“Time is of essence – We need the stimulus now” declared Mrs Helga Ellul when she addressed the first council meeting since the merger between the Malta Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise and the Malta Federation of Industry.

The new President of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry stated that the private sector was resilient, dynamic and was quick to respond to changing circumstances. This gives us an edge over other countries or regions and it could be a key factor in exploiting the present situation to the Islands’ benefit.

She said that business must be confident about the future, and that the Maltese business community had dealt successfully with difficult situations in the past. “In previous occasions we have came out stronger because we restructured and diversified. This strengthened our economy,” she said.

Mrs Ellul outlined her priorities for her term that will run until March 2011. These include: curtailing the effects of the international credit crunch on the local economy and ensuring that government does not contribute to a local credit crunch by paying all its dues to the private sector on time: intensifying efforts to help members to internationalise: as well as pushing for a holistic national energy strategy and its implementation which would comprise of an acceptable solution to the issue of utility tariffs.

Above all, she said that she would endeavour to make an absolute success out of the merger through effective communication with members, fusing the different cultures together and analysing the needs of members to facilitate the introduction of enhanced, valued-added services.

Mrs Ellul concluded “Industry and Commerce must work together and show the rest of the country that the successful way is through consolidation, co-operation and unity.”

The meeting, held on 13th January, elected the Transitional Board of Management of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry: Helga Ellul (President – already elected by a separate process in December 2008), Tancred Tabone (Deputy President), Stefano Mallia (Vice President), Martin Galea, Mario Spiteri, and Anthony J. Tabone (Officers).

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