The President of The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, William Spiteri Bailey, has called for bold and decisive action to secure Malta’s future in an era of rapid global transformation. Speaking at the EY Malta Future Realised Conference 2025, he stressed that the decisions made in the coming years will determine the country’s long-term direction and prosperity.

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Addressing a distinguished audience, Spiteri Bailey identified three major forces reshaping the global economy: trade fragmentation, Europe’s industrial reset, and the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence.

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“The world’s economic foundations are shifting before our eyes,” he said. “Trade is dividing into competing blocs, Europe is redefining its industrial and investment agenda, and artificial intelligence is transforming not only how businesses operate but also what defines competitiveness and value.”

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Reaffirming The Malta Chamber’s commitment to a forward-looking national strategy, the President highlighted the development of an International Logistics Hub as a key investment in Malta’s long-term growth and resilience, describing it as “not just a project, but a crucial investment in the country’s future prosperity.”

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Turning to Europe’s industrial policy, Spiteri Bailey urged that Malta must not remain a passive receiver of policy but take an active role in shaping the continent’s future. He called for alignment with the European Union’s evolving frameworks for energy, technology, and critical supply chains to safeguard the competitiveness of Malta’s industries.

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On digital transformation, the President emphasised that artificial intelligence and digitalisation must become core elements of how both business and government operate. He advocated for smarter regulation, efficient public administration, and transparent procurement systems to strengthen Malta’s governance and competitiveness.

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Spiteri Bailey also warned against an overreliance on population-driven growth. “We must move away from a model based on labour expansion and over-construction towards one focused on quality, value, and sustainability,” he said, calling for reforms to boost productivity, governance, and fiscal discipline.

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Echoing The Malta Chamber’s Pre-Budget 2026 proposals, he urged greater investment in education, re-skilling, and talent retention, including incentives to encourage skilled Maltese professionals to return home.

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The President also highlighted everyday challenges faced by businesses — from traffic congestion and weak governance to overstretched infrastructure — warning that these issues must be addressed urgently if Malta is to maintain its competitive edge.

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He linked these priorities to Envision 2050, The Malta Chamber’s long-term strategy built on sustainable growth, citizen-focused services, educational advancement, and the intelligent use of Malta’s land and sea resources.

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“The world will not wait for Malta to catch up,” Spiteri Bailey concluded. “Our competitiveness, our credibility, and our quality of life depend on the actions we take today. Together, we can turn uncertainty into opportunity and ensure that Malta’s future is not only realised but secured.”

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