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Address by the Hon. Censu Galea, Minister for Transport and Communications, at the re-launching of the Foundation for Transport Studies
25/10/2001
Ladies and Gentlemen,
| Given Malta’s geographical importance, these | islands have since time immemorial, always survived through the maximisation of their inherent logistic and strategic position in the Mediterranean basin. |
| It is hard to imagine the Maltese islands not being | easily connected by air and sea to the economies of the continents on which we depend for our daily requirements, for our leisure and for the maximisation of our islands’ potential. In order to complement our international connections we also need to develop our road network so that it will be able to sustain a more efficient public transport system as well as easier access to private vehicles. |
| The Ministry for Transport & Communications is | responsible for the development of the road, sea and air transport, together with the relevant agencies charged with transport communications. |
| In so far as of our ports are concerned different | administrations have during the past few years, commissioned various studies carried out by international consultative firms. After having appraised the latest report, the Hyder Report, we have decided to set up a Ports Consultative Council in order to advise Government on the reforms which we need to carry out in order to be in a position to retain the present level of economic activity in our ports and in order to attract new niche activities to our shores. |
| During a Ports Seminar held last July a general | consensus was reached amongst all members of the ports community and their users that this is the right time to embark on initiatives leading towards the development of a sustained dialogue involving all stake holders in order to identify a way forward for our ports. |
| Such mutually agreed changes shall affect the | legislative framework of our ports, the institutional set up of government agencies and service providers. We need to instigate a dramatic change in the present overall operational regime. This shall not only lead to our ports retaining their competitive edge, but it shall also be conducive to attracting more business to our ports, encouraging private investment and ultimately generating employment and an increase in foreign earnings. |
The Ministry is also responsible for the organisation and regulation of public transport; an issue which often hits the headlines in the media. For many years it has been felt necessary to instigate change in our public transport system. Not enough ground has been covered to date. However, as one would easily recognise there exits an inherent resistance to changing long lasting practices. Public transport, however, cannot be discussed in isolation from a road network strategy, the exigencies of the various communities, the regulatory framework and the co-ordination of traffic in general. It was with this aim in mind that my Government has recently established the Malta Transport Authority.
In respect of roads infrastructure, the Minsitry has over the past months embarked on a prioritisation programme for the development of the roads infrastructure network as best suits the needs of our islands.
It may be pertinent to point out that currently the Ministry is endeavouring to conclude the closure of the Transport Chapter of the EU Acquis. The Minstry shall be requesting certain transition periods regarding road transport but generally a transport acquis is acceptable to the administration.
Besides that, the Ministry is participating in the Transport Infrastructure Needs Assessment project which is being financed by the EU Commission. The objectives of the project is to evaluate existing transport infrastructure, analyse present and future requirements and identify future infrastructural needs. The project covers air, land and sea transport.
One recognises that having an adequate transport infrastructure backed by a sound legislative regime is not in itself enough for a sustained transport network which satisfies the needs of our islands.
Government agencies and service providers require a forum within which transport matters are openly discussed; they need to be in a position to carry out research which may assist in developing the final product. Moreover, we need to invest in the upgrading of human resources and the recruitment of professionals who could match the challenges ahead.
It is therefore with pleasure that, I endorse and approve the launching of the Foundation for Transport Studies; particularly so when one recognises that the primary goals of the Foundation are the training and education of individuals in the art of various fields of transport studies; and to carry out research.
May this Foundation act as the ideal forum for all transport players and industry leaders within which, issues concerning transport could be openly discussed, problems resolved, and new systems developed. On my part, I can safely say that my Ministry shall support and assist the Foundation in the attainment of its goals.
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