Malta – Commonwealth Third Country Programme
Competitiveness Strategies for Small States
Malta: 10 – 14 June 2013
ROSE MARIE AZZOPARDI
Economics Department, University of Malta
Bio Note
Dr Rose Marie Azzopardi graduated Diploma Public Administration and B.A. from the
University of Malta, and M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Sussex, UK. She lectures
on International Economics at the University of Malta. Her main research interest focuses
on the role of economic integration in the development strategies of small states. She has
published articles and book chapters on European Union issues, the European Monetary
Union, globalization and small states, the labour market and small and medium sized
companies’ competitive assets. She is a member on the Advisory Board of ISISA
(International Small Island Studies Association).
Her more recent publications include ‘Social Policies in Malta’ published by
Commonwealth and UNRISD (2011), (as part of a project looking at social policies in
small states and their effect on economic development), ‘Non-Traditional Effects of
Economic Integration’ in Carayannis and Korres (2013), and Europeanization of the
Maltese Labour Market in Southern European Society and Politics (2013).
Workshop Organised by the
Islands and Small States Institute of the University of Malta,
In collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malta
Malta – Commonwealth Third Country Programme
Competitiveness Strategies for Small States
Malta: 10 – 14 June 2013
LINO BRIGUGLIO
Director, Islands and Small States Institute
Lecturer, University of Malta
Bio Note
Professor Lino Briguglio (born January 1944) currently directs the Islands and Small States Institute of the
University of Malta. He possesses a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Exeter (UK) and a Special
Diploma in Social Studies from the University of Oxford. He obtained his Honours and Master's degree in
Economics from the University of Malta. He was formerly head of the Economics Department and of the
Banking and Finance Department of the University of Malta, as well as Director of the University Gozo
Campus.
His main area of interest is islands and small states studies, in particular economic aspects, and he has
authored many publications on this subject. He is known internationally for his seminal work on the
vulnerability index" (see for example World Development, Vol. 23(9): 1615-1632 (1995) which led to a
world-wide interest and to many quantitative studies on Economic and Environmental Vulnerability. He
has also pioneered studies on economic resilience (Oxford Economic Studies, Vol. 37(3): 229-247(2009).
Professor Briguglio has also authored studies on East Asia with a focus on economic resilience. His study
on growth and resilience in East Asia was published in the ADB journal Asian Development Review, Vol.
29 (2): 183-206 (2012).
Professor Briguglio has a keen interest in competition economics. He is currently a member of the Appeals
Tribunal for Competition and Consumer Affairs, which is a judiciary panel appointed by the Government
of Malta.
Professor Briguglio is editor of Bank of Valletta Review published by the Bank of Valletta and also serves
on the editorial boards of a number of other journals. For a time he was the general editor of the Islands
Series published by Cassell-Pinter, London.
Professor Briguglio has acted as consultant to several international organisations including the UN
Department of Policy Coordination, UNCTAD, UNDP, UNEP, CARICOM, the Commonwealth Secretariat
and SOPAC. He has also represented the Maltese government in many United Nations meetings, including
the UN Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island States and the World Summit
for Sustainable Development.
He is currently a lead author for the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report.
Workshop Organised by the
Islands and Small States Institute of the University of Malta,
In collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malta
Malta – Commonwealth Third Country Programme
Competitiveness Strategies for Small States
Malta: 10 – 14 June 2013
SILVIO JOHN CAMILLERI
Lecturer, University of Malta
Bio Note
Dr. Silvio John Camilleri studied Banking and Finance at the University of Malta and
subsequently with the University of London from where he obtained a Masters Degree in
Financial Management. He completed his PhD programme at the Economics Department
of Loughborough University, where he conducted empirical research on the
microstructure of emerging securities markets.
Dr. Camilleri lectures at the Banking and Finance Department of the University of Malta
and has published research in journals and scholarly collections. He also worked at the
Group Treasury Department of Air Malta Company Ltd. where he was a member of the
Investments Committee.
