneurs and the challenges they face. Huge interest was shown towards social entrepreneurship as a key for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth, and for tackling current economic and environmental challenges. In December 2018, FPEI also held a pilot session to test out the T3QM methodology which saw the participation of 20 young adults in a successful and motivating training session.

Looking ahead, FPEI will continue to collaborate with other local and international partners to establish new initiatives and provide tools that will help promote entrepreneurship in Malta.

Visit www.fpei.com.mt and www.zaar.com.mt to find out more.

For more information contact Matthew Caruana, Crowdfunding Manager – ZAAR. T: +356 2340 3982; M: +356 7789 0538; E: matthew@zaar.com.mt

2018 Malta Business Bureau 2019 Annual Report

Calendar of Events April 2018 26TH APRIL: MBB PARTICIPATES IN EUROCHAMBRES’ 60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION MBB CEO Joe Tanti, EU Affairs Manager Daniel Debono, and Senior Advisor Mark Seychell participated in EUROCHAMBRES’ 60th anniversary celebrations that took place in Brussels. The programme started with a conference focusing on trade, skills and entrepreneurship.

On trade, it was acknowledged that since its beginnings, the EU project has been an important factor in facilitating trade for European businesses, not only between member states but also with third countries. Chambers represent millions of internationally active companies, large and small, and deliver many forms of trade facilitation services to those companies. As such, they are key stakeholders in discussions on trading conditions and in ensuring that these conditions are converted into tangible opportunities for Europe’s businesses.

On skills, compared to many other economies, the EU cannot compete on costs and has relatively limited access to raw materials and natural resources. It was argued that human capital is therefore the EU’s main source of competitive advantage and must be optimised. There are many facets to this optimisation, such as the need to address mismatches between skills supply and demand.

On entrepreneurship, it was recognised that more needs to be done to address the many financial, legal and administrative barriers that discourage entrepreneurship.

But additionally, we need to ignite a culture of entrepreneurship across Europe. The signs in recent years are encouraging, but deep-seated change requires efforts to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among Europeans from an early age.

May 2018 9TH MAY: AMPLIFYING DIGITAL SKILLS IN BUSINESS On 9th May, a seminar on ‘Amplifying Digital Skills for Adults in Business’ was organised by the MBB at the Canter Business Centre in Marsa. This event formed part of the MBB’s initiatives under the EU-funded VITA project, which aims to develop a novel toolbox by which trainers can attract, reach out to and assist learners in improving their digital literacy.

The event served as an opportunity for stakeholders, entrepreneurs, employers and employees to discuss digital

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skill deficiencies at the workplace, and how Virtual and Augmented Reality (VAR) Technology could help to improve the situation. It was emphasised that whilst there have been huge advances in digital technology, cohorts of people are struggling to keep up. As part of this event, participants were also given the opportunity to experience VAR Technology first hand.

Following this event, representatives of the VITA project consortium met in Ostrava, Czech Republic, to assess the feedback that was received in each respective country, and to officially kick-start the development of the digital toolbox content.

For more information about VITA project, visit page 57.

18TH MAY: MBB PARTICIPATES IN BUSINESSEUROPE’S COPRES MEETING WITH MALTA CHAMBER The Spring BusinessEurope Council of Presidents for 2018 was held in Sofia, Bulgaria, and was hosted by the Bulgarian Industrial Association. This was the last meeting presided by outgoing President, Emma Marcegaglia, as the national members of BusinessEurope ratified the election of Pierre Gattaz – President of MEDEF, the largest employer organisation in France – as incoming President for the forthcoming two-year period. The term of Mr Gattaz commenced on 1st July 2018.

The remaining agenda for the Council meeting was characterised by intense discussion on a number of prevailing issues in the EU. These included the economic and political situations in several EU member states, international relations, the priorities for the European Parliament elections and the next Commission, and Brexit.

Malta Business Bureau 2018 Annual Report 2019

The Maltese delegation was led by then Malta Chamber President, Frank V. Farrugia and BusinessEurope VicePresident, Anton Borg, whose term also came to an end at the Copres meeting in Sofia. Other members of the delegation included Malta Chamber Director General, Kevin J. Borg, and MBB EU Affairs Manager, Daniel Debono.

18TH MAY: BUSINESS-SUPPORT SERVICES PRESENTED TO TOURISM INDUSTRY LEADERS MBB coordinator for the Enterprise Europe Network Service, Ana Vella, was invited to present a range of services offered by the Network to industry leaders at the Q1 Hotels Performance Survey Seminar. Participants were informed that the tourism business agenda within the Network for 2018 is piling high with opportunities, particularly since 2018 marks the EU-China Tourism Year.

Ms Vella explained that the Network’s business advisers for tourism and cultural heritage are at the front line thanks to an active collaboration with the Partnerships in European Tourism (P.E.T.) initiative. The PET project, co-funded by the Commission, is linking actions with the Chinese tourism market as part of the EU-China Tourism Year agenda. In this regard, there are a few incentives which are being provided to encourage participation of European businesses at these flagship events.

“We have a strong political year ahead of us, with the Juncker Commission mandate coming to an end, the UK leaving the EU in March 2019, and the European Parliament elections in May 2019, to name but a few. With all that is going on, I can assure the MBB’s commitment to continue being of service to the Maltese business community.”

The MBB thanked Dr David Zahra for his dedication and commitment to see the Bureau develop and increase its services to the Maltese private sector. Furthermore, the MBB thanks Directors Mario Spiteri and Reginald Fava, who have relinquished their post, for their support and input over the years. The new Board of Directors is now made up of Simon De Cesare, David Zahra, Malcolm Jones, Claudienne Hany Harb, Charles A. Zahra, Frank V. Farrugia and Patrick Cachia.

28-30TH MAY: MBB EU AFFAIRS MANAGER JOINS EMPLOYERS’ DELEGATION AT ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION CONFERENCE IN GENEVA

For more information, email Ana Vella on avella@mbb.org.mt 22ND MAY: NEW PRESIDENT FOR MBB Simon De Cesare was appointed new President of the Malta Business Bureau, succeeding David Zahra, who is now MBB Vice-President.

On his appointment as new MBB President, Mr De Cesare said, “I am pleased to have been given this opportunity to contribute towards the local business community.

I look forward to my term as President, to preside over the organisation to further sustain its growth and give it my best to achieve more results and create new opportunities for Maltese businesses. In the meantime, I will continue supporting MBB’s drive to implement EU projects, as I believe that this is one of the best ways of putting EU policy into practice, as well as promoting opportunities with local business.”

MBB EU Affairs Manager Daniel Debono was part of the Maltese delegation at the International Labour Conference, the highest decision-making body of the International Labour Organisation. The annual conference brings together the tripartite delegations from the organisation’s 187 member states to consider a series of topics related to the world of work, which are discussed both at plenary as well as in technical committees.

