Prime Minister Robert Abela stressed today that now is the time to shoulder responsibility and not try to take advantage of the situation.
Addressing the board of management of the Chamber of Commerce at Castille, Abela said that “now is not the time for companies to try to take advantage, no one is enjoying the current situation. We must all take on our responsibility.”
The government has already announced a number of economic measures, such as postponing VAT and social security tax on employees, including those who are self employed. This was done to ease the pressure.
“A message to all those in the commercial industry: this government is here for you to provide you with the necessary assistance but we appeal all of you take on the necessary responsibility,” said Abela.
The Malta Chamber of Commerce’s president David Xuereb presented the Prime Minister with the Economic Vision for Malta 2020-2025 document, which was published prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.
“We are all facing a particular moment, but we are already planning to ensure we come out of the situation stronger economically, socially and mentally than we were before,” said Xuereb.
He said that the Chamber is already in discussion on plans to overcome the effects the virus will leave on the economy.
Abela, who was flanked by Economy Minister Silvio Schembri, said that the government is determined that through hard work and responsibility the situation will soon be back on track. “We are in discussion to analyse the current situation and to help those who are being negatively affected by all this.”
The media were told to leave the roon after the first five minutes of the meeting.