Former Chamber President Sounds Warning on Promises

Malta’s business scene is buzzing with plans and promises. But amidst the excitement, a veteran voice has risen, cautioning against the allure of grand pledges. “Be wary of those who promise a lot,” warns former Malta Chamber of Commerce President, Marisa Xuereb, in an exclusive interview with Hot Malta.

From Promises to Reality

Xuereb, who helmed the Chamber from 2016 to 2018, has seen her fair share of proposals and plans. She knows the difference between a compelling vision and a pie-in-the-sky dream. “Promises are easy to make,” she says, “but turning them into reality is where the hard work begins.”

She points to the example of the proposed Three Cities development, a project that’s been on the drawing board for years. “We’ve been hearing about this for decades,” she says, sitting in a café overlooking the Grand Harbour. “Yet, progress has been slow. It’s a stark reminder that promises need to be backed by solid plans and action.”

Due Diligence and Realism

Xuereb advises both the public and private sectors to approach promises with a healthy dose of skepticism. “Do your due diligence,” she suggests. “Ask questions. Demand details. It’s not about being negative, but being realistic.”

She believes that both sides need to work together to ensure promises are kept. “Government needs to provide the right regulatory framework and incentives. The private sector needs to deliver on its promises. It’s a two-way street.”

Lessons from the Past

Xuereb draws on her experience to illustrate her point. She recalls the promise of a ‘Silicon Island’ a decade ago. “It sounded great,” she says. “But it took time, effort, and a lot of hard work to turn that promise into reality. It’s not about the big promises, but the small steps that lead to them.”

She believes that Malta’s small size can be an advantage in this regard. “We’re a small country, but that means we can move quickly once we’ve agreed on a plan. We just need to ensure that our promises are realistic and achievable.”

Xuereb’s warning is a timely reminder as Malta continues to evolve. With the country’s economic growth and the influx of foreign investment, there’s no shortage of promises. But as Xuereb cautions, it’s important to separate the feasible from the fanciful.

As we look to the future, Xuereb’s advice is clear: “Let’s not get carried away by grand promises. Let’s focus on realistic plans, practical steps, and tangible results. That’s how we’ll truly move Malta forward.”