Mr Debono participated in the committee focusing on social dialogue and tripartism that follows up on a recurrent discussion under the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalisation. Social dialogue is regarded as a problem-solving mechanism and as a means to achieve social equity, economic efficiency and democratic participation. It is important for protecting labour rights, facilitating wage determination, improving working conditions and promoting sustainable enterprises.

Mr Debono, who was representing the Malta Chamber, formed part of the employers’ delegation along with the Director General of the Malta Employers Association, Joseph Farrugia.

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Malta Business Bureau 2018 Annual Report 2019

June 2018 31ST MAY-1ST JUNE: FINAL MEETING OF INVEST PROJECT

MBB CEO Joe Tanti and MBB Senior Executive Marija Elena Borg participated in the final meeting of ‘INVEST – Financial and Forecasting Models for Entrepreneurs’, held at Inqubator Leeuwarden in the Netherlands.

Over the two days, the project partners discussed the feedback that was received from European entrepreneurs and stakeholders who took part in the piloting phase of the INVEST financial literacy toolkit. Based on these discussions, it was agreed that the content of the e-learning toolkit was finalised and would be fully launched to the public during the final conference held in September 2018.

For more information about the INVEST project visit page 57.

7TH JUNE: MBB PARTICIPATES AT INNOVATION ID 2018 CONFERENCE IN THESSALONIKI

MBB CEO Joe Tanti was invited to participate in a roundtable session at the European Design Forum event in Thessaloniki. The sessions comprised a number of interesting discussions and interventions on Design Management, Service Design, Digital Transformation and Design, the Internet of Things, and Design and the Value of Design for Businesses. The event also welcomed a number of participants including Head of Tourism for the Emerging and Creative Industries at the European Commission, Anna Athanasopoulou, Head of Design Policy at PDR UK, Anna Whicher, and President of the Bureau of European Design Associations, Bart Ashmann, among others.

12TH JUNE: MBB EU AFFAIRS MANAGER PARTICIPATES IN EUROCHAMBRES’ GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN SOFIA The Spring EUROCHAMBRES General Assembly for 2018 was held in Sofia, Bulgaria, and was hosted by the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The meeting was the first to be presided by Christoph Leitl, who was elected President of EUROCHAMBRES towards the end of 2017.

Mr Leitl gave an account of his Presidency so far and reiterated the three priorities for his mandate: (i) to focus on challenges brought about by globalisation, digitalisation and migration, and to transform them from threats to opportunities; (ii) for Europe to maintain the highest quality so that in the future it will be possible to continue leading in social and environmental standards; and (iii) investment in creativity, talent, skills and innovation as key factors for entrepreneurial success and social stability.

The members also discussed the need to continue advocating political and policy messages by businesses in an efficient and effective manner on issues of high importance on the agenda, such as the priorities of the EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027, the management of migration flows, addressing skills-mismatches and skills shortages, an ambitious trade policy and delivery of trade agreements with third countries, and an orderly Brexit.

Daniel Debono participated in this meeting as the Malta Chamber’s Permanent Delegate to EUROCHAMBRES. 18-19TH JUNE: MBB EXECUTIVE ATTENDS CONFERENCES ON THE FUTURE OF ERASMUS+ AND EMPLOYEE TRAINING MBB Executive Sarah Abdilla had the opportunity to attend a European social partners conference on 19th June in Brussels, relating to the rapid labour market changes due to digitalisation, social, demographic and environmental transitions, and global challenges. During the conference it was highlighted that a skilled workforce and employee training are necessary to cope with these changes and to respond to the labour market needs.

The previous day, Ms Abdilla also participated in a conference on the future of Erasmus+ amidst the current discussions on the next long-term EU Budget 2021-2027.

Preliminary thoughts on the Commission’s proposal were given from the member state’s point of view, as well as from a parliamentary and stakeholder perspective. Overall, strong support was given towards the Commission’s proposal to double funding for the Erasmus programme and to simplify the application process in a bid to increase the number of beneficiaries.

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June 2018 18-19TH JUNE: VET WORKING GROUP PUBLISHES 12-POINT POLICY GUIDE MBB CEO Joe Tanti attended the final conference of the working group on Vocational Education and Training. The working group comprises key experts and stakeholders, ranging from public officials and social partners to international organisations and civil society. The final conference, held in Sofia, Bulgaria, with the support of the Bulgarian EU Presidency, built upon two years of effort and resulted in the publication of a 12-point policy guide which aims to help stakeholders better support teachers and company trainers.

22ND JUNE: MBB HOSTS FIRST ROUND-TABLE DISCUSSION ON SOFT SKILLS IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY The MBB organised its first thematic discussion as part of the INCOME Tourism project on 22nd June at the Malta University Residence, Lija. The discussion centred around the issue of soft skills within the tourism industry.

In his opening remarks, MBB President Simon De Cesare fleshed out the importance of soft skills in the industry, explaining how strong soft skills have become paramount for the success of any tourism business and for the industry more generally. A round-table discussion was also held, bringing together key industry stakeholders, ranging from academia, private businesses and business-representatives.

The discussion helped clarify the current gap between what is taught in tourism curricula at higher educational institutions and the requirements of the industry. Furthermore, it highlighted what is already being done and what needs to be done to remedy the situation.

For more information about the INCOME project visit page 59.

July 2018 6TH JULY: MBB ORGANISES ENERGY EFFICIENCY BUSINESS BREAKFAST As part of the Investing in Energy project, MBB hosted a number of business breakfasts showcasing proven successful energy efficient strategies for commercial entities, enabling an exchange of ideas between businesses with similar operations, whilst also encouraging the take-up of energy efficiency practices.

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Mark Marmara, Green Manager responsible for the Environment at Bank of Valletta, shared the bank’s experience of introducing a new cooling system for the server room. Ing. Jonathan Bonett from Camilleri and Cuschieri Consulting Engineers also provided technical details on the system implemented by BOV. The new system has contributed towards shaving off 600,000 electricity units, translating into a 60 per cent reduction in energy consumption.

During the final months of the project’s duration, MBB also held various consultations with local energy auditors in order to gather feedback on the current situation within Malta’s businesses relating to energy efficiency. The feedback gathered, which highlights issues ranging from businesses’ investment priorities, capacity and financing, has been compiled into a published report which can be accessed from www.mbb.org.mt.

For more information about the Investing in Energy project visit page 63.

