Updated 26 June
Venue
InternationalVenue
workshop
MAXIMISING THE
COMPETITIVENESS
POTENTIAL OF SMALL
STATES
Malta: 14 to 17 July 2004
VENUE:
The University of Malta Gozo Centre
Mgarr Road, Xewkija, Island of Gozo
Malta
Organised by the
GOVERNANCE AND INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIVISION (GIDD)
Commonwealth Secretariat, London
ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT,
University of Malta
ISLANDS AND SMALL STATES INSTITUTE
Foundation for International Studies,
University of Malta
Objectives Structure
The objectives of the workshop are to:
Coordination & Contacts
Overall coordination:
Professor Lino Briguglio, University of Malta
Ms RoseMarie Endeley, Commonwealth Secretariat
• Discuss the high dependence on international trade and the trade vulnerabilities of
small states
• Consider the constraints faced by small states in maximizing their competitiveness
potential
• Propose suitable consultative and participatory approaches for the development of
competitiveness strategies in small states
• Discuss methods of implementing competitiveness strategies in small states
• Launch a book on competitiveness strategies for small states
The four-day workshop will be structured as follows:
• The first day will be dedicated to presentations on competitiveness, and related issues,
including stakeholder participation in devising a competitiveness strategy, and
problems of implementing the strategy.
• The second day will consist of country presentations by senior officials in the public
and private sectors of small states represented in the workshop.
• The third day will consist of field visits to institutions in Malta having a remit of
promoting competitiveness or of implementing Malta’s competitiveness strategy
• The fourth day will consist of the drawing up and approval of a final statement,
overviewing the issues discussed during the workshop and containing proposals
relating to the maximisation of the competitiveness potential of small states. During
the last day, there will also be the official launching of a book entitled
“Competitiveness Strategies for Small States”.
Contacts
Secretariat: Mr MaryRose Vella and Ms Romina Carabott
Islands and Small States Institute, St Paul Street, Valletta, VLT07, Malta.
Tel: +356 21248218; Fax: +356 21248218. email: islands@um.edu.mt
Travel arrangements: Ms Ruth Grech
Economics Department, University of Malta, Msida, MSD06, Malta
Tel: +356 21340335; Fax: +356 21340335. email: economics@um.edu.mt
Logistics and accommodation: Mr Joseph Calleja and Mr Marvin Grech
University Gozo
Centre, Mgarr Road, Xewkija, Gozo, Malta
Tel: +356 21564559; Fax: +356 21564550. email: ugc@um.edu.mt
Tentative
Programme
Tuesday 13 July 2004
Arrival of Participants and transfer to St Patrick Hotel, Xlendi, Island of Gozo
Wednesday 14 July 2004
0815
0900-0945
0945-1000
1000-1100
1100-1130
1130-1230
1230-1500
1500-1600
1600-1630
1630-1730
2000
2230
Transfer from St Patrick Hotel, Xlendi, Gozo to the University Gozo Centre
Inauguration session:
• Representative of the Commonwealth Secretariat
• Representative of the University of Malta
• Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Representative of the Ministry of Communications and Competitiveness
Adoption of Agenda and other introductory formalities
Presentation followed by discussion
“Trade vulnerabilities and competitiveness constraints of Small States
Coffee Break
“Devising consultative and participatory approaches for the development of
competitiveness strategies in small states”
Lunch break
Presentation followed by discussion
“The Institutional set-up for the promotion of competitiveness in small
states”
Coffee Break
Presentation followed by discussion
“Implementing Competitiveness Strategies for Small States”
Drinks followed by group dinner
Transfer to St Patrick Hotel, Xlendi, Gozo
Thursday 15 July 2004
0830
0900-1100
1100-1130
1130-1230
1230-1500
1500-1600
1600-1630
1630-1730
1730
Transfer from St Patrick Hotel, Xlendi, Gozo to the University Gozo Centre
Four Country Case Studies followed by discussion
Coffee Break
Two Country Case Studies followed by discussion
Lunch break
Two Country Case Studies followed by discussion
Coffee Break
Discussion on all the day’s presentations
Transfer to St Patrick Hotel, Xlendi, Gozo
Friday 16 July 2004
0745
0815
1000-1100
1100-1130
1145-1230
1230-1430
1430-1600
1630
Transfer from St Patrick Hotel, Xlendi, Gozo to the Ferry terminal, Mgarr
Ferry boat to mainland Malta for visits to institutions
Visit to the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development
Talk followed by discussion on “Building consensus among stakeholders for
maximising the country’s competitiveness potential”
Coffee Break
Visit to the Ministry of Competitiveness and Communications
Talk followed by discussion on “Small business and national competitiveness”
Lunch break
Visit to Malta Enterprise
Talk followed by discussion on “The role of Malta Enterprise in promoting
competitiveness in Malta”
Transfer to Hotel in Sliema, Malta
Saturday 17 July 2004
0900-1100
1100-1130
1130-1230
1230-1430
1430-1530
1530-1645
1545-1630
1630
Launching of book
“Competitiveness Strategies for Small States”
Coffee Break
Discussion on final statement
“Maximising the Competitiveness Potential of Small States”
Lunch break
Drawing up and approval of final statement
“Maximising the Competitiveness Potential of Small States”
Coffee Break
Closing Session
Transfer to Hotel in Sliema, Malta
Background
Competitiveness and Conflicting Priorities
Competitiveness is a multi-faceted phenomenon with economic, environmental, social,
political and international dimensions, and cannot be sustained in the long run unless all
these dimensions are properly addressed. There may however be conflicting priorities
associated with the different dimensions, especially in the short run, when for example,
the attainment of social or environmental objectives may conflict with economic efficiency
considerations. This reality suggests that economic objectives should not be blindly
pursued while incurring excessive social and environmental costs, as these are ultimately
as detrimental to competitiveness as economic inefficiency. A competitiveness strategy
should take account of these conflicting priorities, and since many interests are at stake in
this regard, a consultative and participatory approach involving various the stakeholders
should be put in place to develop the strategy.
