Minister Abela receives the Chamber of SMEs following their recognition by the European Economic and Social Committee

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Carmelo Abela welcomed a delegation from the Malta Chamber of SMEs in order to congratulate it for the Civil Solidarity Prize it won by The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). The Chamber was announced as one of the 23 laureates in a virtual award ceremony a few weeks ago.

The Chamber was awarded the Civil Solidarity Prize for its support to SMEs during the uncertain COVID-19 times. The chamber moved its usual services online and stepped up its provision with a series of webinars and a platform for business owners.

The EESC, an advisory body representing Europe’s civil society at the EU level, selected the Chamber as the best Maltese candidate for the Prize, saying its entry stood as a shining example of remarkable solidarity during the pandemic.

The Chamber received the award as one of the entries focusing on the theme “educational services and information on the pandemic”. The initiative of the Chamber of SMEs was tailor-made for the COVID-19 situation and proved effective in filling a gap in support that businesses desperately needed.

Minister Carmelo Abela commended the Chamber for this award and said that this shows its commitment to protecting the interests of all its members. He stated the Government’s commitment in supporting social partners in their work in ensuring better conditions for their members as well as being a trusted stakeholder in important matters. In this context, he cited how the holistic changes that shall be drafted with regards to the Employment and Industrial Relations Act, will be discussed with all social partners with a view of reaching a fair compromise between the rights of those at work and the realities faced by employers.