August 2018 28TH-31ST AUGUST: MBB EXECUTIVE COMPLETES EMPLOYERS YOUNG PROFESSIONALS ACADEMY COURSE IN TURIN

MBB EU Policy Executive, Sarah Abdilla, participated in the Employers Young Professionals Academy (EYPA) organised by the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organisation (ITC-ILO) and BusinessEurope. The programme consisted of three sessions: promoting the relevance of being the voice of businesses at national and EU levels, focusing on current economic debates in Europe, and paying special attention to social dialogue and industrial relations.

Throughout the academy, participants obtained a thorough understanding of the various challenges faced by business organisations and the expectations of their members, whilst also training on advocacy and lobbying techniques within the context of the EU.

Malta Business Bureau 2018 Annual Report 2019

August 2018 30TH AUGUST: MBB BRUSSELS OFFICE MEETS PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY AARON FARRUGIA AND MALTA’S EU PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE AMBASSADOR DANIEL AZZOPARDI

4TH SEPTEMBER: MBB CHAIRS FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION ON SOFT SKILLS IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY On 4th September, MBB CEO Joe Tanti chaired a Focus Group Discussion as part of the Needs Analysis phase of the EU-funded INCOME Tourism project. The aim of this discussion, which was attended by both business representatives and academics, was to develop a Master List of the soft skills which are most relevant to the local industry. The outcomes of this discussion were further supported by several interviews which were held with other business representatives, entrepreneurs and academics, as well as online questionnaires which were completed by current tourism students and alumni.

MBB’s Head of Brussels Operations Daniel Debono and Senior Advisor Mark Seychell met the Parliamentary Secretary for EU Funds and Social Dialogue Aaron Farrugia, and the incoming Maltese Permanent Representative to the EU, Ambassador Daniel Azzopardi. During the meeting at Dar Malta in Brussels, an exchange was held on the EU political agenda, particularly on the latest Brexit developments and negotiations on the forthcoming EU Budget. MBB’s legislative priorities were also discussed.

Both agreed to continue strengthening their communication and collaboration in the interests of Malta and the Maltese economy.

September 2018 MBB MALTA OFFICE RELOCATION MBB moved to a new location on 3rd September 2018.

Our new address is: 64, The Exchange Buildings, Republic Street, Valletta, VLT 1117

Following this event, MBB Senior Executive, Marija Elena Borg, and MUHC Manager, Alexia Pace Kiomall, met up with representatives of the INCOME Tourism project consortium in Split, Croatia, to assess the initial feedback that was received in each respective country, and to determine the way forward.

For more information about INCOME project, visit page 59.

13-14TH SEPTEMBER: MBB CEO PARTICIPATES IN SINGLE MARKET FORUM EVENT, RIGA Following a moderator role for the 2017 and 2018 Single Market Forum (SIMFO) events in Malta, MBB CEO Joe Tanti was invited to attend the ‘SMF Closing Event 2017/2018 – 25 years, European, free and single’ event in Riga.

SIMFO is an annual European Commission initiative where citizens, businesses and EU policy-makers assess the implementation of the Single Market. It allows stakeholders and the public to share their experience in practice and to discuss their policy recommendations for the future. The outcomes of the events contribute to policy evaluation and play a part in monitoring the implementation of the Single Market.

The event’s stakeholder workshops and information sessions focused mainly on the various benefits brought about by the Single Market as well as on what the expectations are and what still needs to be done.

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2018 Malta Business Bureau 2019 Annual Report

September 2018 24-25TH SEPTEMBER: MBB CEO PARTICIPATES IN EUROPEAN ALLIANCE FOR APPRENTICESHIPS REGIONAL SEMINAR, TIRANA MBB CEO Joe Tanti was invited to represent EUROCHAMBRES at the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) event held in Tirana, Albania.

EAfA is a platform managed by the European Commission in close cooperation with EU social partners which brings together governments with other key stakeholders (such as business associations, individual companies, chambers, vocational education and training (VET) providers, youth representatives, etc). The common goal is to strengthen the quality, supply, image and mobility of apprenticeships in Europe.

The EAfA has so far mobilised not only EU member states and a large number of stakeholders to engage in quality apprenticeships, but also all five candidate countries – Albania, Montenegro, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey.

The seminar enabled an exchange of views on effective apprenticeships and work-based learning systems in the candidate countries.

28TH SEPTEMBER: BUILDING SUSTAINABLE BUSINESSES: CONFERENCE ON FINANCIAL LITERACY FOR ENTREPRENEURS Together with the Mediterranean Bank Network (MBN), MBB organised a conference on financial literacy for entrepreneurs as part of the EU-funded INVEST project.

During the conference, local entrepreneurs asserted that one of the key factors to establishing a sustainable and successful business is continuous learning. Education, flanked by experience, provides entrepreneurs with tools that enable them to examine their product roadmaps and accurately define their company’s short-term and long-term goals.

Project co-ordinators Marika Huber and Marija Elena

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Borg presented a finalised version of the INVEST Financial Literacy training model offering 30 free hours of training.

This toolkit has been specifically designed to address existing gaps in financial knowledge, within both the Maltese and wider EU markets.

During the event, HSBC Malta Foundation CEO, Andrew C. Beane, officially endorsed the INVEST project and announced the commencement of a partnership with MBB, with the intention of extending the lifetime of this project by reaching out to a wider target audience.

Other keynote speakers included MBB President Simon De Cesare, Minister for Education and Employment Evarist Bartolo, Parliamentary Secretary for EU Funds and Social Dialogue Aaron Farrugia, MEP Miriam Dalli and MEP Roberta Metsola.

For more information about the INVEST project visit page 57.

Malta Business Bureau 2018 Annual Report 2019

October 2018

WORTH SHOWCASING YOUR CREATIVITY & INNOVATION

WORTH Partnership Project supports the creation of cross-border and cross-discipline collaborations between fashion and design, technology, crafts, manufacturing SMEs and start-ups across Europe

1ST OCTOBER: MBB APPOINTED AMBASSADOR FOR WORTH PARTNERSHIP PROJECT IN MALTA WORTH is a dedicated project supporting innovative ideas within the fashion and lifestyle industries including textile, footwear, leather and fur, furniture and home decoration, jewellery and accessories. The project provides designers, SME manufacturers, crafters and technology firms with a platform to develop creative concepts and the opportunity to enter into a transnational partnership.

Backed by the European Union, WORTH offers partnerships funding, coaching, market positioning, networking and an international product showcase. WORTH is about supporting innovative design-driven ideas, whereby the added value clearly lies in design concepts by integrating disruptive techniques or technologies in a creative way.

