MBR_Issue_27 -January 2017 low res

Malta Business Review
COMPANY LAW
AVIATION & POLITICAL EVENTS
Malta Business Review
ANNUAL COMPANY LAW
CONFERENCE’S SUCCESS BODES
WELL FOR FORTHCOMING
CONFERENCE
Almost 200 lawyers and other
professionals working in the commercial
law field convened at the latest Annual
Company Law Conference, which once
again proved a significant success.
This annual event is organised by the
Department of Commercial Law within
the University of Malta in collaboration
with the Malta Law Academy, and the
Chamber of Advocates.
The Conference, chaired by Dr David Fabri,
Head of the Department of Commercial
Law within University’s Faculty of Laws,
addressed the most recent regulatory
developments in the field of Company
Law. Other leading speakers from the
Department of Commercial law discussed
topics such as the provisions relating to
squeeze-out of minority shareholders,
practical applications of article 402(3)
(g) of the Companies Act, duties and
responsibilities of Company Directors,
developments in EU Company Law, and
a review of recent company law court
decisions and interpretations.
In his opening address, Minister for Finance,
Prof Edward Scicluna explained that 3,800
new companies have been registered
by September 2016, bringing the total
number of registered companies up to
around 50,000. The Minister also noted
how over 1,000 companies were involved
in local mergers during the last five years,
with another 55 Maltese companies being
involved in cross-border mergers.
EDITOR’S
Note
By James Vella Clark
“This reflects the vibrant landscape within
which local limited liability companies,
entrepreneurs and investors are operating
and confirms the importance for local
practitioners to keep up with the everevolving
body of corporate law emanating
from the EU. It is in this light that the EU
seeks to enhance effective administration
of cross-border insolvency proceedings and
to establish common framework for the
benefit of all stakeholders,” said the Minister.
In his closing address, Dr George Hyzler,
President of the Chamber of Advocates,
noted with satisfaction how the Annual
Company Law Conference is acting as a
vital forum for Malta’s legal professionals
to discuss and adjourn themselves with
the latest legal developments.
“Our profession is a very vibrant one
where the application of the law
is constantly being challenged and
reinterpretation reflects the changing
environment in which we operate.
The Annual Company Law conference
serves as a solid point of reference for
commercial lawyers to convene and
keep themselves updated with the latest
developments,” said Dr Hyzler.
The next joint event will be the Annual
Consumer Law Conference which will be
held on 15th March 2017 at the Chamber
of Advocates to coincide with World
Consumers Day. MBR
As from this month, CORPORATE IDENTITIES has been appointed to handle
the Chamber of Advocates public relations and public affairs. Therefore, should
you require any input from the Chamber, you can contact Corporate Identities,
James Vella Clark, to assist you in your queries.
THE BUREAU OF
AIR ACCIDENT
INVESTIGATION
SIGNS MOU
WITH AAIB, UK
The Maltese Bureau of Air Accident
Investigation (BAAI), established under
Maltese law for the investigation of
air accidents and incidents, has signed a
Memorandum of Understanding with the
Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB),
Department for Transport, United Kingdom.
The purpose of this MOU is for both
countries to cooperate in relation to aircraft
accident and incident investigations, sharing
experience and expertise in investigation
techniques in various specialist fields,
equipment and research. Such cooperation
shall enhance aviation safety in Malta and
the United Kingdom.
The BAAI will benefit from the opportunity
to gain hands-on experience, with observer
status at accident sites and subsequent offscene
investigative activities.
The parties have also agreed to exchange
views on the latest development in
European and International standards and
share experiences on developing legislation
in the territory of each participant that
governs aircraft accident and incident
investigation.
BAAI Chief Investigator Captain Frank
Zammit said, “After various discussions I am
pleased to have signed this agreement as
it is another means to increase the BAAI’s
knowledge and expertise in aviation safety.”
The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch
acting Deputy Chief Inspector of Air
Accidents said “the UK AAIB is pleased
to be able provide assistance to Malta
through this agreement, it is beneficial that
EPP Congress in Malta will
be held at a crucial time
for Europe
Speech by Partit Nazzjonalista Leader Simon Busuttil during the EPP Summit
being held in Brussels
“I am very proud that our European
People’s Party chose Malta for its 2017
Congress which will be held on the 29th
and 30th March 2017. I look forward to
welcoming you on our island of eventful
history and beckoning future,” stated a
beaming Simon Busuttil during a recent
Press Conference.
“During the same days, the EPP Group
will be holding its Study Days at a venue
which is at a walking distance from the
Congress’ venue. This Congress is being
held during Malta’s Presidency of the EU,
during a crucial year for Maltese politics,
as the general election will be within
the 12 months following the Congress
and at a time when the EU is at a cross
roads. It is thus why I urge you to attend
this Congress whilst seeing that your
parties are represented with the number
of delegates that have been recently
States are able to increase their knowledge
and expertise in aviation safety through
accident and serious incident investigation
using the experience of other established
Safety Investigation Authorities”.
Minister for Tourism Dr Edward Zammit
Lewis stated that, “this MOU is another step
in the right direction for Malta to continue
investing in expertise with a country like the
United Kingdom which has deep expertise
in the aviation industry.” He stated that
this MOU complies with Malta’s vision in
strengthening safety and security within
the Aviation industry. MBR
Source: Ministry of Tourism/DOI
approved during the last EPP Political
Assembly,” said Dr Busuttil, adding on
that, “The comprehensive theme of the
Congress will be the future of Europe.
Because politics is about people. It is
time we put our heads together to pave
a bright future for our fellow Europeans,
especially after the Brexit vote.”
The Congress will also be discussing
migration which is a challenge for both
Malta itself and the Mediterranean
region. Preparations for the Congress
are well underway. Delegations led by
the EPP Assistant Secretary General have
been visiting Malta during the last year
and most of the spade work has been
carried out. “At Partit Nazzjonalista we
are working very hard for this largest
event of its kind ever to take place on
our island,” concluded Dr Busuttil. MBR
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