Minister says green challenges can be fused with investment

Financial institutions, including banks, could help to redirect environmental challenges into opportunities for trade and investment in our country, Environment Minister, Leo Brincat said during a meeting with the President of FIMBank plc, Margrith Lütschg-Emmenegger and other high officials of the Bank during a visit of their Head Office in St Julians.

Brincat said that all government policies on the green economy and the so-called ‘green-growth’ could translate into projects which can be enjoyed by the country itself, together with all stakeholders.

The minister stressed that within a global network, the country can reach new prospective investors both in Europe and outside the continent.
He said that studies undertaken by the OECD (The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development), it was clear that moving towards a green economy would strengthen competitiveness and investment potential in various sectors.

Brincat reiterated that with proper funding the transition process could accelerate and deliver results in a shorter time, while facilitating access to various commercial enterprises and even SMEs to international markets, whilst attracting new investment to the country.

On her part, Lütschg-Emmenegger said that while FIMBank already had funds invested in projects related to solar energy and green technology, it also had every intention to do the same in Malta, especially in various sectors such as waste management.