Malta, China to set up inter-governmental structure to promote maritime sector
An international conference, organized by China's State Oceanic Administration, brought six southern Mediterranean countries and China together
Malta and China have agreed to set up an inter-governmental structure to increase the maritime potential between the two countries, following an international conference held by China’s State Oceanic Administration.
Parliamentary secretary José Herrera just concluded his visit to Xiamen, China at the invitation of the State Oceanic Administration (SOA), the administrative agency in charge of maritime affairs. He was also was invited to deliver a speech during the conference and to meet with Wang Hong, the administrator for SOA.
This international conference, entitled 'Forum of Marine Cooperation between China and south European Countries - Promoting Marine Cooperation, Weaving Blue Dreams', brought China and six southern EU member states, including Malta, together.
Herrera said that the setting up of this inter-governmental relationship will be the top priority in the agenda for Maritime Malta, a foundation due to be launched soon. He said that this structure is vital to strengthen and increase the economic potential between the two countries.
The relationship between Malta and China goes back a number of decades. “There is no doubt that this relationship can continue to grow so that other sectors in the maritime industry can all benefit. It shall be Maritime Malta’s job to maximise the advantanges found in other sectors for the benifit of the maritime sector,” stated Herrera to the SOA aministrator.
In a speech that he delivered during the international conference, Herrera gave a background of the integrated maritime policy that is still waiting to be implemented since 2007. This policy found complete support from countries close to us in the Mediterranean like Italy and Greece. Herrea met with, amongst others, with the Greek minister for maritime affairs Theodoros Dritsas.
The integrated maritime policy puts sustainable economic growth and the increase of jobs as its main aims. Logistics, Services, Fisheries and Aqua-culture, and energy are this policy’s main 4 pillars. This policy stresses on research and innovation, education, security and surveillance, and good governance.
The Maltese delegation led by the Parliamentary Secretary included MCST Chairman Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, MEPA representative Prof Victor Axiak and government consultant engineer Marc Muscat, who all gave presentations in technical workshops on research, environment and management.
