The European economy is based on small enterprises - 99% of all European businesses are classified as small or medium-sized, and direct job creation amounts to around 100 million. Forum Malta fl-Ewropa and the GRTU organised this event with a specific focus on such businesses, touching up on various issues which is believe are important to Malta’s small and medium-sized enterprises.

The aim of the event was to promote debate, outline various avenues that may be taken into account, and address issues that may be of interest. It also served as a meeting place for small businessman, innovators, entrepreneurs and government officials to discuss the key drivers for economic competitiveness and the challenges faced.  

The aim of the event, which was chaired by Vanessa Macdonald, was to bring together small businesses and innovators, entrepreneurs and government officials to discuss the key drivers for economic competitiveness and the challenges faced.  The opening address was given by Hon Tonio Fenech, Minister for Finance, Economy and Investment. Other speakers included Luc Hendrickx (Director of Enterprise. Policy and External Relations – UEAPME), Alan Camilleri (Chairman – Malta Enterprise), Vince Farrugia (Director General – GRTU), Dr Gabriella Pace (CEO – Forum Malta fl-Ewropa) and John Aquilina (CEO – Management Efficiency Unit, OPM).  The programme also included four parallel workshops which focused on access to finance, better regulation, health and safety and consumer protection issues.