Economy minister announces free ICT training for business owners

Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Enterprises, Chris Cardona today announced that a new public/private initiative will offer free ICT training to business owners, in particular those that lack ICT knowledge. 

Stressing that “Businesspeople who have adequate ICT capabilities can not only facilitate and simplify their operations, but also will avoid missing opportunities, Cardona praised the important role of traditional businesses in the local economy and in Maltese society.

The announcement came as the minister inaugurated the Valletta Shopping Festival, organised by the Republic Street Business Community Association (RSBCA), the minister said that Valletta’s progress towards reclaiming its past popularity is thanks, in part, to the work and determination of the RSBCA and in part to initiatives such as the Valletta Shopping Festival. 

“The results from 2013 show that Valletta in once again the preferred destination for Maltese consumers during the Christmas period. The 2013 Christmas period showed a 15% increase in shoppers visiting outlets in Valletta”said Cardona.

Cardona also underlined the government’s commitment to help and support Maltese businesses in the ever-changing economic climate and transform challenges into opportunities.

Cardona, referring to the recently announced public consultation on the reform of business hours, added that “this is why, through legislative reform, we will be performing the necessary changes to allow shop owners more discretion in running their business and, in the process, become more competitive.”