Design
(foreign com-
panies) could
easily either
buy a site
and develop
it themselves
or join hands
with other
local develop-
ers to coordi-
nate such an
investment
for their own
staff
There is a dire need for the skilled
workers’ trades so as not to rely
solely upon the foreigners who are
filling these jobs. While some may
look at what the MCAST is doing
in this sphere, I personally feel that
we need the training to be more in-
tensive and specialised; such as, for
example, in welding, in iron and
metal works including form-work,
in stainless steel, tiling, build-
ing, carpentry and so much more.
These are trades which are on the
way out… and the enticement for
those wishing to learn these trades
is that they are guaranteed a good
income for all who take them up
professionally.
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING?
I have heard it said that some for-
eign workers are becoming dismayed
by the high rents they are paying as
compared to their income, and some
are thinking of leaving. It is not easy
to say if this is true or not, though
we know that rental rates are indeed
on the increase. But one has also to
be aware that the foreign companies
are being taxed at much lower rates
than if they were to be taxed under a
plethora of jurisdictions other than
Malta, whose collective advantages in
fact also far outweigh theirs. So the
problem - if such is what it is - isn’t as
sombre as one might initially think.
The Birgu Local Council is an
apt example of how a council
can best leverage its availa-
ble internal and external re-
sources to enhance, beautify
and improve a city.
30
ISSUE 06
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