The Need for Attitudinal Change
Competitiveness is not something static. It calls for change, especially that related to loss
of jobs and creation of new ones, as low productivity jobs get replaced by higherproductivity ones, possibly in new areas of business. This continuous change calls for
continuous learning, upgrading of skills and innovation.
The Role of the Public Sector
Competitiveness is to a large extent an enterprise issue, and it is the individual company
at the micro level that needs to be competitive, in order to enhance national
competitiveness. However the public sector has a major role to play, not least of which by
taking a lead in place competitive on top of the policy agenda, and taking the lead in
removing bottlenecks when these occur.
Competitiveness and Small States
These considerations apply to small as well as to large states, but they are particularly
relevant for small states, given their high degree of economic openness, and
consequently their high exposure to what happens in the rest of the word. It is therefore
essential for small states to further build and sustain there competitiveness in order to
achieve their long-term development aspirations.
The Gozo Workshop
The
The
1.
2.
3.
4.
Gozo workshop will deal with the issues outlined above, with a focus on small states.
areas to be covered can succinctly be divided in four areas, namely:
The trade vulnerabilities of small states
Devising competitiveness strategies in small states
Developing consultative and participatory processes for the drawing up of strategies,
involving the various stakeholders
Implementing competitiveness strategies and putting in place appropriate
institutional set-ups.
The workshop will be attended by experts from small states in different regions, notably
the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific.
During the workshop there will be a formal launching of a book entitled “Competitiveness
Strategies for Small States, published by the University of Malta and the Commonwealth
Secretariat.
Information to Participants
THE WORKSHOP
Dates, Venue and Organisation
The workshop will take place in Malta, between 14 and 17 July 2004, at the University Gozo
Centre, Mgarr Road, Xewkija, Gozo, Malta. It is being organised by the Islands and Small
States Institute in collaboration with the University of Malta. It is sponsored by the
Governance and Institutional Development Division (GIDD) of the Commonwealth
Secretariat.
Target Participants
The workshop is primarily intended for officials, at senior and middle management levels,
operating in public organizations associated with the promotion of competitiveness in
Commonwealth countries. Applicants requesting sponsorship by the GIDD should normally
apply through the Commonwealth Point of Contact in their respective country.
Country Presentations
Participants will be expected to present a brief paper about competitiveness in their
respective countries. These presentations will serve as case studies of the characteristics
and structures as well as the constraints and opportunities in the respective countries, and
should include a section on the implications of these for future policies and strategies.
Language of the Workshop
The workshop will be conducted in English, and all participants are expected to have a good
working knowledge of the English language.
Registration
Registration for the workshop will take place on 14 July at 0830 at the University Gozo
Centre. Mgarr Road, Xewkija, Island of Gozo, Malta.
Documentation
All documentation for the meeting must be prepared and forwarded to the Mr Joseph
Calleja, University Gozo Centre, Mgarr Road, Xewkija, Malta, Tel +356 21564559; Fax:
21564550; email: ugc@um.edu.mt, to enable the organisers to duplicate documents. Other
relevant papers will be distributed during the course of the meeting.
Certificates
Certificates of attendance will be awarded to those participants who complete the entire
programme. The certificates will be issued by the Islands and Small States Institute of the
Foundation for International Studies at the University of Malta, together with the
Governance and Institutional Development Division (GIDD) of the Commonwealth
Secretariat.
Terms of the Award
The following information applies to participants and resource
persons funded by the Governance and Institutional Development
Division (GIDD) of the Commonwealth Secretariat
Air Travel
Participants funded by the Governance and Institutional Development Division (GIDD) will
have their air travel expenses refunded to the equivalent of a point to point economy
fare ticket.
