Prime Minister calls for stronger cooperation on various levels in Commonwealth future

Prime Minister calls for stronger cooperation on various levels in Commonwealth future

Addressing key business people and journalists at the launch of the Commonwealth Business Forum, earlier today, Muscat said that he looked forward to working closer to other Commonwealth countries in order to create more growth and prosperity in the countries.

“The future of the Commonwealth can be stronger if we cooperate on different levels, from political to cultural to business and trade,” Muscat said.

Muscat added that the Forum, which is co-organised by the Government of Malta and the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), is expected to attract over a thousand delegates from 53 different countries.

“The program will provide a space for high level dialogue between business and Government leaders and will develop stronger partnerships to ensure that the Commonwealth plays its part in promoting sustainable growth across the world.”

Muscat also stressed the importance of tranquility and peace in the development of businesses.

“The creation and preservation of peace should be at the heart of Commonwealth projects,” Muscat said referring to the way these countries should fight against the threat of terrorism that is so damaging to country businesses.

“Businesses thrive at times of tranquility. We cannot sit back and watch while some parts of the world burn, just because they are not part of the group itself,” Muscat added.  

“This violence is now knocking on Europe’s door, and so we urge the United Nations to take action in this terrible crisis.”

“Our first priority as Commonwealth nations should be the creation of peace, which would ultimately lead to the development of peace. The Commonwealth should not only look within, at its own members but it also needs to look to south and east of its borders.”

Economy Minister Chris Cardona, also spoke at the event and said that Malta was chosen for this year’s summit as it has proven itself in terms of business development.

“Malta has seen a period of political and economic stability, as well as record highs for tourism and financial services, so it is well-equipped to hold such an event,” Cardona said.

Cardona referred to the winter 2015 European Economic Forecast published on February 5th, which proved that Malta looked forward to economic growth and low unemployment in the coming months.

Lord Jonathan Marland, Chairman of CEWIC said that the Forum hoped to lead to real outcomes and to provide a platform on how the Commonwealth can add value by bringing prosperity and sustainable economic development to member countries.

“With a combined population in excess of 2.3 billion, GDP of more than US $10 trillion and an estimated average annual growth of 7.3% for Commonwealth countries, trade and investment intra-Commonwealth has the potential to grow significantly over the next five years.”

UK parliamentarian and former editor of Ecologist Magazine, Zac Goldsmith MP, discussed the various subjects that would be tackled in the forum which include infrastructure, healthcare, tourism and sustainability.

“The Commonwealth has a real opportunity to make a unique contribution to the global agenda for sustainable development particularly with regard to the unique challenges facing small states, where Malta’s leadership will be crucial,” Goldsmith said.