Companies participating in the WORTH Open Calls can receive: • Funding of up to €10,000 for each project • Coaching and advice • Product market positioning and branding • Participation at two international events • Networking and cross-sector collaboration • Product development A new call for applications was launched in mid-April 2019. Visit www.worthproject.eu for more information or get in touch with us on info@mbb.org.mt 1ST-2ND OCTOBER: KICKING OFF A FOOD WASTE PROJECT IN MILAN The EU LIFE FOSTER project was launched in October 2018 as a Europe-wide initiative seeking to reduce food waste in the food services sector. Organised by the project lead ENAIP NET, the meeting in Milan brought together for the first time all partner organisations from Malta, Italy, Spain and France, giving them the opportunity to identify their priorities and timeframes, as well as to share their own experiences in the areas of sustainable development. MBB CEO Joe Tanti and Sustainable Development Manager Geoffrey Saliba attended the meeting on behalf of MBB together with ITS Corporate Services Director Claire Briffa.

project, during an info session organised by the Ministry for the Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change. The principal aim of the event was to help businesses better understand how EU LIFE funding may be used.

For more information about the FOSTER project visit page 64.

3RD-5TH OCTOBER: MBB ATTENDS ZEST – DELTA SUMMIT, MALTA Representing the MBB, Senior Executive Ana Vella, was invited by the Malta Communications Authority (MCA) to attend the ‘Zest – Delta Summit Edition’ event. MCA is now an official Innovation Partner for the Delta Summit, which for the first time in October 2018, ran a parallel track within the summit exclusively dedicated to all things technology, communication and innovation.

The Summit was Malta’s first official conference, launching the island’s position as a regulated virtual currency and ICO centre. The event served as an official platform promoting blockchain technology and its related business opportunities, currently leading the change in regulating the blockchain and cryptocurrency technology. This groundbreaking legislation is said to position Malta as a cuttingedge hub for companies seeking to establish themselves in this space, as well as a place for individuals to innovate and develop this exciting technology.

On 1st November, Geoffrey Saliba had the opportunity to present this project, as well as MBB’s previous LIFE

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October 2018 5TH OCTOBER: BUSINESS SEMINAR ON ONLINE PLATFORMS

10TH OCTOBER: MBB-CHAMBER DELEGATION ATTENDS EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT FOR ENTERPRISES EVENT IN BRUSSELS On 10th October, a Maltese delegation composed of delegates from the Malta Chamber and MBB participated in the fifth edition of the European Parliament for Enterprises (EPE) event organised in Brussels by EUROCHAMBRES and the European Parliament. This event gives entrepreneurs a platform to voice their thoughts, questions, frustrations and suggestions directly to the European institutions and senior EU officials.

During the EPE, MBB President Simon De Cesare commented on the importance of protecting the Single Market, which is central to the EU project, whilst Malta Chamber Deputy President David Xuereb highlighted the problem of skills mismatches between the supply and demand of labour in the EU.

MBB organised a business seminar with the European Parliament Liaison Office (EPLO), on a proposed EU Regulation on Fairness and Transparency for Business Users of Online Services, with the participation of MEP Francis Zammit Dimech who is the Parliamentary Rapporteur for the Legal Affairs Committee on the proposed regulation.

The event served as an opportunity for businesses to put forward their thoughts on this draft law whilst, at the time, still being discussed in Brussels, and in this way, to be part of the European law-making process as their thoughts were reflected in Parliament’s position and possibly in the final text. Support was mostly expressed for the draft regulation on the perception that it will protect smaller and independent businesses, particularly vis-à-vis the online platform giants.

Being the most representative sector in the room, the discussion also put emphasis on the importance of the proposed EU regulation for the hospitality sector, observing that over 50 per cent of guest nights in Europe are booked through Booking.com. This has given the latter enormous leverage over accommodation providers when setting the contractual terms of the business relationship.

The event saw the active participation of representatives of the Ministry of Economy, Investment and Small Business, as well as representatives of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, and GRTU.

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During the visit, the delegation also had the opportunity to meet up with Malta’s Permanent Representative to the EU, Daniel Azzopardi. Meetings were also held with Members of the European Parliament, including Miriam Dalli, Marlene Mizzi, David Casa and Francis Zammit Dimech.

The delegation also visited the European Economic and Social Committee and met two Vice-Presidents from the Employers Group, including Stefano Mallia and KyläHarakka-Ruonala Tellervo. During these meetings, the delegation raised a number of concerns on the impact and developments related to Brexit, the May European Parliament elections, EU regional policy, and the future EU Budget.

The business delegation was made up of David Xuereb, Simon De Cesare, Charles Zahra, Marisa Xuereb and Hugh Arrigo. They were accompanied by MBB CEO Joe Tanti and Malta Chamber Head of Policy Andre Fenech, as well as Daniel Debono and Mark Seychell from the MBB’s Brussels representative office.

Malta Business Bureau 2018 Annual Report 2019

October 2018 12TH OCTOBER: MBB PARTICIPATES AT MALTA INNOVATION SUMMIT

The event, moderated by MBB EU Affairs Manager Daniel Debono, helped foster debate on the implications of the next EU Budget on the Maltese economy and businesses, including the impact of a reduction in Cohesion Funds. It also explored business’ expectations as well as EU funding opportunities presented to them. Simplification, flexibility, consolidation and less bureaucracy were some of the topics discussed.

The high-level debate saw the participation of Aaron Farrugia, Parliamentary Secretary for EU Funds and Social Dialogue; Simeona Manova, Policy Analyst for the MFF in DG Budget European Commission; Stefano Mallia, EESC Employers Group Vice-President; Jonathan Vassallo, PPCD Director General; and Andre Fenech, Malta Chamber Head of Policy.

MBB CEO Joe Tanti and Senior Executive Ana Vella were invited to attend the second edition of the Malta Innovation Summit on Friday 12th October. The event welcomed an excellent line-up of top international innovation speakers, expert panels and exhibitors, including MBB, giving participants the opportunity to learn and explore innovation best practices, as well as to network with likeminded attendees.

The summit is aimed directly at accelerating the innovation movement – both internationally and locally in Malta. This is achieved by gathering all stakeholders and providing an inducive environment where they can share real-world experiences, ideas, trends, processes and best practices.

19TH OCTOBER: BUSINESS SEMINAR ON THE FUTURE EU BUDGET

22ND-26TH OCTOBER: MBB PARTICIPATES IN ENTERPRISE EUROPE NETWORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN VIENNA

Ana Vella, MBB Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Project Manager, attended the EEN Annual Conference held in Vienna, Austria. The event brought together hundreds of business advisers and network partners from all over the world, as well as representatives from the European institutions and key external stakeholders. This year’s edition was organised in partnership with the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency.

Workshops and high-level sessions provided participants with insights into the vision and plans for business and innovation support for SMEs as of 2021, as part of the wider debate on the future of Europe. Other sessions also explored the benefits of open innovation platforms and initiatives, with examples from Italy, the Netherlands and Singapore. Network partners were given an opportunity to learn why building and nurturing regional innovation ecosystems is crucial for the future of the Network.

