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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Malta Government and Commonwealth Secretariat Establish Network Brokerage Programme for Maltese Industry

7 July 2000

The Government of Malta, with the assistance of the Commonwealth Secretariat, is to establish a Network Brokerage Programme within the Institute for the Promotion of Small Enterprise (IPSE). This project was launched on 7 July 2000 at the Ministry of Economic Services, Auberge d'Aragon, Valletta. 

Maltese industry is characterised by a large number of small and micro enterprises. The aim of the Network Brokerage Programme is to increase collaboration between such enterprises within the various manufacturing sectors.  

Micro enterprises are generally not well equipped to face the challenge of global competition. The network brokerage system enables them collectively to reach markets beyond their individual reach. After identifying the business opportunity the network broker will assist in getting enterprises together, define scope of co-operation, and help determine the feasibility of co-operation. 

The Commonwealth Secretariat's Export and Industrial Development Division will provide expertise to set up the unit and train line managers in brokerage. 

This programme should ultimately enhance the competitiveness of Maltese industry, putting it into a better position to tap the opportunities of a fully liberalised market. Maltese industry is currently facing the challenging environment of trade liberalisation in an increasingly globalised economy. 

Professor Josef Bonnici, Minister for Economic Services, thanked the Secretariat for its support to this initiative. He expressed his belief that if Maltese industry is to achieve higher competitiveness, it needs to address effectively some important issues - including learning how to promote collaboration between local enterprises. This need was also highlighted in the White Paper 'Prosperity in Change - Challenges and Opportunities for Industry' which emphasised that: "The development of a culture of co-operation amongst business enterprises will help individual firms adopt ideas and processes developed by their peers. This will help Maltese enterprises achieve continuous productivity and profitability gains." The Minister concluded by applauding IPSE's good work in launching this particular programme and in its other initiatives to assist local industry. 

Dr Indrajit Coomaraswamy, Special Adviser, and Mr Ravi Rao, Chief Programme Officer in the Commonwealth Secretariat, participated in the launch of the project. Also present was the Director of Multilateral Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Anthony Borg.

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