Labour MEP Marlene Mizzi has recently had a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry . The meeting was held with the members of the Chamber’s Board of Management, headed by its President, Mr David Curmi , in order to discuss issues which are of concern to the Chamber and which can be addressed at EP level. This was a particularly relevant meeting due to Mizzi’s role as Vice Chair of ECON – the Economic and monetary affairs committee – considered one of the most influential committees of the European Parliament.Mrs Mizzi expressed her regret at the fact that ,after more than 26 years membership , she can no longer be a member of the Chamber due to her MEP status. Mrs Mizzi was the only female member elected to Council, as well as, the only female Council officer until the Chamber - FOI merger some time ago. However she expressed her keenness to assist the Chamber as much as is possible in her new role considering importance which the Chamber has and its contribution to the Maltese business community. Marlene Mizzi agrees that the Government should stimulate the economy and believes in a pro-business approach. The discussion focused on a number of topics , including the impact on industry of Malta’s loss of Objective 1 status ; the importance that Malta ,as an island State on the periphery of Europe, is to be acknowledged by the EU that it has particular problems which impact its competitiveness , particularly where freight/transportation issues are involved and their impact on competitiveness of our industry.The Chamber of Commerce put forward an idea on how to program European Funds for 2014 – 2020, where the Chamber would have an active role in the administration of funds. Currently the Malta Chamber is preparing a proposal which will be presented to the Government, focusing on how it can administer a small part of the European funds to stimulate and help Maltese businesses. The BoM also presented another project entitled the “2014 – 2018 Economic Vision Project” which is mainly a consultation process being undertaken by the Chamber.MEP Mizzi found these projects presented interesting and challenging , and emphasised her willingness to assist the Chamber of Commerce in its pro-active work in the implementation of economic projects so as to ensure the highest benefit for the country . Mizzi stated that she will do her utmost so that her status as an MEP, together with her long experience as an entrepreneur , will be utilised to the advantage of the Maltese business community.