Alternattiva Demokratika (AD) – The Green Party expressed its concern on the widening of Malta’s visible trade gap, which increased by Euro 32.0 million in May 2008 when compared to May 2007. The Green Party Spokesperson for Social and Economic Development Michael Briguglio said: “The difference between imports and exports is relatively large and has tended to grow over time. Although with the adoption of the euro Malta’s need for foreign exchange reserves is not needed to back the domestic currency, as was the case when Malta had its own currency, it is still very important to improve Malta’s export potential in order to reduce the trade gap. This calls for more productive investment. In this regard, AD believes that appropriate policies should be adopted to encourage investment, notably by decreasing bureaucratic hurdles, offering appropriate incentives and tackling avoidable costs in areas such as transport and communications.”

“AD is also concerned about Malta’s educational performance, in so far as this effects the chances of employment. Malta still remains at the bottom of the EU list when it comes to participation of students in post-secondary education and at the top when it comes to early school leavers. Even though improvements have been made over the past years, more attention should be given to introduce reform in Malta’s educational system, so as to improve the employability of youth, thousands of which are currently ending without proper qualifications or skills. Malta should move away from selectivism and towards a more comprehensive educational system.”

Michael Briguglio also referred to the importance of trade in services, including tourism. “This partially makes up for the visible trade gap. However, the government should take steps to ensure that the negative ecological impacts be minimized.”

AD Chairperson Arnold Cassola said that the Green Party is carefully studying proposals made by Government, other political parties, trade unions, employers and other civil society associations in connection with the next Budget. “We are ready to give our contribution in order that Malta’s budget tackles problems such as the widening trade gap. Government incentives for the setting up in Malta and Gozo of green industries and the creation of green jobs should be a top priority,” added Prof Cassola.

AD praised Malta’s workforce for being productive, and said that workers and employees should be rewarded with just wages and better job conditions.

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