WORKSHOP ON
COMPETITIVENESS STRATEGIES FOR SMALL STATES
Malta: 10-14 June 2013
Final Statement
The Training Workshop on Competitiveness Strategies for Small States was held in Malta between 10
and 14 June 2013, with participants hailing from small states located in various parts of the world. A
number of issues relating to national competitiveness strategies were discussed including
macroeconomic stability, the promotion of domestic competition and fair trading, public sector
efficiency, innovation and human resource development, globalisation and the international trade
negotiating framework, the role of the social partners and other themes of particular interest to small
states.
The participants at the workshop:
1.
Recognised the special importance that a national competitiveness strategy has for the
development of small open economies in view of their high dependence on exports, their
inherent vulnerabilities and the consequent need to build resilience.
2.
Recognised also that a national competitiveness strategy is multifaceted and includes various
components including:
a. good economic and political governance, leading to a stable and resilient macroeconomic
environment;
b. an efficient and transparent public administration;
c. an adequate and predictable legal and financial environment;
d. well-developed infrastructural and network services, particularly telecommunications and
transport;
e. policies that encourage education and investment in human capital, innovation, and
research & development;
f. policies that balance wage levels, productivity and taxation;
g. the fostering of social cohesion and social development;
h. the nurturing of entrepreneurial attitudes that take advantage of market opportunities;
i. the putting in place of export credit insurance as a protective mechanism against financial
and economic loss;
j. fostering private sector development with particular emphasis on SMEs within a suitable
ethical and moral framework.
k. efficient trade facilitation systems and processes
3.
Recognised also that while the private sector should be the motor of competitiveness, the state
has an important backing role to play, especially for providing institutional support relating to,
amongst others, quality certification, telecommunications, and marketing.
4.
Identified the important contribution that foreign direct investment (FDI) can bestow on the
recipient country to build and sustain competitiveness and economic development, but
expressed the view that investment projects need to be selectively appraised so as to ensure
that the host country adequately benefits from such investment.
5.
Called upon the WTO to effectively recognise the special characteristics of small developing
economies so as to ensure a level playing field in multilateral trade arrangements.
6.
Expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the support extended by the Commonwealth
Secretariat, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malta, the Islands and Small States Institute of
the University of Malta in the organisation of this Workshop.