At a business seminar on ‘The Future EU Budget’ coorganised by MBB and the European Commission Representation in Malta, stakeholders spoke of the private sector’s need to increase tapping into direct EU funds, so as to address challenges in the areas of innovation, environment and labour market, among others.

Other interactive workshops introduced Business Cooperation Centre colleagues from Latin America and India, providing an opportunity for participants to develop future action plans for new common projects. Some of the workshops held in a ‘world-café’ format helped participants to understand how they can support their local manufacturing SMEs to get Micro Grants for transnational Key Enabling Technologies (KET) expert collaboration.

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October 2018 29-30TH OCTOBER: DESIGN4INNOVATION PARTNERSHIP MEETING IN RIGA MBB Senior Executive Ana Vella was invited by the Valletta Design Cluster to participate as a stakeholder representative of the MBB at the fifth Design4Innovation project partnership meeting in Riga, Latvia. The collaborative project of eight European partners working together to promote design as a tool for usercentred innovation, is being locally implemented by the Valletta Design Cluster, a department within the Valletta Cultural Agency (national project partner). The project aims to assist SMEs to create more desirable products and services, become more profitable and grow faster.

By means of exchanging interregional knowledge, the project has since identified a number of best practices in design-support mechanisms for SMEs. In view of these results, the partners are also engaging with policy-makers in their respective regions to encourage the integration of support instruments for design into ERDF operational programmes, thus supporting capacity-building for design-driven innovation in SMEs. The Valletta Design Cluster will be a platform for SMEs operating in various sectors to collaborate, interact and co-design together.

MBB is supporting this initiative by working with other local stakeholders with the aim of the eventual launch of a successful Action Plan for Design-driven Innovation in Malta.

12TH NOVEMBER: MBB SENIOR EXECUTIVE ELECTED VICE-CHAIR FOR TOURISM AND CULTURAL HERITAGE SECTOR GROUP Following a meeting among the international members of the Enterprise Europe Network’s Tourism and Cultural Heritage Sector Group at the EEN Annual Conference in Austria (23rd-25th October), MBB Senior Executive Ana Vella was elected as Vice-Chair of the Group. Over the course of 2019, Ana will be working closely with the newly elected Sector Group Chair, Paola Tolin from the Torino Chamber of Commerce. Together they have submitted the Sector Group strategic paper for 2019, which has since been successfully approved by the European Commission’s Executive Agency for SMEs. 12TH NOVEMBER: MBB ATTENDS VITA PROJECT MEETING IN ATHENS

November 2018 7-9TH NOVEMBER: MBB CEO ATTENDS EUROPEAN VOCATIONAL SKILLS WEEK IN VIENNA Following the success of the previous two years, the third European Vocational Skills Week took place in November 2018. MBB CEO Joe Tanti participated in the various events and activities which took place in Vienna, organised in close cooperation with the Austrian Presidency of the Council of the EU. The event brought together a wide range of stakeholders from across Europe to share their perspectives on Vocational Education and Training (VET) and its role in the future of work. It aimed to promote VET as a way to help young and adult learners discover their talents and as a smart choice that leads to high-quality jobs and increased employability. Quality education, effective promotion of apprenticeships and inclusive policies to accommodate the most vulnerable groups were also emphasised during the discussions of the Week.

In 2018, Mr Tanti was re-elected to the ET2020 Working Group on ‘Innovation and Digitalisation: Boosting highquality Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Higher VET, 2018-2020’, representing EUROCHAMBRES.

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MBB CEO Joe Tanti and MBB Senior Executive Marija Elena Borg participated in the third transnational partner’s meeting of the Erasmus+ VITA project, held in Athens, Greece. During this meeting, the whole partnership came together to review the quality of project case studies and evolve the project courseware. The partners also worked on finalising the VITA ‘Trainers Toolbox’ which will help improve digital literacy.

For more information about the VITA project visit page 57.

Malta Business Bureau 2018 Annual Report 2019

November 2018 19TH-21ST NOVEMBER: MBB SENIOR EXECUTIVE SCOOPS AWARD AT THE SME ASSEMBLY IN GRAZ

in Malta and Italy’ event held at Westin Dragonara Resort, St Julian’s. The event was organised by the European Commission in partnership with the UN Environment Finance Initiative, the Ministry for Energy and Water Management, and the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects.

The event shared best practice from Malta and Italy as well as other countries on how energy efficiency investments can be financed. It covered, among others, experience gained with the use of private funds and innovative financing instruments, notably in the building and industry sectors.

23RD NOVEMBER: MBB ORGANISES BUSINESS SEMINAR ON THE FUTURE OF THE EU SINGLE MARKET

In November 2018, MBB Senior Executive Marija Elena Borg was named winner of the Youth Essay Competition by public vote, as part of the SME Assembly in Graz. The competition, organised by the European Commission, welcomed over 80 submissions from young individuals across Europe. Applicants were encouraged to share their thoughts and opinions with key policy-makers and entrepreneurs in the form of an essay.

As one of the three selected finalists, Ms Borg was given the opportunity to pitch her idea and offer some practical information and insights on how to link innovation to the holistic growth of organisations. In her proposal, Ms Borg identified five important steps that should be taken to boost expertise and creativity, improve efficiency and increase cost-effectiveness at the workplace.

Kristin Schreiber, European Commission Director for the COSME Programme and SME Policy said, “it’s encouraging to see young people actively engaging with European entrepreneurs and policy-makers during such a sought-after annual event. On behalf of the European Commission, I congratulate Marija Elena Borg on this achievement and wish her luck in her work with SMEs.” MBB CEO Joe Tanti also commended Ms Borg for this excellent achievement and applauded her practical approach towards boosting innovation within organisations.

He supported the claim that unless the needs of people are appropriately addressed, a culture of innovation can never be created at the workplace.

22ND NOVEMBER: MBB PARTICIPATES IN FINANCING ENERGY EFFICIENCY EVENT MBB Sustainable Development Manager Geoffrey Saliba was invited to moderate a workshop on energy efficiency in industry and SMEs at the ‘Financing Energy Efficiency

Focusing on the future of the EU Single Market, MBB, in collaboration with the European Commission Representation in Malta, hosted a business seminar, focusing on the way the Single Market is evolving and about business aspirations in its regard.

This is particularly significant given that we are currently living in a period where member states often undertake more protectionist positions when negotiating legislation, which can ultimately disrupt the functioning of the Single Market. This seems to be leading to an inadvertent sentiment of sheer carelessness towards the project of the Single Market, and indeed, the EU as a whole.