Workshop Organised by the
Islands and Small States Institute of the University of Malta,
In collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malta
Malta – Commonwealth Third Country Programme
Competitiveness Strategies for Small States
Malta: 10 – 14 June 2013
JENNIFER CASSINGENA HARPER
Consultant, Policy Unit, Malta Council for Science and Technology
Bio Note
Jennifer Cassingena Harper was until 2011 the Director of Policy, Strategy, FP7 and
International within the Malta Council for Science and Technology with responsibility
for Research and Innovation Strategy and Foresight. She currently retains a consultancy
role at MCST. She is a graduate of the London School of Economics and the University
of Malta. Dr Harper has extensive experience in evaluating and participating in EU
projects: FP5 INCO project SYNERGNET; FP6 STRATA eFORESEE Project;
Structural Funds ESF Research and Mobility Action for SMEs (Project leader); FP6
ERANET ForSociety; Structural Funds Interreg 3C FUTURREG project; FP6 INCO E
INNFORMED. Between 2009-11, she coordinated an FP7 OMCNET Project entitled
ERAPRISM, Policies for Research and Innovation in small member states. Dr Harper has
represented Malta at EU level in ERAC Director General level and the JRC Board of
Governors. She remains active on EU High Level Expert Groups including: Member,
Smart Specialisation and Clusters Expert Group (ongoing), Chair, Erawatch Evaluation
Expert Group (2012), member, Environment Impact Assessment Expert Group (2011),
rapporteur, post-Lisbon Expert Group(2010), Agriculture Foresight Expert Group (2006)
and the EU HLG on Key Technologies (2005), member, Regional Foresight (2001),
Mobility of Researchers (2000).
Workshop Organised by the
Islands and Small States Institute of the University of Malta,
In collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malta
Malta – Commonwealth Third Country Programme
Competitiveness Strategies for Small States
Malta: 10 – 14 June 2013
GORDON CORDINA
Consultant
Lecturer, University of Malta
Bio Note
Dr Gordon Cordina is co-founder and Executive Director of E-Cubed Consultants. He is
a graduate of the University of Cambridge and the University of Malta. His main area of
research interest is the sustainable growth and macroeconomic dynamics of small and
micro economies. His research in this area varies from macroeconomic and growth
patterns to econometric modelling to environmental sustainability.
Dr Cordina has served as Director General of the National Statistics Office of Malta, as
Economic Advisor to the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development, as Head
of the Research Department of the Central Bank of Malta and as Head of the Economics
Department of the University of Malta. He has been involved in a number of local and
international research projects and consultancy assignments with institutions including
the EU Commission, Government ministries and authorities, NGOs and private sector
entities
Workshop Organised by the
Islands and Small States Institute of the University of Malta,
In collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malta
Malta – Commonwealth Third Country Programme
Competitiveness Strategies for Small States
Malta: 10 – 14 June 2013
JEAN PAUL FABRI
ECONOMIST, CENTRAL BANK OF MALTA
Bio Note
Jean Paul Fabri graduated first class honours in economics from the University of Malta.
He also read for a master’s in economics specialising in governance in small island states.
He further continued his studies in political economy at the London School of
Economics. His research interests are mainly governance and political economy. He
currently works in the Governor’s Office at the Central Bank of Malta. Prior to this, he
worked within the private cabinet of the Prime Minister in Malta and is also a part-time
lecturer at the University of Malta.
Workshop Organised by the
Islands and Small States Institute of the University of Malta,
In collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malta
Malta – Commonwealth Third Country Programme
Competitiveness Strategies for Small States
Malta: 10 – 14 June 2013
MARK A PIZZUTO
Manager – Franchising and Export Support Internationalisation Unit
Malta Enterprise Corporation,
Bio Note
Mark A. Pizzuto attended the University of Malta and Henley Management College (UK). Mr
Pizzuto has served in various positions within the private and public sector and is today a
Manager with Malta Enterprise (ME) within the Internationalisation Unit, responsible for
Franchising and overall Export Support.
Since joining ME, he has been responsible for a number of programmes including particularly
coordinating the European Social Fund (ESF) project as submitted under Measure 2.3 – Lifelong
learning and social inclusion; (contained by Malta’s Programme Compliment to the Single
Programming Document 2004 – 2006); as well as in collaboration and with the sponsorship of the
Commonwealth Secretariat (U.K.) and the Malta Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was instrumental in
developing, organising and running in Malta a two-week training course in Trade Promotion,
Export and Industrial Development, specifically aimed for Trade Promotion Officials of
Commonwealth Countries. Through for as such as this Mr. Pizzuto has given many a presentation
in a number of appropriate and related areas.
As a direct result of the Franchising Project, Mr Pizzuto was invited over to Singapore in July
2012 to participate in a Commonwealth Third Country workshop focusing on Market Access for
Growth of SMEs, to help provide a framework for formulating successful SME Policies and
Strategies to support franchising and public sector procurement, demonstrate how successful
strategies can enhance the development of SMEs, with specific reference to Institutions and
Programmes resulting from these policies and strategies; and share practical knowledge and
lessons learnt in supporting growth businesses to access new markets.
Further to this, during his previous employment with the Malta External Trade Corporation
(METCO), Mr Pizzuto had initiated a four-month course in Export Management for local
entrepreneurs covering areas in International Trade including Marketing for Export, Transport
and Export Logistics, Finance and methods of payment, including also Legal Aspects referring to
Sale of Goods and Contracts; as well had for a number of years jointly co-ordinated the METCO
Annual International Marketing Conference, with its focus being on the practical aspects of doing
international business, marketing and management of same.
