The Commercial Courier September 2020

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“The phrase ‘united we stand, divided we fall’ can be traced back some 2,600 years and is more relevant today than it ever was.” – Stefan Bajada, Business Development Manager, The Malta Chamber

and interest in these committees increased dramatically, and in turn, their valuable feedback continues to enable our policy positions and lobbying efforts to truly reflect our members’ needs,” he says. “The phrase ‘united we stand, divided we fall’ can be traced back some 2,600 years and is more relevant today than it ever was,” Mr Bajada affirms, stating that The Malta Chamber provides the platform, but it is up to local businesses to make use of it. “I am hopeful that our efforts in reaching out to the business community are being heard and serve as an eye opener for businesses to realise the difference their individual contribution can make towards guaranteeing future success in their respective sectors.” “With the COVID-19 pandemic being with us for over five months now it has been an extremely challenging year on all business sectors,” says Malta Chamber Board of Management Member Liz Barbaro Sant. “Being the independent voice of the private sector, The Malta Chamber has taken a proactive role by aiding to create action plans on how Malta’s economy could recover.” In recent months, she continues, informative webinars were hosted; a Think Tank Project was set up to study and propose scenarios for a sustainable and competitive future for Malta; events were held highlighting businesses that managed to

turn the COVID-19 crisis into an opportunity, giving members the exclusive opportunity to meet and ask questions to Prime Minister Robert Abela – all of which undoubtedly attracted new members to the Chamber. As one of the Directors of Trade Malta, Ms Barbaro Sant adds that being a member of the Chamber automatically exposes its members to sister companies TradeMalta and Tech.mt. “Trade Malta is dedicated to helping Malta-based businesses go international. It provides specialised training programmes in international business development and internationalisation programmes, whilst promoting worldwide business opportunities,” she explains, affirming that webinars on international business were also held to assist exporters with their international business efforts during the months of the pandemic. “Back in February, we travelled to Ghana on a trade mission, and some of the companies that were present have already managed to secure some business,” she adds. Meanwhile, she also highlights the Young Chamber Network which was launched in 2019 as an exclusive branch of the Malta Chamber, which is dedicated to young entrepreneurs interested in sharing and growing on a personal and professional level. “The YCN brings together a high powered pool of individuals who can support each other within the context of the Chamber,”

“Being the independent voice of the private sector, The Malta Chamber has taken a proactive role by aiding to create action plans on how Malta’s economy could recover.” – Liz Barbaro Sant, Board of Management Member, The Malta Chamber SEPTEMBER 2020

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