[WATCH] Simon Busuttil calls for Malta to become ‘economic springboard’

Simon Busuttil calls for Malta to become ‘economic springboard’

Opposition leader Simon Busuttil discussed Malta’s role in intra-Mediterranean dialogue, outlining Malta’s importance and calling for Malta to become an "economic springboard."

Speaking at the  Malta-Libya-Tunisia-Algeria-Morocco Trade Exibition and ​B2B Networking Forum organised by the Malta Business Review, Busuttil outlined Malta’s role in relation to the Magreb, given the political and economic context the Mediterranean region fids itself in. Referring to migration, terrorism and climate change as the three main issues, Busuttil reiterated the importance of countries in the region sticking together.

“Our context is rige with challenges, and no one country in the Mediterranean can solve them by standing alone. They can only be overcome if we act together,” he said, mentioning, by way of example, the political situation in Libya, callit it “fluid” but admitting it has improved in recent history.

Busuttil when on to say that since Malta joined the EU in 2004, it has become even more important to its non-EU Mediterranean partners.

“Since joining the EU, Malta has been seen as an mediator for non-EU Mediterranean countries. Malta can and should continue ensuring the partnerships of these non-EU Mediterranean countries with the union,” he said. “I believe that the next logical step is for Malta to be a hub for logistics and distribution,” he added, referring to the maritime and aviation sectors, among others.

“The potential is there for Malta to be a springboard for other Mediterranean partner countries,” he concluded.