Transportation
Transfers from the airport and the hotel and vice-versa will be provided to participants free
of charge. Transport directly connected with the workshop, including that from the hotel
and the conference venue, for social activities and for field trips, will also be provided free of
charge.
Accommodation
Candidates who are accepted for sponsorship will have their accommodation on half board
basis (i.e. including breakfast and evening meal) paid for by the GIDD.
Subsistence Allowance
In addition candidates accepted for sponsorship will receive a subsistence allowance of
Lm100 for the duration of the workshop. Participants are kindly asked to note that
telephone calls, fax messages, laundry, drinks at the hotel bar and other incidental expenses
are to be borne by the participants themselves. Participants must settle all bills in full prior
to departure from the hotel.
Purchase of Air Ticket
Funded participants and resource persons may purchase their own tickets for return travel
to Malta. Participants who purchase their own tickets will be expected to present supporting
invoices if they want to be reimbursed in Malta. They are to send the air ticket stub to the
organisers on their return to their home country. Participants requiring pre-paid travel
arrangements to be made on their behalf should contact Maryrose Vella at
islands@um.edu.mt or by Tel/Fax at +356 212 48218.
Travel & Accommodation
The following information applies to all participants and resource
persons
Visas
Participants and resource persons should hold a valid entry visa before they arrive in Malta.
Those who intend to stop over in a third country on their way to Malta are also advised to
obtain the required transit visas before leaving their country. An application form for an
entry
visa
can
be
obtained
from
the
following
website:
http://www.foreign.gov.mt/service/visa/default.htm. These details can also be obtained
from the Islands and Small States Institute. For further information please contact Ms
Maryrose Vella on islands@um.edu.mt or by Tel/Fax at +356 2124-8218.
Insurance
Participants and resource persons are advised that before coming to Malta, they should
secure overseas travel and accident insurance cover for the duration of their stay in Malta.
Notification of Arrival and Departure
Participants and resource persons are to inform the Islands and Small States Institute of the
date and time of arrival and departure, as well as the flight numbers. The Institute will not
be able to provide transfers from the Airport to the Hotel unless this information is made
available to the Islands and Small States Institute in advance.
The Maltese Islands
Geography
The Maltese islands lie in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea about 100 km south of Sicily
and 300 km off North Africa. Their total area is about 320 square km. The largest island is
Malta with a total area of 246 square km, while the second largest, Gozo has an area of 67
square km. The total population of Malta is about 400,000, of which about 8% live in Gozo.
More details about Gozo can be obtained from the following website:
http://www.gozo.gov.mt/Gozo.asp. The time table of the Malta-Gozo ferry can be retrieved
from http://www.gozochannel.com/timetable.asp?w=0
Climate
The climate of the Maltese Islands is typically Mediterranean, with hot dry summers and short
cool winters. In July the average temperature would be in the region of 27°C to 30°C during
the day. It will be cooler during the evenings.
Clothing
It is advisable that participants bring with them light summer clothes for casual wear and
light formal clothing for use during the workshop sessions.
Currency
Malta's currency is the Maltese Lira (Lm), which is divided into 100 cents. At the time of
publication of this brochure the exchange rate is approximately Lml =US$2.8 or Euro 2.3 .
Language
The official languages are Maltese and English. Maltese is a Semitic language with derived
from and most closely related to Arabic, but in the course of history many words were
“loaned” from the Italian language and to lesser extent, from the English language (more
information
can
be
obtained
from
http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Maltese%20language). Almost all Maltese people
speak English while Italian is widely spoken.
Banks
Banks usually open from 0830 hrs to 1230 hrs Mondays to Fridays, and up to 1200 hrs on
Saturdays, with extended times in the afternoon between Mondays and Fridays. Foreign
exchange facilities are available at Malta International Airport and at a number of automated
teller machines situated in the major commercial and touristic areas, all on a 24-hour basis.
They are also available at most banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
Shopping
Shop’s opening hours for shops in Malta are between 0900 hrs and 1900 hrs, with a lunch
break between 1200 hrs and 1600 hrs. Shops do not open on Sundays and public holidays.
Major credit cards and travellers' cheques are accepted at most shops and restaurants.
Restaurants
There are a variety of restaurants located in tourist areas in Gozo, ranging from fast food
shops to more expensive eating places. Food in Malta is often influenced by Italian cuisine.
Most restaurants in Gozo offer a typically Maltese/Gozitan cuisine, which is often fish-based.
Public Transport
Gozo’s public transport system is very cheap and provides an extensive network throughout
the island. Car hire is also considered low priced. Taxis can be identified by their all-white
livery. In order to check on the cost of a taxi ride, it is advisable to negotiate with the driver
beforehand.
Medical care
Malta enjoys a high standard of medical care, and there are several public and private
hospitals and clinics on the islands.
Electricity
Supply is 240 volts, single phase 50 cycle. The square-fitting standard 3-pin British plugs and
sockets are used.