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THE MALTA CHAMBER LOUIS FARRUGIA Past President of The Malta Chamber and Chairperson at Simon Farsons Cisk Plc. “My memories of my active participation in The Malta Chamber Council as President in the years 1998 to 1999 remind me of the very important role The Malta Chamber played in determining Malta’s chosen pathway of becoming a full member of the European Union. We had prepared detailed studies of the favourable economic impact membership would have and argued in favour of tariff-free and open trade environment with other EU member states and other States with associated trade agreements. I firmly believe that The Malta Chamber’s favourable view influenced the result of the 2003 referendum in favour of joining. Today we have the benefit of hindsight, and all agree that membership has indeed proved to be a very important factor in offering not just a more prosperous lifestyle for our country but a form of security for our democratic credentials and a check on the importance of the rule of law and the independence of our institutions.”
HELGA ELLUL Past President of The Malta Chamber
HUGH ARRIGO Former Vice President of The Malta Chamber and Group Managing Director Attard & Co Ltd
“The merger of The Malta Chamber of Commerce with the Federation of Industry had been discussed for quite some time, but it needed the right people at the helm to finally make it happen. As Malta joined the EU, it became clear that both organisations had a common goal of ensuring that local businesses reap the benefits of being an EU member, while adapting to EU rules and regulations. The merger helped us maximise our effectiveness and resources. Being the first President of this joined organisation was a tremendous opportunity and a learning curve. We hit difficult times straight away due to the financial crisis, but we helped our businesses – together with the government – to manage this crisis well. Seeing what The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry is today makes me feel proud to have been part of this journey.”
“Change is a powerful measure and many of us underestimate its significance. We all find it easier to object to it rather than to embrace it. The stark reality is that our lives, as well as our businesses, are continuously evolving. Much has changed within The Malta Chamber over the recent months. In my opinion much change has still to be covered. Archaic systems fully empowering duties to a bi-yearly rotating Board of Management should be swiftly shifted to a professional executive workforce. Delegation is ‘the name of the game’. I know of no private company which chances changes to the entire Board of Directors every two years. Similarly, the Malta Chamber should find ways to ensure that the whole Board of Management is never replaced at one go, thus ensuring the baton is passed on in stages and there is further continuity. Having said this, our Chamber has stood in a class of its own during the past 12 months. It has continued to be Malta’s foremost credible institution. It has spearheaded innovative ideas, numerous initiatives, and multiple national safeguards. The Malta Chamber is indeed stronger and more vibrant. For the 800 or so new members, the most welcome announcement that it will be run as a business, and its increased interest and ‘appetite’ to contribute more strongly within the MCESD, are measures which ought to be much commended. The Malta Chamber has set upon a path of presenting a ‘less shy’ and purely objective stance, and these initiatives deserve praise.”