Workshop Organised by the
Islands and Small States Institute of the University of Malta,
In collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malta
Malta – Commonwealth Third Country Programme
Competitiveness Strategies for Small States
Malta: 10 – 14 June 2013
PETER SANT
Head – Research and EU Affairs within Bank of Valletta Malta Business
Generation and EU Affairs Department
Bio Note
Mr Sant has been working as Head of Research and EU Affairs with Bank of Valletta plc.
for the last fourteen years. He has been involved in the strategic planning process of the
organization particularly the local economy and the impact of Malta`s EU accession in
the financial services sector and various local industries including manufacturing and
tourism. Currently, Mr Sant presently has specialized in the area of EU funding and
improving the access to finance for SMEs particularly through financial engineering
instruments. Mr Sant has given a number of speeches presentations both in Malta and
abroad. He has also authored a number of articles on Malta and the European Union. Mr
Sant is presently a lecturer at the Institute of Financial Services and the Malta College for
Science and Technology in the areas of Banking, Economics, European Affairs and Work
Based Learning. He also represents Malta on the European Payment Council and the
Malta Chamber of Commerce Enterprise and Industry SME and Financial Services Trade
Section.
________________________________________________________________________
Workshop Organised by the
Islands and Small States Institute of the University of Malta,
In collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malta
Malta – Commonwealth Third Country Programme
Competitiveness Strategies for Small States
Malta: 10 – 14 June 2013
JAMES SPITERI
Senior Executive - Business Service Centre,
Relationship Management Unit, Malta Enterprise,
Bio Note
James Spiteri holds an accounting degree and has been working in close contact with the
Business Community for over 20 years in various positions within both the public and
private sector. The bulk of his career has been at Malta Enterprise, Malta’s national trade
and investment promotion agency wherein he has served in various departments within
the said organization including Support Services for Industry, Trade Promotion, Foreign
Direct Investment Targeting and recently as part of the newly formed Business Services
Centre. The Business Service Centre’s main function is to provide a single point of
contact for local businesses to obtain information and guidance on the various assistance
schemes available both from national and EU sources. These varied postings have
enabled him to get a wider perspective on the local business environment from both a
domestic and foreign point of view.
Mr Spiteri also served as the Company Secretary of Malta Export Credit Insurance Co
Ltd taking an active part in the various facets of the administration of the Company
including treasury and external marketing functions. He had also been the editor of a
quarterly newsletter. ‘Getting Paid’ which had a circulation of just over 1000 copies per
edition.
Workshop Organised by the
Islands and Small States Institute of the University of Malta,
In collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malta
Malta – Commonwealth Third Country Programme
Competitiveness Strategies for Small States
Malta: 10 – 14 June 2013
ANNE MARIE THAKE
Lecturer, Department of Public Policy, FEMA, University of Malta
Bio Note
Anne Marie Thake M.Sc. (Manchester) Human Resource Development, B.A. (Hons.) is
currently reading for a PhD with the University of Bath, Uk on Matching Competencies and
Projected Employment Requirements in Public and Private Sector. She provides Human
resource services to Deloitte - an international Accountancy, Auditing and Financial
Advisory firm since 2005 and lectures at the Department of Public Policy within the Faculty
of Economics, Management and Accountancy, University of Malta (1994 to date).
Ms Thake has worked for the Staff Development Organisation within the Office of the Prime
Minister (1990-1994), was the Human Resource Manager at the former Planning Authority
(1994-1996) and the Human Resource/Quality Manager for Alf. Mizzi and Sons (Marketing)
Group (1996-1998). In 1995, she was attached to the European Parliament – Directorate
General for Research – Luxembourg on issues related to performance management. She has
over fifteen years experience in human resource management issues, including recruitment
and developing employees in public, parastatal and private organisations.
Ms Thake has trained many people in Human Resource skills, has written HR documents
andarticles and was primarily instrumental in drafting a Human Resource Policy and Strategy
Plan for Malta. She was a member of the Commission appointed to report on the postsecondary and Tertiary Education Government Funding (2004). She was one of the Directors
of the Foundation for Human Resource Development (FHRD) (2004 to 2011), sat on other
committees including the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) (2002
to 2009), Malta Government Sponsorship Scheme (MGSS) (2006 to 2009) and the
Commonwealth Scholarships Board (2004 to 2009). She was also an assessor for EU projects
related to Human Resource programmes.
Workshop Organised by the
Islands and Small States Institute of the University of Malta,
In collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malta
Malta – Commonwealth Third Country Programme
Competitiveness Strategies for Small States
Malta: 10 – 14 June 2013
JOSEPH VELLA BONNICI
Lecturer, University of Malta
Bio Note
Joseph Vella Bonnici, economist, graduated in Economics and Maltese from the
University of Malta. After being elected commonwealth scholar, he continued his
studies at Victoria University, New Zealand, from where he obtained his Master’s
degree with distinction in Public Policy.
