‘Be wary of those who promise a lot’, former Chamber president warns

Malta’s business scene is buzzing with activity, but not all promises are made to be kept. This was the stark warning from former President of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, Marthese Portelli, during a recent talk at the University of Malta’s Msida campus.

Promises, Promises

Portelli, a seasoned entrepreneur and former CEO of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, shared her insights with students and industry professionals. She cautioned against the allure of grand promises, especially in the current climate of rapid change and uncertainty. “We’ve seen it before,” she said, “Those who promise the moon and the stars often leave us with empty hands.”

Her words echoed through the lecture hall, resonating with the audience who’ve witnessed firsthand the impact of broken promises on Malta’s business scene. From the once-hyped Three Cities project to the delayed completion of the Marsa Sports Complex, the island’s history is peppered with examples of ambitious plans that didn’t quite pan out.

Lessons from the Past

Portelli didn’t just stop at the warning. She delved into Malta’s past, pointing out lessons that could guide the future. She reminded the audience of the time when the government promised to transform the derelict Cottonera area into a bustling business hub. “It’s been decades,” she said, “And while we’ve seen some progress, it’s a far cry from the initial vision.”

She also touched on the proposed SkyParks business hub in Ħal Far, which was initially billed as a breakthrough for Malta’s logistics industry. “It’s taken years to reach its current state,” she noted, “And it’s still not operating at full capacity.”

Navigating the Present, Planning for the Future

Portelli wasn’t all doom and gloom. She acknowledged the progress made in projects like the SmartCity in Ħal Far and the upcoming Three Cities project. However, she emphasized the importance of realistic expectations and thorough planning. “We need to be practical,” she said, “We need to set achievable goals and work towards them, step by step.”

She also called for increased transparency and accountability, urging the government and private sector to communicate openly about project timelines and progress. “Keeping the public informed builds trust,” she said, “And trust is key to sustainable development.”

Portelli’s talk ended with a standing ovation, her words leaving a lasting impact on the audience. As they filed out of the lecture hall, many were heard discussing the need for realism and accountability in Malta’s business scene.

When asked about her talk, Portelli simply said, “I want Malta’s business scene to thrive. But to do that, we need to be realistic, accountable, and always ready to learn from the past.”