The event, moderated by MBB CEO Joe Tanti, brought together two international speakers to explore the added value of the Single Market, the commitment towards it, and whether it is moving in the right direction, namely: Kamil Kiljanski, Chief Economist at European Commission DG GROW, and Erwan Bertrand, Senior Policy Adviser at EUROCHAMBRES. The seminar was also addressed by Malta’s Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Business, Chris Cardona.

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November 2018 29-30TH NOVEMBER: MBB SENIOR EXECUTIVE COMPLETES STARTUP CITY ACCELERATOR COURSE, COLOGNE MBB Senior Executive Ana Vella successfully completed the Startup City Accelerator course organised by Startup Heatmap Europe, a product of the European Startup Initiative (ESI). ESI is a non-profit organisation which aims to facilitate interaction between startup founders, stakeholders and community builders interested in creating an attractive startup environment in Europe. Ms Vella joined a group of international ecosystem builders throughout the four-week online (and two-day offline workshop) City Accelerator programme, gaining fundamental knowledge of ecosystem and community-building as well as the latest current data and trends in the startup world. The programme was an excellent platform for connecting with representatives of startup hubs across Europe as well as with experienced coaches who provided valuable knowledge on how to develop and turn insights into impactful projects for the local startup community.

December 2018 6TH DECEMBER: INVESTING IN ENERGY PROJECT CLOSING CONFERENCE

commitment towards the energy efficiency of their operations, namely: Malta International Airport, Retail International Group and Elepac Ltd. A panel discussion between two of Malta’s leading energy auditors and MBB Sustainable Development Manager Geoffrey Saliba focused on the energy saving potential in industry, and how savings can often be achieved through simple changes. The event also featured presentations on business case studies, energy solutions and funding opportunities.

MBB thanked The Energy and Water Agency and the Malta Chamber for their work as project partners, and the Ministry for the Economy, Investment and Small Business and the Regulator for Energy and Water Services as the project co-financiers. Moreover, MBB reaffirmed that its work on energy will certainly not end, and that it is keen to continue exploring opportunities which arise on this front and to collaborate with any interested stakeholders.

For more information about the INVESTING IN ENERGY project visit page 63.

17-18TH DECEMBER: MBB ATTENDS FOSTER PROJECT MEETINGS IN POLLENZO In December 2018, MBB CEO Joe Tanti, Sustainable Development Manager Geoffrey Saliba and Executive Gabriel Cassar attended the LIFE+ FOSTER project meeting held in Pollenzo, Italy. During the meeting, chaired by project lead ENAIP NET, the partners reviewed the upcoming deliverables and milestones, and agreed on the way forward.

UNISG, the project’s scientific partner, also presented the first draft of the report on the best food waste reduction methods which can be applied to commercial settings. This report was then used during the ‘train the trainers’ course which was delivered in March 2019, targeting lecturers of the participating VET centres.

For more information about the FOSTER project visit page 64.

On 6th December, MBB organised the Investing in Energy closing conference at the Malta Life Sciences Park, San Gwann. During the event, certificates of excellence were presented by Minister for Energy and Water Management Joe Mizzi to three local businesses, recognising their

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December 2018 20TH DECEMBER: MBB TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY

MBB team participated in a team-building activity led by Marko Paunovic, a Brussels-based moderator and social entrepreneur with vast experience in the field of non-formal education and public relations. The workshop proved fruitful in: - Analysing the role played by each employee at MBB - Defining current organisational needs - Proposing measures to address these needs - Identifying issues and opportunities for the future.

covering the significant fuel- and cost-saving potential which results from implementing economic driving techniques.

For more information about the Investing in Energy project visit page 63.

31ST JANUARY: MBB CEO CO-CHAIRS UNIVERSITY OF MALTA STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT FORUM MBB CEO Joe Tanti was invited to co-chair an ‘Enterprise and Industry Impact’ working group during the ‘Strategic Development Forum for External Stakeholders’ organised by the University of Malta as part of its strategic planning process to update its vision and mission for the future. This workshop proved to be greatly successful and beneficial, with over 60 key industry leaders participating and sharing their experience and expertise. Various strategic themes were discussed including: ways on how to end the persistent skills gap; student work placements; the role of business incubators; and life-long learning within industry.

31ST JANUARY: MBB MEETING WITH THE INSULEUR CHAMBER

This was followed by a Christmas lunch attended also by the MBB President.

The visit of the expert moderator was kindly supported by the InterContinental Hotel.

January 2019 21ST JANUARY: MBB ADDRESSES WORKSHOP ON PRIVATE SECTOR REPRESENTATION MBB EU Affairs Manager Daniel Debono was invited to address a workshop on private sector representation in Brussels, as part of a programme for a group of PhD students from Kent University who were in Brussels to have a complete overview of the EU process. It was an interesting and animated discussion, with around 35 participants, on topics relating to general perceptions surrounding the aspect of lobbying, the need for private sector organisations to communicate feedback to EU institutions on matters that concern their members, the importance of working within networks and cooperating with like-minded stakeholders, and how to manage expectations and evaluate results in a complex process that is subject to multiple stakeholder influence representing opposing interests.

28-30TH JANUARY: ECO-DRIVING ‘TRAIN THE TRAINER’ COURSE AS PART OF INVESTING IN ENERGY PROJECT As part of the Investing in Energy project, MBB offered a ‘train the trainers’ eco-driving course to businesses.

Delivered by Conor Molloy, an EU acknowledged expert on eco-driving, the training course comprised two full days in classroom plus a one-day practical on road session,

The MBB Brussels office had the pleasure to welcome Joseph Borg and Michael Galea, President and Vice-President of the Gozo Chamber, who recently took over the leadership of Insuleur, the network of insular island chambers in the EU. It was an important occasion to exchange views on the insularity challenges faced by small islands and learn about the renewed commitment the Insuleur network intends to undertake in Brussels to increase the visibility of such problems in Brussels to be reflected better in EU policy-making.

The MBB explained the role of its Brussels representative office in communicating Maltese businesses’ policy priorities and safeguarding potential legislative burdens through advocacy work. The MBB and Insuleur also look forward to cooperate closely within the structures of EUROCHAMBRES – a pan-European Chamber organisation of which Insuleur is member, and the MBB represents the Malta Chamber. The cooperation started with a workshop that was organised during the same visit.

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February 2019 5TH FEBRUARY: MBB AND INSTITUTE OF TOURISM STUDIES COLLABORATE TO TACKLE FOOD WASTE IN HOSPITALITY

entrepreneurs that will help identify the needs and skills gaps in the areas of financial and digital literacy.

For more information about the DIFME project visit page 60.

6TH & 14TH FEBRUARY: MBB PRESENTS FOSTER PROJECT LIVE ON TV On 6th February, MBB CEO Joe Tanti and ITS CEO Pierre Fenech attended a live TV interview on the ONE Breakfast show, while MBB Sustainable Development Executive Gabriel Cassar attended two live TV interviews on TVAM and Niskata on 14th February together with ITS representatives Claire Briffa and Natasha Brown.

