Memorandum to Political Parties March 2022
potential which offers profitable careers in all the main areas that form the blue economy, namely: • • • • • •
Living resources including aquaculture Offshore oil and gas Port activities Shipbuilding and repair Maritime transport Coastal tourism
16.1 Maritime Transport In 2021, the MEA signed a partnership agreement with the Malta Maritime Forum (MMF) in order to share expertise and cooperate on policy matters of mutual interest. To this end, the MEA shared a number of proposals and ideas included in a “Maritime-Centred Electoral Manifesto” which the MMF submitted to the Political Parties in advance of the next General Election. These opinions were framed within the context of the current extraordinary circumstances at the global level to which the maritime transport industry is naturally exposed and the threats and opportunities that face it. The maritime sector is expected to suffer a negative fall-out from Malta’s greylisting particularly due to the intrinsic links that exist between the maritime industry and the banking and insurance sectors in financial services. It is deemed crucial for the incoming government to recognize and offer support the the development of the maritime industry to reflect (i) its ranking and importance at a global level and (ii) its systemic strategic and economic importance. The MEA acknowledges Malta’s National Transport Strategy but notes the absence of a specific policy document dedicated to the Maritime industry. Such a document is required to provide statements of principle, objectives and direction to interested stakeholders. The document would ideally spell out the Government’s vision and goals for the maritime industry. The Forum contends that besides contributing to ensure that the Industry is governed in an efficient, consistent, sustainable, safe and environmentally sound manner, a properly implemented National Maritime Transport Policy can give a country the tools it needs to harness Malta’s full potential of the blue economy. 61
