Partit Nazzjonalista Leader Alex Borg has called for Malta to adopt a new economic model that focuses on productivity, innovation and improving people’s quality of life, rather than relying primarily on population growth and headline economic figures. His remarks came during a meeting with the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, where discussions centred on productivity, competitiveness and the country’s economic future.
Borg said Gross Domestic Product figures alone do not provide a complete picture of the economy’s performance and argued that Malta should also measure success through higher productivity, wage growth and improvements in families’ quality of life. Referring to the Malta Chamber’s LEAD report, he noted that much of the country’s recent Gross Value Added growth has been driven by population increases rather than productivity gains. “Malta cannot continue relying on population growth to expand its economy. We need an economy based on productivity, innovation and jobs that create greater value,” Borg said.
The meeting also focused on electricity supply, traffic congestion, artificial intelligence and planning policy. Borg said Malta needs a reliable energy system backed by investment in infrastructure and renewable energy, while describing traffic as a major challenge that reduces productivity, increases business costs and limits family time. He also highlighted the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence in manufacturing and called for a review of Local Plans to ensure future development is properly planned and respects communities, the environment and residents’ quality of life.
The Malta Chamber delegation, led by President William Spiteri Bailey and CEO Marthese Portelli, stressed the importance of dialogue with the Opposition and reiterated its call for Malta to move from a volume-based economy to a value-based economy driven by productivity. The Chamber said businesses require confidence, predictability and clear direction, adding that long-term economic success should be measured through productivity, competitiveness, well-being and quality of life.
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