On 5th February, the Malta Business Bureau and the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) held a press conference announcing their participation in LIFE+ FOSTER project. This is a threeyear project which aims to help build national capacity on food waste reduction in the hospitality sector through training and education, and through the engagement of businesses and policy-makers in the sector. It targets both existing professionals and current trainees in the hospitality sector.

The press conference was addressed by the MBB President, Simon De Cesare; MBB CEO, Joe Tanti; ITS CEO, Pierre Fenech; and ITS Corporate Services Director, Claire Briffa. They explained how this project boasts a strong European partnership consisting of business representative organisations, a top university on gastronomic science, and vocational education and training centres. Together they will implement a bottom-up approach involving the education of trainee chefs, kitchen staff and front-ofhouse restaurant personnel, coupled with other initiatives including the organisation of seminars and workshops targeting restaurant staff and owners.

For more information about the FOSTER project visit page 64.

7-8TH FEBRUARY: MBB KICKS OFF PROJECT DIFME: DIGITAL INTERNATIONALISATION AND FINANCIAL LITERACY SKILLS FOR MICROENTREPRENEURS As the lead organisation of the DIFME consortium, the MBB hosted the project’s kick-off meeting in Valletta on 7th-8th February, which was attended by 18 participants from Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Malta and the Netherlands. An outline of the project’s various work packages and expected deliverables was presented by MBB. Particular focus was placed on a survey targeting

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MBB introduced the LIFE FOSTER project and its objectives for the next three years, outlining how the project will benefit Maltese food establishments by equipping them with practical methods which can be used to reduce food waste in their operations. They went on to explain that project activities are already well underway, including the drawing up of a collection of best methods to decrease food waste in commercial settings.

For more information about the FOSTER project visit page 64.

13TH FEBRUARY: MBB ATTENDS PROMOTION EVENT FOR ‘ROAD TO GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUMMIT’ 2019 The United States and the Kingdom of the Netherlands will co-host the ninth Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in The Hague, on June 4th-5th, 2019. Entrepreneurs from all over the world have been asked to compete and join more than 2,000 attendees representing top investors, business leaders, policy makers and innovators.

MBB was invited to attend the GES Summit promotional event in Malta, hosted by Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands H.E. Frank Keurhorst and the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy Mark A. Schapiro. The event was publicised to generate awareness of the opportunity for Maltese participation in the Summit, which this year will focus on five high potential sectors for tech innovation: energy, agriculture, water, health and connectivity.

Investment-ready entrepreneurs with tech scale-ups have since been encouraged to apply for the two day, dynamic TEDlike discussions, pitch competitions and matchmaking sessions whereby the Summit activities are set to showcase a number of inspiring entrepreneurs, forge new collaborations and opportunities for investments, develop concrete business ideas and accelerate solutions to global challenges.

Malta Business Bureau 2018 Annual Report 2019

February 2019 15TH FEBRUARY: MBB ATTENDS MEDITERRANEAN TOURISM FORUM

This year’s Mediterranean Tourism Forum promoted sustainable tourism. Held at the InterContinental Hotel St Julian’s and organised by the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, the forum brought together public- and privatesector stakeholders with an interest in tourism across the Mediterranean region.

Various master classes were organised as part of the forum, including one on the concept of ‘Smart Nations’ which has recently begun to dominate the tourism industry. The concept is based quite simply on good urban planning that incorporates advanced digital technology in goals towards environmental sustainability, participatory democracy, good governance and transparency. This was a hot topic at this year’s Mediterranean Tourism Forum 2019.

The MBB also had the opportunity to promote its Enterprise Europe Network services, and its FOSTER project which focuses on supporting the reduction of food waste in Malta within the hospitality sector.

21ST FEBRUARY: EESC CIVIL SOCIETY R(EU)NAISSANCE CONFERENCE MBB EU Affairs Manager Daniel Debono participated in a high-level conference organised by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) upon an invitation by Malta’s employer representatives to the EESC, Stefano Mallia and

Tony Zahra. The purpose of the conference was to take stock of where the EU is and how it needs to position itself looking into the future in order to meet global challenges such as climate change, but also taking into account rising populism in several member states that may jeopardise European unity as well as hinder the EU legislation-making process, if representatives with radical views are elected in the European Parliament after May 2019 elections.

The conference was addressed by EU institutions, social partners and civil society leaders, including the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, and of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani.

22ND FEBRUARY: EEN SUPPORTS AI IN BUSINESS SUMMIT On 22nd February, MBB participated in the AI in Business Malta Summit, a new local initiative aimed at supporting the business community to maximise the opportunities that artificial intelligence has to offer. The event featured three world-class speakers, who provided practical overviews of AI technology and the ways it is already changing the world and businesses.

Over 80 per cent of small businesses believe that AI can help them improve their efficiency, competitive advantage and return on investment. Without a doubt, AI is said to transform the economy, with new emerging technologies constantly being developed to assist businesses in the most efficient use of resources and to support in cost reduction.

Through the Enterprise Europe Network, MBB will continue to support this spring board event and initiative which shall work up to an internationally-promoted AI in Business Malta Expo event later in 2019.

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February 2019 26-27TH FEBRUARY: MBB ATTENDS INCOME PROJECT MEETING IN BERGAMO

MBB CEO Joe Tanti and MBB Senior Executive Marija Elena Borg participated in the third meeting of the Erasmus+ INCOME Tourism project, held in Bergamo, Italy. The meeting enabled the whole partnership to finalise the way forward in terms of the piloting of a cooperative learning process that brings together higher education institutions and businesses in the tourism industry. Mr Tanti and Ms Borg were joined by Alexia Pace Kiomall and Mario Cachia from the Malta University Holding Company (MUHC).

Mr Dembik’s presentation was followed by an exchange of views on the vote in the House of Commons in March and how a delay of a hard Brexit may provide a breather, but postponing without solutions in place will not address business needs. Other topics discussed included how to manage the high volatility in the FX market, and how the fluctuations of the value of the Sterling to the Euro are affecting business, including tourism operators. Reference was also made to the aviation agreement which was concluded at an EU level to ensure continuity of air travel between the UK and the EU. 13TH MARCH: MBB PARTICIPATES IN THE FIRST EDITION OF MALTESE PARLIAMENT FOR ENTERPRISE

For more information about the INCOME project visit page 59.

March 2019 7TH MARCH: MBB AND BOV ORGANISE A BREXIT BUSINESS SEMINAR

At a business seminar on ‘Brexit – A Financial Markets/ FX Perspective’ held by the Malta Business Bureau and Bank of Valletta, businesses gained insight on the latest developments in the Brexit debate and how it will affect their day-to-day operations.

