French Minister meets Minister Josef Bonnici and Minister Michael Frendo

Economic Services Minister, Prof. Josef Bonnici, and Transport, Communications and Technology Minister, Dr. Michael Frendo, today met the French Minister-Delegate for European Affairs, Mr. Michel Barnier, at Auberge d'Aragon in Valletta.

The three Ministers held discussions regarding economic cooperation between Malta and France. Also present for the meeting were the French Ambassador, Mr. P. Amiot, Malta's Ambassador, Dr. J. Licari, and the Secretary General of European and Economic Affairs, Mr. C. Martin.

The French Minister spoke of the importance that President Jacques Chirac attached to the Mediterranean region viv-a-vis E.U. enlargement. He stated that the French government valued Malta's efforts in the trade liberalisation process and appreciated the economic constraints that Malta encountered while not yet a member of the European Union.

Minister Bonnici said that in 1988, tourists from France amounted to 24,000 and consisted of 3.1% share of the total. This number has been steadily increasing over the years to 73,000 or 6.5% share of the total in 1995. French tourism is generally attracted by Maltese culture and heritage and tends to spread over the shoulder months of the year. A substantial number of French students also come to Malta to study the English language.

Prof. Bonnici said that in 1994, Malta imported a total of Lm77.2 million worth of goods from France, this high amount being partly due to the fact that Malta's fast development requires increasing investment in infrastructure and capital equipment. Malta, in the meantime, exported Lm57.8million worth of goods to France. In 1995 total imports amounted to Lm92.1million, while total exports amounted to Lm82.5 million. This means that trade deficit decreased from Lm19.4 million to Lm9.6 million in 1995. Electronic components are the main item in trade between the two countries and represent the intra-firm trade of SGS Thompson. Malta also exports consumer goods to France, mainly in the category of textiles and clothing, however, food items are also relevant: Malta participated in the Salon International de l'Alimentation in 1994 and will do so again in 1996. Malta imports both consumer goods, as well as, machinery and equipment from France.

Minister Michael Frendo highlighted the collaboration taking place between Telemalta and Sofrecom (France Telecom). He also spoke of the importance of the third package for Malta's civil aviation and for Air Malta's expansion programme. He asked for Minister Barnier's and the French Government's support when the Commission puts the case forward to the Council of Ministers of the E.U.

Minister Barnier pledged his country's cooperation so that economic relations between France and Malta will continue to grow stronger in preparation for Malta's E.U. membership. In particular, emphasis will be placed on increasing investment flow from France and encouraging further expansion in the tourism field.