Malta Industrial Parks Limited (MIP) and the General Retailers and Traders Union (GRTU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that sets out the framework which will eventually see the redevelopment of the Ta' Qali Crafts Village as a centre for traditional Maltese artisans.
Malta Enterprise has reached an agreement with the General Workers' Union (GWU) and signed a new Collective Agreement, through which a number of pending issues between the parties have also been settled.
Around 50 international companies looking at investment opportunities were given details about Malta's business environment and the country's attractive offering during a conference organised by Malta Enterprise at the EIRE expo held in Milan.
Malta Enterprise has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Enterprise Lithuania, the business promotion agency in the largest of the Baltic States.
The MOU with Enterprise Lithuania, which paves the way for increased collaboration to facilitate trade and investment between the two countries, was signed on the sides of a Business Forum held in Vilnius during the State Visit by the President of Malta H.E. Dr George Abela.
Around 20 Maltese companies from the building and construction sector have been assisted by Malta Enterprise to participate in the Libya Build 2012, where they had the opportunity to showcase their products and services, establish relations with their Libyan counterparts and explore business prospects within post-revolution Libya.
Malta Enterprise has led a 15-strong business delegation to the city of Milan, which is one of the major hubs of economic activity in neighbouring Italy.
The Lombardy region is indeed one of the main motors of the Italian economy, on its own contributing more than one fifth of the entire country's GDP. The region is among those which are trying to lead Italy out of the economic crisis and consequently presents various opportunities.
The European Union's Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP) is assisting public and private entities, particularly SMEs, to embark on eco-innovation projects through which they make better use of resources or reduce negative environmental impact of their operations.
Around €35million are available for the funding of projects through the Eco-Innovation initiative this year, with the European Commission funding up to 50% of the project's eligible costs for successful applicants.
During the course of routine checks, Malta Enterprise has noticed that certain quotations submitted by beneficiaries of the Energy Grant Scheme may not be in bona fede.
The matter has been referred to the police for investigation, and in line with corporate governance policies, the Corporation has also asked the Internal Audit Committee to review compliance with internal procedures.
Libya Build 2012
The 8th International Building and Construction Exhibition, Libya Build 2012, will be held at the Tripoli International Fairgrounds between the 20th and the 24th May.
Although in its 8th edition, this fair is the first one after the revolution and will be attracting around 260 companies from 26 countries around the world.
A representative from the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) will be at the Business First office in Pietà every Friday morning, thereby enhancing the service offered from the one-stop-shop for businesses, which already gathers more than 50 Government services under one roof.
While applications will still need to be submitted directly with MEPA, at Business First clients may check the status of their MEPA application as well as obtain explanations on the pre-screening process and on the general parameters of permits for specific developments.