The seminar saw the participation of Christopher Dembik, Head of Macroeconomic Analysis at Saxo Bank, who remarked that whilst some economic sectors within the EU and some EU member states will be more exposed than others, from a macroeconomic level, Brexit is mostly a British problem with risk of contagion close to zero.

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MBB President Simon De Cesare and MBB CEO Joe Tanti addressed the first edition of the ‘Maltese Parliament for Enterprise’, organised by the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry in collaboration with the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and EUROCHAMBRES. For the first time ever, Malta’s business leaders had the opportunity to address Parliament and voice their concerns and opinions on a number of issues affecting the economy in Malta. Participating entrepreneurs discussed themes such as skills in the modern labour market, competitiveness, sustainable development, and R&D&I. Addressing the event, then Malta Chamber President Frank V. Farrugia emphasised the importance of these four themes in order to create jobs and economic growth.

Mr De Cesare said that quality tourism should prevail over quantity, with the focus shifting from overcrowded and littered beaches and tourist areas to a more upscale niche tourism, which would reduce the pressure on the local community. On the other hand, Mr Tanti put focus on startups and innovation, and highlighted the need to invest in our educational systems to create a young generation of dreamers, risk-takers and enablers.

Apart from entrepreneurs coming from all sectors of the economy, the session was also addressed by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Leader of the Opposition Adrian Delia and members of Parliament from both sides of the House.

Malta Business Bureau 2018 Annual Report 2019

March 2019 18TH MARCH: MBB EXECUTIVE PRESENTS FOSTER PROJECT IN BRUSSELS MBB Sustainable Development Executive Gabriel Cassar attended a session of the EU Platform on Food Losses and Food Waste to present the LIFE FOSTER project on food waste reduction in the hospitality sector. This invitation was extended to the MBB by HOTREC, which is an EU-level umbrella association of hotels, restaurants, pubs and cafés.

The MBB forms part of HOTREC on behalf of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association.

During the meeting, Mr Cassar first introduced the strategic vision of the project, focusing on the importance of the hospitality sector and the need to contribute towards its continuous development. He then introduced the activities planned during the project’s lifetime, before opening the floor to questions from the other participants. Carlotta Rovesti, project lead ENAIP NET representative, was also present during the meeting.

For more information about the FOSTER project visit page 64.

22ND MARCH: MBB HOSTS SECOND ROUND-TABLE DISCUSSION AS PART OF INCOME PROJECT In March, the MBB organised a second round-table discussion as part of the INCOME Tourism project at the Malta Chamber of Commerce, in Valletta. Key industry stakeholders, including academics, entrepreneurs and

business representatives were brought together to discuss the piloting of the project’s Cooperative Learning Model in Malta, intended to strengthen the collaboration between higher education institutions and companies.

For more information about the INCOME project visit page 59.

27-28TH MARCH: 2019 TOURISM AND CULTURAL HERITAGE SECTOR GROUP MEETS IN MAGDEBURG, GERMANY The Enterprise Europe Network Tourism and Cultural Heritage Sector Group congregated for the first Official 2019 meeting this Spring in Magdeburg, Germany.

MBB Senior Executive Ana Vella, co-chaired the meeting together with Sector Group Chair Tolin, Innovation Advisor at the Torino Chamber of Commerce and Deputy Chair Aija Konisevska Azadi, International Project Consultant at the North Denmark EU Office. During the meeting, the Sector Group members discussed the respective niche tourism interests of their respective home countries such as business, events, E-sports and medical tourism with the aim of deepening collaboration on similar regional interests through prospective EU- funded projects. In this regard, a number of upcoming EU project calls and partnering opportunities for 2019 were also announced, particularly Interreg NSR and Creative Europe. The Group also formalised a preparatory work action plan for this year’s forthcoming ‘World-Bridge Tourism’ EU-China activities.

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April 2019 MBB PUBLISHES BUSINESS MANIFESTO The MBB published a Business Manifesto, entitled ‘Business for Europe – Europe for Business’, ahead of the upcoming May 2019 European elections and the new EU legislature.

The MBB developed the manifesto as part of its efforts to ensure that the interests and aspirations of Maltese enterprises are promoted and safeguarded. Through the manifesto, the MBB is proposing a number of guiding principles to MEPs, backed by policy recommendations that should guide their work during the next EU mandate.

Among others, the Maltese business community considers that competitiveness should be put at the core of the EU’s social agenda; that new life should be reinstated into deepening the European Single Market; that EU legislation should be more SME friendly; that the EU requires a reinvigorated strategy for tourism; and that in view of international protectionism the EU should continue acting as an open and fair global player.

An MBB delegation, led by MBB President Simon De Cesare and accompanied by Board of Directors and representatives from the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry and the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, presented the manifesto to the Prime Minister on 12th April and the Leader of the Opposition on 24th April. During these meetings, Mr De Cesare reiterated the organisation’s commitment to continue working closely with the Maltese MEPs and assured them of MBB’s full cooperation.

April 2019 15TH APRIL: VITA PROJECT MEETING IN BRUSSELS As part of VITA project, MBB held the project’s April meeting in Brussels, hosted by the Permanent Representation of Malta to the EU. Whilst the first half of the meeting was dedicated to internal project matters, the second half allowed for a presentation of Virtual and Augmented Reality content to external parties, demonstrating how VR and AR can be used to help adults catch up with digital skills. BusinessEurope, EUROCHAMBRES, HOTREC and other key stakeholders working in the field of employment and training also attended and actively participated during the presentation of content.

For more information about the VITA project visit page 57.

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Board of Directors 2018/2019

SIMON DE CESARE President

DAVID ZAHRA Vice-President

CHARLES A. ZAHRA Director

CLAUDIENNE HARB Director

MALCOLM JONES Director

PATRICK CACHIA Director

FRANK V. FARRUGIA Director

Contributors to the Board:

JOE TANTI CEO, MBB

KEVIN J. BORG Director General, Malta Chamber

ANDREW AGIUS MUSCAT CEO, MHRA

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Executive Team

JOE TANTI Chief Executive Officer

DANIEL DEBONO EU Affairs Manager and Head of Brussels Operations

MARK SEYCHELL Senior Policy Advisor

ANA VELLA Senior Executive – Business Support

MARIJA ELENA BORG Senior Executive – EU Funding

GEOFFREY SALIBA Project Manager – Sustainable Development

SARAH ABDILLA Executive – EU Policy and Communication

GABRIEL CASSAR Executive – Sustainable Development

MBB has contracted Marika Huber as Manager of the DIFME project, as of January 2019.

Kristianne Azzopardi was engaged as a Research and Administrative Assistant until September 2018.

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