‘This is a great result’ – Business interest groups look to coming months with renewed hope

Following the long-awaited dissemination of the COVID economic stimulus vouchers, Malta’s business groups have presented an optimistic outlook for the next months, the promising public health situation as “a great result” and the vouchers as auguring “good prospects”.

The Chamber of SMEs was especially pleased about the country’s successful vaccine drive, noting that its vaccine programme, with regards to the number of first doses administered, is the fastest in the world.

It commented, “the businesses we represent have been eagerly awaiting this sign of hope and level of security, both for their own safety and for business to be able to restart”.

“Health and business go hand in hand and now that Malta is doing well on the health front business is restarting”, it added. 

Similarly, the Gozo Tourism Association welcomed the vouchers, saying that along with Malta's opening to foreign arrivals on 1st June, the encouraging control of the spread of COVID, and the robust vaccination programme, it “augurs good prospects for the upcoming summer season”.

“The Gozo Tourism Association believes that within this scenario, the tourism industry on the Maltese Islands can soundly start its recovery”, it concluded. 

The Malta Chamber also welcomed the announcement of the stimulus vouchers, which it thinks “will inject a much-needed impetus into the economy”.

“The vouchers come at a very critical time for businesses, especially for those working in the tourism industry”, it commented.

Despite its positivity, however, the Chamber also stressed the “importance of a well-thought-out EU National Plan for Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRP)” regarding which, the Chamber is disappointed to note that Malta is one of “very few” EU Member States that hasn’t submitted its plan.

“The business community needs to be informed without further delay and engaged in a meaningful way on the actions and investments which will be covered through these funds”.