Malta Business Review NEWSMAKERS Malta continues to advocate in favor of an integrated and holistic approach towards ocean governance “Today’s fragmented approach towards ocean governance, where different UN agencies deal with overlapping issues in a disjointed manner, needs to change if we want a secure and sustainable future for our oceans and seas. This is why Malta continues to advocate in favour of an integrated approach to international ocean governance and a holistic approach to the problems of ocean space”, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion, Carmelo Abela told lecturers and students during the opening address at an International Workshop organised jointly by the International Maritime Law Institute and the Embassy of Japan, with whom Malta has excellent ongoing bilateral relations that will soon strengthen and taken to a higher level, as a result of the Government’s decision to set up an embassy in Tokyo. The theme of the workshop was “The Role of Maritime Law in the East Asian Maritime Relations” and was addressed by Professor David Attard, Director of IMLI, as well as by Ms Hitomi Sato, Minister Counsellor from the Embassy of Japan. The focus of the international workshop was on issues affecting international maritime law and ocean governance in East Asia. Professors from the WMU- Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute at the World Maritime University, Sophia University and King’s College London delivered lectures to the participants. In his speech, Minister Abela stated that as an island State in the centre of the Mediterranean, with a long and rich maritime history, it is only natural for Malta to have a vital interest in all matters related to the Sea. “As an outwardlooking nation, Malta’s foreign policy has, throughout the years, placed an automatic focus on seeking to contribute towards furthering the development of international ocean governance.” He recalled Arvid Pardo’s vision that inspired the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which to this day, remains the overall legal framework for all activities concerning the sea. This vision is still relevant in the context of the challenges of our times including the dynamics in the East Asia region. “Historically, the sea lanes in East Asia have been key for trade and remain economically vital for billions of people throughout the world. As we are all well aware, the policies pursued by regional powers have profound implications for regional – and global – security and stability. The maritime domain in East Asia presents several challenges with prospects for either conflict: or cooperation” Minister Abela highlighted the fact that diplomacy has an important role to play in turning challenges into opportunities for cooperation through dialogue and confidence building. “We need to promote common goals which could, in turn, promote positive effects on the overall relations between countries. In this respect, we welcome the efforts of regional actors – including the co-host of today’s workshop, Japan – to enhance maritime security. Other initiatives, such as the one taken by India in 2015 with the aim of fostering connectivity and the development of the blue economy, are also commendable.” Minister Abela also highlighted IMLI’s role in propagating the rule of law through more than thirty years of excellence in the service of international maritime law. <strong>MBR</strong> Photos: MFTP; CREDITS: THE MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE PROMOTION The Finance Minister is presented with OECD report by OECD Head of the Public Procurement Unit The Minister for Finance Prof. Edward Scicluna held a meeting with the Head of the Public Procurement unit at the OECD Public Governance Directorate Mr. Paulo Magina who presented a copy of the OECD report commissioned by the Government of Malta entitled ‘Reengineering the Department of Contracts’. In 2016 the Government of Malta had instituted a new regulatory framework which transposed the 2014 EU Directives covering Public Procurement Concession Contracts and Utilities Contracts, which were intended to increase effectiveness, transparency and accountability. Following this significant movement forward in the regulatory landscape a raft of changes in the organisational and operational areas pertinent to public procurement followed suit. Major improvements continued in the area of e-procurement and also through decentralisation of the public procurement processes with the establishment of Ministerial Procurement Units (MPUs), similar to other European countries, like Portugal. The European Single Procurement Document (ESPD) was also introduced and good progress was made in the areas of environmental and social procurement. Most of the reforms undertaken to date are aligned with the abovementioned EU Directives, but some reforms such as the establishment of MPUs fall under the discretionary power of the Member States. To achieve the desired improvements in Malta’s public procurement efficiency and effectiveness it is acknowledged and recognised that a concerted and planned programme of change will be able to accelerate and enhance the programmes already underway. This report is a result of a joint initiative of the Government of Malta, OECD and European Commission. The Finance Minister was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Paul Debattista and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Joseph Caruana. <strong>MBR</strong> Courtesy: Ministry of Finance 50
Goz oexpo 2019 Opportunity, Mobility, Sustainability A 2-day B2B/B2C Trade Show, Conference, Exhibition and The Gozo Business Awards 2019 Under the auspices & patronage of The Hon. Minister for Gozo Dr. Justyne Caruana Friday 31st May and Saturday 1st June 2019 0930 – 2000hrs & 0730pm onwards The Royal Lady Suite & The Grand Ballroom Grand Hotel Gozo, Mgarr Harbour 2019
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