Design & Build 08 | Page 24

Design • The Association has had an active role in discussions with the Build- ing Industry Consultative Council (BICC) of which it has a number of representatives present for such discussions. • Ongoing discussions with Euro- pean developers to discuss con- cepts and directives being intro- duced by the European Union which will have a direct impact for local industry stakeholders. • A Memorandum of Understand- ing was signed with the ANCE Ragusa, the main Italian con- struction lobby, ANCE, and Con- findustria. This MOU will pave the way for Sicilian suppliers of goods and services to work more closely with Maltese investors and operators in the sector, safeguard- ing MDA members’ interests. • The Malta Developers’ Associa- tion Academy has been launched and will result in an accredited Academy which will provide rel- evant industry training for stake- holders. • A study commissioned to KPMG, focusing on the property situation in Malta will be launched in the coming weeks. The Association thanked all those involved in par- ticular local banks for their con- tributions. • The Association highlighted the ongoing communication with journalists who continually ask the Association for it’s comments. Despite critiscm from various sec- tors of society, the Association 22 ISSUE 08 photo : the MDA and ANCE Ragusa, the main Italian construction lobby, signing the for both Malta and Sicily. has always given an honest and yet professional approach to give an honest contribution to the topic. • The Association was closely in- volved in the development of the White Paper relating to rent laws. This included long discussions with Parliamentary Secretary for Social Accommodation Roderick Galdes where the MDA’s position was explained and made clear. The Association proposed number of incentives to facilitate long term rentals for Maltese home owners. • The Association led a strong del- egation of local contractors to the Property Expo in Dubail, where it attracted a large number of po- tential international clients who showed interest in Malta. • The Association submitted a number of proposals which were accepted in the last Budget pre- sented by the Government, some of which were accepted and will provide a positive effect once im- plemented in the near future. • As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, the As- sociation raised €250,000 for the Community Chest Fund and took part in a number of social and sporting events throughout the year. Mr Stivala concluded by reiterating that the work done by the Associa- tion is based on its promise to work for the benefit of industry stake- holders made possible by the com- mitment and dedication by Council under the direction of its President. MESSAGE FROM THE ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT SANDRO CHECUTI Welcoming those present, Presi- dent Chetcuti started by thanking all stakeholders for the support and trust they have given to the Asso- ciation. He thanked in particular Perit Michael Falzon and Mr. Louis Grech for their contributions, which were more often than not be- hind the scenes. WWW.DESIGNANDBUILD.COM.MT