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MEA Statement
The Malta Employers’ Association stated that the Memorandum of Understanding which has been signed between Malta and China is a positive development which could open many opportunities for Malta in the energy sector and this strategic alliance could pave the way economic collaboration in other areas between the two countries.
The Association augured that the negotiations that will take place in the coming months with China Power Investment Corporation - one of the largest state owned energy companies in China - will result in the best deal possible for Malta, one which should result in a capital inflow in the economy; an easing of Enemalta’s financial woes and a transfer of technology which could generate green jobs. The Chinese company’s stated mission, that of ‘providing green energy, serving the general public’ can easily be adopted to bring about a culture change in Enemalta.
MHRA Statement
MHRA welcomes the agreement signed by Enemalta and China Power Investments Corporation. The memorandum of understanding signed today between Malta and China Power Investments Corporation is indeed very good news for Malta, the Maltese tourism and manufacturing sector as well as the individual citizens of Malta.
The agreement is viewed by MHRA as a new chapter for Enemalta which is the most crucial public sector owned companies that impacts every single business in Malta especially more so those like the hotel industry where energy is a substantial percentage in costs incurred to run the business. The agreement which is expected to be finalised in six months' time includes the setting up of a joint venture company in Malta specializing in the manufacture of photovoltaic panels with the objective
to enter the EU market. The Chinese company in return will be able to service its plants in Europe by calling upon the expertise of Enemalta employees.
Tony Zahra president of MHRA said the news of this agreement is excellent news particularly for Malta's Tourism industry. The association has been for more than 5 years talking about Enemalta and the need for a new directions and new blood to come in. This agreement gives such new blood and a new direction and we congratulate the pm and the minister for energy on the signing of this agreement" MHRA are now looking forward to meeting with the new investors and planning together the way forward. They welcome the new investors to Malta and will cooperate with them to implement the necessary changes to achieve reductions in charges and upgrading of infrastructure and services.
Labour Party Statement
The Labour Party has expressed satisfaction at the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Malta and China on the energy sector. The PL said that the agreement brought a much needed financial injection to the straitened Enemalta whose burden has been borne by the tax-payer.
The PL said that the agreement provides also for joint ventures which will generate employment. The PL said that the agreement shows the the negotiating skills of the present government led by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.
General Workers Union Statement
The General Workers Union expressed great satisfaction at the large investment which is being injected into Enemalta through its Chinese Strategic partner. The GWU said that this was all the result of the hard work the Labour Party leader Joseph Muscat carried out while in China.
The GWU said that the news of the agreement was delivered to the Secretary General by the Prime Minister himself. Mr Tony Zarb said that the news carries with it the guarantee that the government of Malta remains the largest shareholder in Enemalta and that the agreement will create more job opportunities for the Maltese workers.
Malta Chamber of Commerce Statement
The Malta Chamber welcomes the Memorandum of Understanding in the area of electricity which was announced today.
From preliminary information which has thus far been made available, the agreement reached with China Power Investments Corporation is consonant with the Chamber’s representations in favour of a secure, cost-effective supply of electricity for its members. As reported in the media, the basis of the announced agreement is encouraging in that it could serve to alleviate Enemalta’s current financial predicament as well as support Government’s plans to reduce electricity rates for business.
The Malta Chamber looks forward to additional details about the agreement particularly insofar as the direct implications on business and possible economic spin-offs are concerned.
GRTU Statement
GRTU expressed its satisfaction at the conclusion of the agreement between Malta and China, managing to retain the intention of China to invest in Malta. This agreement provides not only for direct injection of capital into Enemalta but also the setting up of a joint venture which manufactures PV panels. Malta is also going to be used as a a service centre for power stations in the mediterranean littoral.
This, said the GRTU, was a positive step, an agreement with an very important market. The GRTU approves of this agreement and encourages Maltese Enterprise to work with Chinese companies.
