Former Chamber President Sounds Warning on Big Promises

Malta’s business scene is abuzz with whispers of grand plans and ambitious promises. But in the midst of this, a voice of caution has emerged. Paul Abela, former President of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, has advised, “Be wary of those who promise a lot.”

Promises in the Air

From the upcoming Budget to the ongoing discussions around the post-pandemic recovery, promises are being made left and right. Politicians, business leaders, and even some members of the public are painting vivid pictures of a prosperous, post-COVID Malta. But Abela, in a recent interview with Hot Malta, urged a sense of realism.

“We’ve seen it before,” he said, referring to the 2008 financial crisis and the subsequent years of austerity. “Promises are easy to make, but delivering on them is a different story.”

Lessons from the Past

Abela, who served as Chamber President from 2016 to 2018, has seen his fair share of economic ups and downs. He believes that the current situation, while challenging, also presents opportunities for growth and change. But he warns against setting expectations too high.

“Remember the ‘Miracle of Valletta’?” he asked, referring to the 2017 European Capital of Culture project that was initially hailed as a breakthrough for Malta’s tourism industry. “It was a great initiative, but it didn’t live up to the hype. We need to learn from that.”

Navigating the Present, Planning for the Future

Abela isn’t suggesting that we should stop dreaming big. Instead, he advocates for a more pragmatic approach. “Let’s focus on what we can realistically achieve,” he said. “Let’s set clear, achievable goals and work towards them. That’s how we’ll truly move forward.”

He also emphasized the importance of open dialogue and collaboration. “We need to be talking to each other – businesses, government, civil society. We need to work together to build a better future for Malta.”

Abela’s words serve as a timely reminder that while promises can inspire and motivate, they should also be met with a healthy dose of skepticism. As we of the current situation and look towards the future, let’s remember to keep our feet firmly on the ground.

After all, as Abela put it, “Malta is a small island with a big heart. But that doesn’t mean we should believe everything we’re told. We need to be realistic, we need to be critical, and most importantly, we need to be involved.”