Dr Gabriella Pace was invited to address a conference organised by the Malta Federation of Industry and the Malta Institute of Accountants which focused on investment-related issues. The Conference was held at the Radisson SAS Bay Point, St Julians. During her opening address, FOI deputy president Helga Ellul, who chaired the conference, emphasised that attracting investment and enhancing trade are two main strategic objectives to access international markets. In this context, one has to mention that throughout the years, Malta has made impressive inroads in international investment and trade flows. This accomplishment has contributed significantly to job creation and economic growth in the country.

In her presentation, Dr Pace presented a discussion on the EU funding maze, explaining how a firm can tap EU assistance. Dr Pace also distinguished between centralised and decentralised funds and indicated the EU programmes of assistance currently available which could br of interest to thr business community.

The Conference was also addressed by Dr Alec Mizzi (Chairman, Malta Enterprise), Patrick Anastasi (Relationship Manager, BOV), Lino Casapinta (Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers), Alfred Camilleri (Managing Director, Inspectra) and William Wait (Deputy CEO, Toly Products Ltd). 

The closing address was delivered by the Hon, Austin Gatt, Minister for Investment, Industry and Information Technology.