In 1977, he joined the Malta Development Corporation and was responsible for the
investment promotion. Served briefly as Acting Head, Enemalta Corporation, during
which time he managed the Petroleum Division.
In 1990 he joined Simonds Farsons Cisk and was eventually appointed as General
Manager for Marketing, Sales and Distribution. He helped set up the Institute for the
Promotion of Small Enterprises and in 1997 was appointed its CEO. In 1996, was
appointed chairman of the Forum for a Better Economy.
Has held directorships in various companies and organizations, both within the public
and private sectors. He has carried out special assignments for the Government of
Malta as well as the Commonwealth Secretariat and the World Bank.
He lectures at the University of Malta and is a regular commentator and writer in the
media.
Workshop Organised by the
Islands and Small States Institute of the University of Malta,
In collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malta
Malta – Commonwealth Third Country Programme
Competitiveness Strategies for Small States
Malta: 10 – 14 June 2013
GEJTU VELLA
Private Consultant
Bio Note
Gejtu Vella is the former Secretary General of the Malta Workers Union, the second largest
general union on the island. The UHM is an independent trade union.
Gejtu has earned a diploma in Hotel Management from the former Malta College for Arts
Sciences and Technology in 1977. He started his working career in the hotel industry in 1978 as
a trainee duty manager working in various departments in the hotel industry.
In 1987 he resigned from the hotel industry and joined the Union as the first junior secretary for
the Hotels and Restaurants Section of the Union. In the 1996 General Conference of the Malta
Workers’ Union he was elected Secretary General and remained in post for thirteen years.
Under his leadership the Union increased its membership and joined various international
organizations including the World Organization of Workers.
Gejtu has participated in various conferences both locally and abroad. He has served on various
national boards and represented the Union on the Malta Council for Economic and Social
Development for thirteen years. During his tenure as secretary general he promoted meaningful
social dialogue. Prior Malta joined the European Union in 2004 he led the UHM to take active
participation in the national debate.
He relinquished his post at the 2011 UHM General Conference. Later that year Gejtu Vella
received the National Order of Merit from the President of Malta Dr. George Abela for his
contribution towards the trade union movement.
He contested the 2013 General election with the Nationalist Party but failed to get elected.
Presently Gejtu has set up a private consultancy People at Work Creating Jobs - Protecting
People specializing in industrial relations and human resources.
He is a weekly contributor for The Malta Independent and a weekly guest on one of local radio
station. His contributions are about employment, employability, and social services and other
related matters.
Workshop Organised by the
Islands and Small States Institute of the University of Malta,
In collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malta
Malta – Commonwealth Third Country Programme
Competitiveness Strategies for Small States
Malta: 10 – 14 June 2013
STEPHANIE VELLA
Executive Director of an Economic Consultancy Firm and
Part-time Lecturer, Economics Department, University of Malta
Bio Note
Stephanie Vella graduated Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Economics from the
University of Malta in 2002 and obtained a Master of Arts in Economics in 2004. She
worked at the Central Bank of Malta and is currently an Executive Director of an economic
consultancy firm. She also works as a part-time lecturer at the Economics Department of the
University of Malta teaching Public Sector Economics and Intermediate Macroeconomics at
a graduate level. She is currently reading for her postdoctorate degree on fiscal discipline.
As an economist, she has worked on a number of projects related to Malta’s membership in
the EU as well as a number of studies on small states and the concept of economic resilience.
She has also worked as a part of a team in conducting a number of economic impact
assessments.
Workshop Organised by the
Islands and Small States Institute of the University of Malta,
In collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malta
Malta – Commonwealth Third Country Programme
Competitiveness Strategies for Small States
Malta: 10 – 14 June 2013
EDWARD WARRINGTON
Head of Department University of Malta
Bio Note
Dr Edward Warrington is Head of the Department of Public Policy at the University of
Malta. He is a specialist on the governance of micro-states and an administrative
consultant to the Archdiocese of Malta. Before that, he was a civil servant, Secretary of
the Public Service Reform Commission (1988-90), Deputy Director of Staff
Development Organisation in the Prime Minister’s Office (1990-1991), Public Service
Commissioner (1994-1996), Director of the Institute of Public Administration and
Management at the University of Malta (1999-2007) and Regional Co-Editor of the
international journal Public Administration and Development (1998-2009). He read
public administration and political science at the Universities of Malta, Toronto and
Oxford and is the author, co-author or editor of numerous scholarly publications.
Workshop Organised by the
Islands and Small States Institute of the University of Malta,
In collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malta